For the upcoming model year, Nissan has graced the Altima with a well-deserved facelift. On the outside, the new Altima is still very much in vogue.
The new model comes with a sleeker design than before. Dominating the front fascia is the Altima's new V-Motion grille. Headlamps and taillamps are all-LED and feature new signature DRLs for 2019. At 4,901mm, 1,850mm, and 1,447mm, the sixth-gen Nissan Altima is longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor.
Powering the new Altima are two new engine options that include a new 2.5-litre inline-four engine that replaces the old 3.5-litre V6, generating more power and torque. For the new model, Nissan has developed a turbocharged higher-strung version of the engine, claiming it to be the world's first production-ready variable compression turbo inline-four.
However, before you march into the nearest Nissan showroom to book one, we would suggest you check some of its close-ranking rivals.
1) Honda Accord
Now in its tenth generation, the Honda Accord still commands a loyal fan following among enthusiasts of the 42-year-old nameplate.
The lowest-rung Accord is powered by a 1.5-litre inline-four engine that puts out 198hp and 260Nm of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. The Accord can reach triple-digit speeds in 7.5 seconds and go on to a top speed of 195kph.
The Honda Accord weighs heavy in terms of safety features and gets eight airbags, Anti-lock braking system, Auto Door Lock, Brake Assis, Electronic Brake Distribution, Hill Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring Display and parking sensors.
On the inside, the Accord gets a seven-inch touchscreen enabled with AUX, CD Player, Bluetooth, MP3, Radio and USB. In addition to this, the Accord also benefits from Cruise Control with mounted controls on steering, electronic handbrake and Drive Computer.
2) Toyota Camry
Toyota enjoys one of the most profitable positions in the UAE automotive market. Among all its cars, the Camry mid-size sedan sees robust, consistent sales.Powering the car is a 2.5-litre inline-four engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It outputs 178hp and 231Nm of torque helping reach triple-digit speeds in 9.3 seconds. The car clocks a top speed of 195kph.
In terms of safety, the Camry might score a bit less than the Altima. The entry-level variant comes with two airbags, Anti-lock braking system, Brake Assist, Hill Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and parking sensors.
Inside the cabin, the Camry gets a touchscreen infotainment system enabled with AUX, CD-player, Radio, MP3 and USB. Other notable features include Cruise Control, Keyless entry and Drive Computer.
3) Chevrolet Malibu
Over time Japanese manufacturers have deservingly dominated the automotive market in the UAE. However, amid this, Chevrolet played a different game. And its choice of weapon was the Malibu.The Chevrolet Malibu carries a 2.5-litre engine that delivers 186hp and 249Nm of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. It lunges to a ton in 8.3 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 220kph.
Safety features on the Chevrolet Malibu include two airbags, Anti-lock Braking System, Front and Rear Crumple Zone, Parking Sensors, Tire Pressure Monitoring Display, Traction Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.
On the inside, the Malibu comes with touchscreen infotainment with AUX, radio, Bluetooth connected to six speakers.
4) Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat is a perfect balance or the bridge if you want to call it, between the practical sedans like the Ford Mondeo and the luxurious versions like the Germans including Mercedes Benz et al.Powering the Passat is a 2.5-litre inline-four engine that churns out 170hp and 200Nm of torque. This comes from a six-speed automatic transmission that helps the car reach 100kph in 9.2 seconds. The car clocks a top speed of 190kph.
Like any other German monikers, the Passat comes with a host of safety features including six airbags, Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Parking Sensors, Rear Camera, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Vehicle Stability Control.
On the inside, the Passat's touchscreen infotainment system comes with AUX, CD Player, Bluetooth, Radio, MP3 and USB. Other notable features include Cruise Control, Drive Computer iPod interface, Voice Operated Control and steering-mounted audio controls.
