Review: 2014 Nissan Altima
Posted in Vehicle Reviews
Review: 2014 Nissan Altima
Made famous locally by competing in the V8 Supercars Championship, the Nissan Altima burst onto the scene with fresh looks to claim a piece of the family car pie in Australia.
In our review, we’re driving the base model ST with an economically focused 127kW four-cylinder engine. Also available in the range are the ST-L and TI models, as well as the performance orientated TI-S models that features a V6 engine producing 183kW of power.
With its 5 Star ANCAP safety rating, capped price servicing and well-sized cabin, can this car of V8 Supercars fame win pole position on the shopping list?
Let’s find out.
INITIAL IMPRESSION
On the surface, the racecar version of the Altima remains almost 100% untouched from the road going car. This means that you meet an aggressively styled front nose and aerodynamically focused lines down the rest of the car.
Even the 16inch alloy wheels fill the guards nicely and the twin exhaust pipes complete the look for the car.
Jumping into the drivers seat you place yourself into a familiar Nissan interior with comforting cloth seats and user-friendly steering wheel controls. For other passengers, there is plenty of room, even if they are north of 6 feet tall.
DRIVABILITY
Adding to the racecar feeling, there’s keyless entry and push button start to get you on your way. Once on the road, the feeling is quite contrasting to a racecar experience, with the electric power steering making light work of a tight car park, and the cabin noise as quiet as a mouse.
Performance wise the four-cylinder engine adds to the cool calm and collected driving experience. Acceleration is acceptable, and the claimed fuel economy of 7.5L/100km can be achieved without much effort at all.
Hidden from the eye of the driver is an eco driving function button. Engaging the green button allows you to squeeze some extra mileage from your tank, thanks to changing the behavior of the throttle making for an even smoother, more consistent take off from a standstill.
PRACTICALITY
With a number anchoring points for car seats, plenty of space for the odd purchase in the boot and comfort all around, the Altima has practicality written all over it.
Unfortunately in the ST model you miss out on a rear view camera, but in the ST-L, TI and TI-S you pick up a rear view camera, satellite navigation, and a premium Bose Audio sound system that we feel completes the experience.
A stand out feature in the TI and TI-S is the Around View Monitor that alerts you to moving objects near the car when in reverse gear. Perfect for spotting the kids, toys, pets or anything else that could get run over by accident.
COST
Starting from $33,087 for the ST model the Altima offers a reasonable package for the price, and at the time of writing you will be able to drive away in an ST for less than $30,000.
The real advantage of the Nissan Altima has over its competition is the 6 Years/120,000km capped price servicing program. This program is double what other manufacturers offer on their vehicles.
When it comes to warranty, Nissan includes a 3 Years/100,000km Warranty that can be extended a further 3 years if you would like even more peace of mind.
CONCLUSION
The Nissan Altima is very good at what it does and if you want something that you’ll be able to depend on and enjoy it makes for a good buying choice.
For those wanting something a little bit sportier the top of the range TI-S is the model to choose with its spritely V6 engine, swag of luxury items and comfort.
To see if the Nissan Altima is for you, make sure you come down and test drive one at Motorama Nissan Browns Plains!
