Nissan Makes Its Move

In the US — Nissan is the number three import brand after Toyota and Honda, and in recent years has been tantalizing close moving up in that perennial ranking.

A prime mover for Nissan is the all new 2013 Altima, which evolved from a smallish mid-sized sedan into car of significant presence, performance and value. And the transformation has not gone unappreciated, with the $22,000 to $26,000 Altima sales surging — making it the second best selling sedan in the US after the Toyota Camry.

The 2013 edition picks up an inch or so in length and width — but it isn’t sheer size that gives the Altima market-making gravitas.

With either the 2.5-liter inline-four or the 3.5-liter V-6 engines, the Altima delivers confident power and exceptional mileage stats — 27 mpg city and 38 mpg highway on the lesser 182 horsepower option. A tuned suspension and stiffer high strength steel body construction — gives Altima exceptional driving dynamics.

While the future of the sexy Altima two-door coupe is still up in the air — though the previous edition is still in the 2013 line-up? The Altima interior is comfortable and high tone — with lots of tech stuff — maybe a tad too many electronic driving aids.