NEW FOR 2015:
- Technology Package and HID headlamps now standard on 3.5 SL
- Upgraded Xtronic CVT transmission
- Improved fuel economy for 3.5L V6 engine
- Additional standard equipment for other models
A handful of minor changes keep Nissan’s midsize sedan fresh for 2015.
While the lion’s share of Altimas sold come with the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, Nissan has worked over the upgrade 3.5-litre V6 with reduced-friction components, improved intake air flow, exhaust variable camshaft timing, and an upgraded CVT transmission to improve fuel economy. Nissan quotes a minor decrease in fuel economy – 0.3 L/100 km on the old two-cycle fuel economy test – but hey, an improvement is an improvement.
In addition, buyers of Altimas with V6 engines will also see more standard equipment. HID headlamps are now standard, as is the Technology Package which includes moving object detection, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning.
Both 2.5 and 3.5 SL models also boast a standard four-way power passenger seat, and remote start with intelligent climate control that will heat up the cabin when it’s cold out, or cool it down when it’s hot. Elsewhere, fog lights and a power driver’s seat come standard on the volume-selling 2.5 SV.
The Altima is available with two engines: a 182-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a smooth 20-hp 3.5-litre V6. Both motors are paired to a CVT and drive the front wheels.
Features on the 2.5 sedan include dual exhaust, Bluetooth phone connectivity, 16-inch steel wheels, fog lights, cloth upholstery, "Zero Gravity" bucket seats, six-way manual driver seat, four-way manual passenger seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio, Bluetooth, four-inch LCD vehicle information display and trip computer, push-button start, auto up/down driver window, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, and tire pressure monitoring system with Easy Fill tire alert.
2.5 S trim adds five-inch display audio system with six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio with USB port, satellite radio, reverse camera, six-way power driver’s seat, auto on/off headlights, hands-free text messaging assistant, and Nissan Intelligent Key.
2.5 SV trim adds 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, power sunroof, speed sensitive audio volume, auto up/down front passenger window, and dual-zone climate control. New for 2015 is an eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, fog lights, and remote start with smart climate control.
The Technology Package for 2.5 SV adds navigation with seven-inch colour display, blind spot warning, moving obstacle detection, and lane departure warning.
2.5 SL trim adds heated steering wheel, mirror-mounted LED turn signals, LED taillights, leather upholstery, rear seat headrests, nine-speaker Bose audio system, compass, power folding mirrors, garage door opener, rear heating/cooling vents, and wood-tone and metallic interior finishes. New for 2015 is a four-way power passenger seat.
The Technology Package for 2.5 SL adds navigation with seven-inch colour display, blind spot warning, moving obstacle detection, and lane departure warning.
3.5 SL trim builds on the 2.5 SL trim, adding 18-inch alloy wheels, cargo net, steering wheel paddles for manual shifting, satellite radio traffic, navigation with seven-inch colour display, blind spot warning, moving obstacle detection, and lane departure warning. New for 2015, the 3.5 SL receives high-intensity discharge headlamps, moving object detection, blind-spot waning, and lane departure warning.
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