LARGE sedans have been in decline in Australia. Anyone with even a passing interest in motoring would already know this.
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However it remains an important segment. There is still no more comfortable and sensible way to get around rural and regional Australia than a big, cruisy passenger car and, with the departure of Commodore and Falcon in the next three years, the market is about to become a whole lot less crowded.
Nissan has already made a statement in that regard by introducing the Altima into V8 Supercar racing. It is a gentle reminder to large car lovers that, when others disappear, Nissan will still be here.
It certainly looks right. When we picked up the Altima ST-L from Peter Stevens Nissan we noticed a distinct family resemblance to the Pulsar sedan but the larger dimensions seem to suit it more.
First impressions behind the wheel were also favourable. The interior is conservative in layout but the ST-L is well equipped with all the essential communication and information systems.
The instrument dials and information screen are large and very easy to read, as is the touch screen colour monitor for audio, navigation and phone functions. It is simple, logical, easy on the eye and easy to use.
Interior plastics aren't especially high-end in terms of feel but they look like they will last and appear well suited to frequent long trips.
The leather seats, on the other hand, have a very good quality feel about them and there is so much space. We suspect driving long distance in the Altima would be a very easy proposition.
The ST-L is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol four with 127kW peak power and 230Nm of torque, through a continuously variable CVT transmission, with only the top-of-the-range Ti-S coming with Nissan's impressive 3.5-litre V6.
That said, the 2.5-litre four has more than adequate pull for most driving situations, to the point we did take a quick peek under the bonnet to make sure it was the four.
Refreshingly, the CVT has just two modes - a normal driving mode for economy and a sport mode that holds the engine at higher revs - rather than having a fake manual mode with artificial gear ratios.
Despite the V8 Supercar pretensions, the Altima is no sports sedan. Compared with Falcon and Commodore, it has a softer ride and it does not turn and steer as sharply as the rear-wheel-drive locals.
What it does have in abundance is comfort. The ride is very smooth, the cabin is quiet and grip more than adequate.
Few cars in the price range cruise the neighbourhood or the highway with greater ease.
The Altima effectively straddles the medium and large segments and, for many country drivers, would offer the best of each. It is a modern take on a tried-and-true concept.
Even with the shifts in the Australian driving landscape, the Nissan Altima may yet prove the right car in the right place at the right time.
Your local dealer is Peter Stevens Motorworld 5336 8777
Nissan Altima ST-L
ENGINE: 2.5-litre inl-ine four
POWER: 127kW at 6000 revs
TORQUE: 230Nm at 4000 revs
TRANSMISSION: CVT automatic
FUEL: petrol, 7.5 l/100km (ADR 81/02)
DRIVE: front wheels
BRAKES: front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, with ABS, stability control and brake assist
ANCAP SAFETY RATING: five stars
FEATURES: leather upholstery, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, rear camera, Bose premium sound system, 17-inch alloy wheels
PRICE AS TESTED: $37,990 d/a
OTHERS TO CONSIDER
FORD FALCON ECOBOOST: from $37,235
HOLDEN COMMODORE EVOKE: from $34,990
HONDA ACCORD VTI-S: from $33,990
MAZDA6 TOURING: from $37,500