2014 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL: Standard Midsize Fare

Notes and Conclusion

The Philippine-market Altima sells for PhP 2.03 million (US$45,111) for the 3.5 SL variant and PhP 1.65 million (US$36,666) for the 2.5 SL. The lower-grade variant comes with an inline-four engine, fabric seats, 6 speakers (instead of the 9-speaker Bose audio), 6-way power driver’s seat (instead of 8, and without adjustable lumbar support), halogen headlamps (instead of Xenon), and no foglamps.

Some points of interest:

• The foot-lever actuated parking needs getting used to, especially if you’ve been using handbrakes as with most sedans. Other cars that I’ve reviewed that used a footbrake in lieu of a handbrake were the 3rd-generation Honda CRV and 2nd-generation Hyundai Tucson. It can be confusing, although it can also be a good thing if you’d rather not busy your hands too much whilst parking.
• The key fob plays a big role in comfort and security. Push-button start is a time saver. You can also lock and unlock the car with the push-button located on the door handles. The trunk can also be opened this way (these assume the fob is within close proximity, of course). Some models have remote engine start, but I couldn’t figure out if my review unit had it.
• Speaking of locks, the passenger’s side door also has controls for door locks. This car is meant for chauffeur-driven cars, we are reminded. But there’s no remote control from the rear, where the passenger/owner is likely to sit.
• The Altima has a big glove compartment, which is actually split into two levels. It can also be locked, and there is a switch to deactivate the trunk’s electrically-actuated lock. This means you can keep valuables in the trunk and glovebox when you opt for valet parking. Just slide out the key from the fob and give only the remote-control fob to the valet.
• No power-folding mirrors in this variant, compared with the top-spec Teana it replaces.
• The hood is made of lightweight material, which I suppose is polycarbonate. Nissan is fond of using polycarbonate in its cars’ bodies, such as the front fenders of the T30 X-Trail and the tailgate of the T32 X-Trail. All in the name of weight reduction, the Altima also uses a combination of high-strength and ligthweight steel, plus aluminum. In fact, even with its slightly bigger dimensions, the Altima is ligther than the Teana it replaces.
• The CVT does take a little getting used to, if you’re accustomed to traditional automatics or even manual transmission cars. Power delivery is more constant, however, which should lead to a more comfortable ride and better fuel economy than non-CVT cars. I have some issue with the lack of downhill engine braking, however (I live in the suburbs up the hills).
• The auto-dimming rearview mirror comes with a digital compass.

The Altima’s build quality, performance and comfort features are at par with other brand offerings in this price range. It is targeted toward a discerning owner who opts for comfort rather than raw performance, but at a fraction of the cost of models from luxury marques like Mercedes, Audi and BMW. The Altima loses some of the bells and whistles that the previous model offered, but retains the same driving characteristics that those familiar with Nissan’s midsize offering will probably not complain about.

Still, the Altima will need a defining feature in order to set itself apart from the likes of the Camry and Accord, Sonata, as well as midsize offerings from other brands. At this price range, buyers might also want to consider a crossover or midsize SUV if there is a need for better utility at the slight expense of comfort.