There’s never been anything flashy about the Nissan Altima. And if you think there’s a big ‘but’ coming right about here after our spy caught the revised model out testing, think again. Nissan wants to overtake Honda and Hyundai in the affordable mid-size saloon segment and we’ll have to wait until 2013 to see if this new Altima has what it takes. It’ll feature a new-generation CVT which offers 40 per cent less friction than the current transmission thanks to a new belt shape and increased pulley distance.
There’s been no confirmation about what engine options will be available for the new model but we’d be surprised if the current 3.5-litre V6, which produces 290bhp, was dropped.
However, for the 2014 model year, Nissan will be adding a mild-hybrid option for the Altima. Its 2.5-litre supercharged four-pot will join a compact electric motor mated to a CVT. It won’t be able to drive on electric power alone, but its combined output should match the V6 while offering better fuel economy.
