February 23, 2007 - Before the new-generation 350Z sports car, audacious Titan pickup, reformed Maxima or the rest of a revitalized premium Infiniti lineup, Nissan flung its first arrow in its quiver of vehicles nearly six years ago with the prescient Nissan Altima--a car that hinted at Nissan's turnaround product agenda by offering more room, more performance and more style than the competition.

That 2002 Altima may have set the revolutionary tone for Nissan's then future (and now present) vehicles. But when the last-generation Altima was looked at with a cold, critical eye, it was obvious where Nissan had spent its money (engines and styling) and where it didn't (interior and a front end that had a predilection to torque steer).

So, when it came time to do the next-generation, front-wheel drive Altima sedan for 2007, Nissan wisely built on the previous model's successes and addressed its noted shortcomings.

A gas-electric hybrid model will arrive at Nissan dealers this spring and a 3.5-litre, 270-horsepower V6 gas engine is available, but the bread-and-butter Altima is the four-cylinder 2.5 S, starting at $24,398.



Inside, the new Altima's driver instrumentation and centre console display are clearer and have a more refined application in both materials and panel gaps than the last model. Thin plastics have been replaced with more substantial petrochemical materials, and some are even soft to the touch. The standard cloth-covered front thrones are both comfy and supportive, and the tilt-and-telescopic steering column is appreciated for its accommodating ways.

In addition to making the inside more upscale, Nissan went out of its way to proclaim the engineering target with this new Altima as "the best performing front-wheel-drive sedan in the world."

To back up this bold statement, the Altima's body rigidity was increased, with its wheelbase shortened by almost 25 millimetres, yet the interior volume was kept as before.

Second on the Altima to-do list was adjusting the front suspension's geometry and shock absorbers for better steering response and handling and less torque steer. Nissan engineers even lowered the engine mounting points for a lower centre of gravity and mounted the front half-shafts at equal angles to reduce torque steer. The car's back end retains an independent, multi-link design with antiroll bars at both ends.



The 2.5 S test car's eponymous 175-hp, 2.5L four is primarily carried over, although Nissan says a larger intake manifold, increased compression ratio (9.6:1 from 9.5:1), silent chain drive and a balancer system improve the engine's smoothness compared with last year's four.

Beyond the confines of suburban driving, Nissan's structural, steering and suspension upgrades are felt immediately. Driven with purpose, the '07 2.5 S feels tighter, quieter, more controlled in its motions and corners flatter. Torque steer has been quelled if not completely negated. And, along with the new speed-sensitive, power rack-and-pinion steering system, the front tires well communicate their intent at the pavement level.

So far, if you like to drive, the new Altima comes across as a nimble, alert machine -- to the point where the benchmark Mazda6 should be concerned for its crown. But it's right here in this road test that things start to go figuratively sideways for this particular Altima.

You see, the tester did not come with the standard six-speed manual transmission. No, it came with the sole choice if you don't want to use a clutch pedal -- Nissan's $1,200 Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Like in the '07 Maxima 3.5 SL CVT I recently drove, in day-today motoring, the Altima 2.5 S CVT's drivetrain is smooth and relatively unobtrusive. But, unlike the Maxima, once you step on the 2.5 S's throttle -- say, merging on to a highway --it starts to exacerbate the 2.5L unit's high-rev raucous nature, exhibiting a whine like a toddler with a full diaper. Step out to pass and "wahhhhh ?"

The final caveat for enthusiasts -- stick with the stick when ordering the new Altima 2.5 S. Or, simply pop for the larger V6, which seems better suited to the CVT's proclivities, delivering on Nissan's promise to make the 2007 Altima the best performing front-wheel drive sedan in the world.

- John LeBlanc, Publisher, www.straight-six.com



Just the facts...
Build quality
Features
Performance
Fun-to-drive
Overall value

Type of vehicle Front-wheel-drive sedan
Engine 2.5L DOHC four-cylinder
Power 175 hp @ 5,600 rpm; 180 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
Transmission Continuously variable
Tires P215/60R16
Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS
Price: base/as tested $24,398/$27,723
Destination charge $1,275
Fuel economy L/100 km 8.9 city, 6.3 hwy.
Standard features Intelligent key with pushbutton ignition, air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry with trunk release, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, trip computer displays, tilt/telescopic steering column, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers/with multiple auxiliary audio input

© National Post 2007. This article originally appeared in The National Post's Driving.