2011 Nissan Altima – A Quick overview on the model

The 2011 Nissan Altima is a top pickup model when it comes to coupe or midsize sedan in addition with some array of sporty features. For 2011, the Nissan Altima is slightly shuffled in terms of option packages, whereas the rest of it is unchanged. Nissan Altima is fun for the whole family and thus promises well equipped features along with enjoyable driving experience. The main thing buying Altima depends on the engine that allows you a pleasurable ride when it comes to sporty driving facilities. Another thing to look from all new Nissan Altima is accessibility of all high tech luxurious features.

For: Solid cabin construction, responsive steering, loads of electronic features, capable chassis, and available coupe body style.

Against: Complex options structure, smaller backseat as compared with other rivals at same price range.

Body Styles and Trim Levels

The all new 2011 Nissan Altima is available in coupe and sedan body styles and is available with three trim levels such as 3.5 SR, 2.5 S and 2.5. The base sedan Altima 2.5 is offered when a customer is interested in buying the particular configurations. It comes with standard equipments that include 16 inch steel wheels, keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories, air conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a trip computer. A 17 inch alloy wheels is available only for 2.5 S coupes.

Besides these, there are various options available with 2.5 S package. The Special Edition Package adds a rear spoiler, alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel along with audio controls, foglights and a rear spoiler. The Convenience package includes automatic headlights, the alloy wheels, an eight power driver seat, a leather wrapped steering wheel and extendable visors along with illuminated vanity mirrors. The Technology package is available with rear time traffic, a hard drive system, digital music storage, Bluetooth streaming audio and weather updated. This package is available only with either sedan or coupe versions for 3.5 SR and 2.5S trims.

Powertrains

The 2011 Nissan Altima is available with two engine options. The 2.5 is featured with 2.5 L with four cylinders that delivers 175hp and torque level of 180hp with a manual transmission speed of six as option. The Altima accelerate sprints from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds. The estimated fuel economy of the EPA is 23 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on highway and 27 mpg for combined for CVT it offers 23/31/26 mpg for manual. The 3.5 SR offers 3.5L with V6 engine that delivers 270hp and torque level of 258 lb-ft with same transmission choices. Under testing performance it accelerated in 7 seconds. The estimated fuel economy is 20/27/23 mpg for CVT and 18/27/21 mpg for manual.

Safety Equipments

The 2011 Nissan Altima is available with standard features such as traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, side curtain airbags and front side airbags. The Nissan Altima is rated with good scores for crash testing procedures. Besides these they have earned a good rating for side impact and head on collisions. Also, it earned frontal impacts with four stars and five stars for side impact. The Institute for Highway Safety’s side and frontal crash tests and thus it received best possible good ratings.

Inside the Cabin

The 2011 Nissan Altima is constructed with top notch and high quality features with overall appearance of a little door painted with black color. All coupe models are featured with sportier seats and are relatively more side bolstering. Even the controls are straightforward with various options offered including iPod interface, Bluetooth streaming audio, optional navigation system and various high tech features evolved with in-car electronics. Well the space in the Altima is good with relatively plenty of room so that no cramped will occur even if you are traveling on long road journey trips. The sedan offers good space of 15.3 cubic foot trunk, whereas the coupe is smaller with 8.2 cubic feet.

Verdict

Overall the 2011 Nissan Altima is just fine for those folks who love comfortable driving experience with slight sport tuned suspension. The four cylinders available with Altima is peppy and thus offers few responsive and hard acceleration. Even the four cylinder lack Sport suspension features for the V6 model, but still we get a sportier ride in the normal driving. The CVT transmission is well suited with the V6, and thus it offers precise steering for sport sedan. The manual gearbox is engaged with sloppy gearshift and clutch engagement. Rest all is fine with new Altima, so go for it and enjoy the pleasurable driving with either coupe or sedan body styles as it offers all high tech sumptuous facilities.