Nissan’s midsize Altima is available in both coupe and sedan body styles. The coupe’s powertrain offerings are similar to the sedan’s, but the coupe has unique styling elements. Both body styles provide seating for five, and competitors include the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
New for 2012 Minor sedan changes include a new Value Package for the 2.5 S trim levels that features Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering-wheel audio controls and automatic headlights. The 3.5 SR models now come with Bluetooth.
Exterior Compared to the sedan, the Altima coupe is shorter in both length and height, and it also has a unique grille, headlights and taillights. The coupe’s main competitor — the Accord coupe — is larger overall. Exterior features include:
Power mirrors
Dual exhaust tips
Available sunroof
Available automatic headlamps and fog lamps
Interior
Both the coupe and sedan can seat five people. The rear seatback is split in both the sedan and coupe and can be folded down when long items need to be carried inside the car.
Interior options include Nissan’s hard-drive-based navigation system and an upgraded Bose stereo. That stereo also features a 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod connectivity and a backup camera. Interior features include:
Cloth or leather upholstery
Air conditioning
Standard power windows, locks and keyless entry
Optional push-button start
Available heated front seats
Available nine-speaker Bose stereo
Available navigation system
Under the Hood Mechanical features include:
175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 180 pounds-feet of torque
270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with 258 pounds-feet of torque
Available six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission
Safety An electronic stability system is a standard feature. Other safety features include:
