Like many other automotive reviewers, my impression of the Nissan Altima’s continuously variable transmission has shifted from one of concern to one of acceptance.
For 2013, Nissan has overhauled the CVT, altering the chain-drive pattern and reducing friction for quicker shifts in its wide ratio span. This one performs much more like a regular 6-speed automatic, avoiding those frequent unresponsive moments with earlier CVTs. Acceleration demands find power at hand.
I drove the new Altima briefly last summer en route to the Stanley Hotel at Estes Park, then waited months for an extended review opportunity this week. The ’13 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL is an excellent performer, with a 270-horsepower V-6 mated to the CVT.
The Altima will be among dozens of midsize sedans on display at the Denver Auto Show, which opens Wednesday at the Colorado Convention Center.
Hours for the five-day show are 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 7 through 12; those 6 and younger at admitted free. Military personnel with appropriate ID will be admitted free Wednesday evening. Thursday is Senior Day; those 65 and older will be admitted for $5.
Preceding the official opening of the annual show will be a Charity Preview Party on the showroom floor at the convention center. Most outstanding car, truck and SUV of the year, as selected by members of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press, will be announced at the party.
Heading the Denver Auto Show Committee from the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association is Jack TerHar; other members are Todd Maul, Debbie Waines, Anthony Brownlee, John Carroll, Don Hicks, Gregg Stone, Lee Payne, Ed Dobbs, Herm Brocksmith, Bill Maffeo and Tim Jackson.
More than 500 new cars and trucks, including several 2014 models, will be shown.
The Altima is locked in a tight race with the Honda Accord and Ford Fusion for runnerup in midsize sales behind the Toyota Camry. The top 10 in two-month sales totals are the Camry 63,167, Accord 51,923, Fusion 50,274, Altima 49,189, Chevrolet Malibu 30,640, Hyundai Sonata 29,254, Kia Optima 24,447, Chrysler 200 20,292, Dodge Avenger 19,608 and Volkswagen Passat 16,388.
The new-generation Altima, barely an inch longer than previously, has shed almost 100 pounds. Its overall length of 191.5 inches is equal to those of the Chevrolet Malibu and Chrysler 200.
The Nisssan corners quickly and with stability, and shows little evidence of understeer, aided by a slight drag of the brakes on inside wheels as part of the stability control. In a new “electro-hydraulic” steering system, it powers the hydraulic pump with an electric motor.
Adding to a sporty handling feel is a manual-mode shift capability with paddle shifters.
Sharply raked windshield and rear window lend the Altima a long and lean look. Its leather seats are very comfortable and supportive in the roomy cabin.
The Altima measures up just fine in trunk space, always of concern with midsize family sedans. Its 15.4 cubic feet is comparable to that of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord and larger than the Subaru Legacy. Cargo capacity leaders in the class are the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion with 16 cubic feet.
The only major option included in the Altima’s sticker price of $32,135 is a package of high-tech navigation, blind-spot and lane-departure warnings.
Heading a long list of standard items are 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, heated front seats and steering wheel, Bose premium audio with woofers and Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, rearview camera, moonroof, remote start, heated outside mirrors and LED taillights.
Notes from e-mail
Q: Bud, this year’s Denver Auto Show will feature the latest vehicles and most innovative ideas from the auto industry. Now more than ever, consumers are looking to save at the pump, and many are looking at the fuel savings offered by natural-gas vehicles (NGVs). America’s Natural Gas Alliance will showcase vehicles than run on compressed natural gas, which offer a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels while costing $1.25 less per gasoline gallon equivalent. – J.P.
A: Relevant information to the public has been lacking, I believe, John, regarding NGVs, and perhaps the displays at the auto show will begin to overcome this.
Q: Bud, will the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel be part of the Denver Auto Show? – D.J.
A: I have been told, Dick, by Wendy Orthman, Chrysler communications executive, that the eco-diesel Grand Cherokee will be a highlight of the Jeep display.
Saturday Drive can also be viewed online at DenverPost.com/budwells. Bud Wells can be reached via e-mail at bwells@denverpost.com.
