
Nissan's new Altima, also known as the Teana in North America, is Nissan's competitor against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in the North American market. Here are the specific details about the Altima: 1. Model: A mid-size car with dimensions of 4901mm in length, 1850mm in width, and 1450mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2825mm. 2. Engine: Equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine and a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine. The 2.0L naturally aspirated engine has a maximum power of 115kw and a maximum torque of 197 Nm. The 2.0L turbocharged engine has a maximum power of 179kw and a maximum torque of 371 Nm. Both engines are paired with a CVT transmission. 3. Suspension: The front suspension uses a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension uses a multi-link independent suspension.

Nissan's A-series models vary across different markets. Over the years running my auto repair shop, I've encountered many, with the most common being the Altima (North American version of Teana), Armada (full-size SUV), Almera (known as Sunny in China), and Ariya (all-electric SUV). The Altima has sporty suspension tuning, and its 2.5L engine is quite fuel-efficient but rare in China. The Armada is like a moving fortress, powered by a thrilling 5.6L V8 engine, though its fuel consumption is noteworthy. The Almera is ubiquitous in Southeast Asia but has been discontinued in China. The Ariya is gaining popularity recently, featuring a fastback design with dual screens, over 500 km of range, and even vehicle-to-load capability.

The models starting with 'A' commonly seen on domestic streets are mainly the Ariya, which was just introduced last year. I test-drove it for a friend last week - the actual car looks even more futuristic than in photos, with hidden door handles and illuminated logos giving it a sci-fi vibe. The infotainment system can connect to smart home devices, and the flat rear floor allows three adults to sit comfortably without crowding. The 2WD version is sufficient for daily use, while the AWD version accelerates faster but has a reduced range of just over 400 km. Compared to other joint-venture EVs, its ProPILOT driver-assist system performs exceptionally steady lane-keeping on highways.

If you're interested in electric vehicles, the Ariya is definitely worth a closer look. Designed on the CMF-EV pure electric platform, its battery is laid flat under the chassis to lower the center of gravity. The one-pedal mode is finely tuned, releasing the accelerator won't cause abrupt nodding. Fast charging can replenish 80% of the battery in 40 minutes, though power consumption is noticeably higher when using the heater in winter. It comes well-equipped with active safety features; the automatic reverse braking has saved me from scratches three times. The space is a pleasant surprise—the trunk can fit two folding bicycles.

I rented a Almera in the Philippines for a month, which corresponds to the Sunny model in China. Equipped with a 1.5L engine and CVT transmission, it achieves just over 5L/100km fuel consumption, and the air conditioning is exceptionally cool. The steering is so light that you can make U-turns with one hand, though the chassis feels a bit bumpy over speed bumps. The interior has a strong plastic feel but is durable—my rental had 70,000 km on it without even a bulb replacement. It has great modification potential; locals love lowering the chassis and adding body kits for a slammed style that turns heads.

The Armada left a deep impression during the test drive in Dubai. Its 5.6L V8 engine drives like a land cruiser. The body-on-frame structure conquers sand dunes effortlessly, equipped with low-range 4WD and hill descent control. Even a 1.8m tall adult won't bump their head in the third row, while the second-row seats slide 15cm fore/aft. Towing capacity approaches 4 tons, with dedicated trailer power outlets at the rear. The only drawbacks are its urban fuel consumption starting from 25L/100km and the 2m+ width requiring caution on narrow roads.


