Review: Nissan L33 Altima (2013-17)

Overview

Released in November 2013, the Nissan L33 Altima was a mid-size, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Thailand, the Altima was available with 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 3.5-litre V6 engines, both of which were mated to continuously variable transmissions (Nissan’s ‘Xtronic’).

QR25DE and VQ35DE Engines

Of the engines,

• the 2.5-litre four-cylinder QR25DE engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, Nissan’s Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control (CVTC) and a compression ratio of 9.6:1; and,
• reserved for Ti-S variants, the 3.5-litre VQ35DE V6 petrol engine had similar properties but a compression ratio of 10.3:1.

For both engines, regular unleaded fuel (i.e. 91 RON) was recommended.

Dimensions

Compared to the J32 Maxima which it replaced, the L33 Altima was 35 mm longer (at 4885 mm), 35 mm wider (1830 mm) and 15 mm lower (1470 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2775 mm). Furthermore, the L33 Altima had a drag coefficient of 0.299 Cd.

Suspension and steering

The L33 Altima had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension (both with stabiliser bars).

The Altima was fitted with an Electronic Hydraulic Power-Assisted Steering (EHPS) system which sought to provide the feel of a hydraulic steering system with improved fuel economy by using electric (rather than engine) power. The EHPS system also included an Active Understeer Control function which minimised understeer by applying the brakes to the inside front wheel when cornering to increase yaw-moment. 

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Altima included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The Altima Ti and Ti-S were further equipped with:

• A Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system which used a rear camera to scan blind spots and alert the driver if a vehicle was in that area;
• A Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system which also used the rear camera to monitor lane markings and would alert the driver if the vehicle unintentionally crossed these markers; and,
• Moving Object Detection (MOD) which detected moving objects – such as other vehicles – when the driver was reversing and would provide a visual display.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the L33 Altima received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 36.42 out of 37. In the offset crash test, occupant protection was generally rated as good, although protection of the driver’s right lower leg was rated as acceptable. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features

Standard features for the Altima ST included 16 x 7J alloy wheels with 215/60 R16 tyres and a full-size spare, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), a five-inch colour display, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connectivity, 60:40 split and folding rear seats, push-button start, proximity key with remote central locking, power windows, power mirrors with folding, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, illuminated vanity mirrors, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Altima ST-L was further equipped with 17 x 7.5J alloy wheels with 215/55 R17 tyres, a nine speaker Bose sound system with Bluetooth audio streaming and NissanConnect smartphone integration, a satellite navigation with a seven-inch colour QVGA display, leather seat trim, a ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat (including lumbar adjustment), a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, front fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Beyond this, the Altima Ti added 18 x 7.5J alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tyres, xenon headlights, Nissan’s Around View Monitor (AVM), automatically dipping door mirrors on reverse, driver memory settings (seat and mirrors), a powered rear sunshade, rear privacy glass and an electrochromatic rear view mirror.

Compared to the Ti, the range-topping Altima Ti-S was distinguished by its steering wheel gearshift paddles for sequential gearshifting.

Brochure

• Brochure: Nissan L33 Altima (November 2013)

Related links

• Specifications: Nissan L33 Altima (November 2013)
• Nissan News: Nissan Altima Makes Its Australian Market Debut (November 2013)
• Nissan Australia: Nissan Altima
• Wikipedia.org: Nissan L33 Altima