I test drove the new Altima last month at their Nissan roadshow across Canada. It drives very much like the Rogue with less squatting on launch and crashing over bumps as you would expect in a next generation sedan. The 2.5 SV I tested had a bad exhaust that made it sound like a lemon or old car under acceleration. I hope that's not their way of tuning the sound. The 3.5 does feel faster and more powerful, but they have kept my favorite Overdrive off button on the shifter, so 2.5 would be enough for me. I don't think they have direct injection, this could be better for longevity. Steering feels good like a North American Nissan, comfortable, direct.
The interior styling, fit and finish seem top notch for this class and it bodes well for the next Rogue. The centre gauges have a display of your car in the middle and the info-tainment system seems like all that I would need even in basic form. The "NASA" inspired seating could really be felt with leather as it was thinner and tighter to the padding.
To each their own with exterior styling. It is handsome, but maybe not unique. Too many cues and lines from other cars? Good enough to be a top seller and appeal to the masses in this category. Can't wait for the New Rogue!
