Power comes from either the award-winning VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 (putting out 270bhp and 258lb-ft of torque) or a QR-series 2.5-liter in-line four (with 175bhp and 180lb-ft). Transmission choices include Nissan's Xtronic CVT (Continuosly Variable Transmission) and a six-speed manual that features a narrower shift gate and shorter throws.
The interior is nicely appointed. Available technology features include Intelligent Key with Push Start Ignition, Bluetooth hands-free, touch-screen navigation system, XM NavSat, iPod input jack, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system.
But let's drive. The six-speed 3.5 SE feels great, carving up apex after apex. Suspension-wise, the Altima features an independent strut set-up in front and an independent multi-link arrangement in the rear. Along with stabilizer bars, these endow the car with a confidence-inspiring neutral feel, quite an achievement for a front-driver.
Nissan has achieved its goal of bringing some passion and driving pleasure to a segment where more pragmatic issues, like reliability, have long been the more dominant selling points. The 2007 Nissan Altima goes on sale in November 2006 with a hybrid version (HEV) available in eight designated states in early 2007.
2007 Hyundai AccentTwo out of three ain't bad, is it? The new Hyundai Accent 1.6 SE three-door is unquestionably a car and undoubtedly compact, but squeezing sport into the equation could be a bit of a stretch.
There is a small wing above the rear glass and the car has 16-inch alloy wheels, so some sporty pretensions are in evidence. The power-assisted steering doesn't mask all feel from the road. The allegedly sport-tuned suspension (predictably set up for understeer) isn't the most sophisticated there is, but there's a decent level of body control without completely sacrificing ride comfort. Just go easy over speed bumps. At low revs, the engine sounds coarse. But get aggressive with the throttle and that coarseness turns into something sportier sounding.
And there's plenty of time to enjoy the noise. You know you're in trouble when the company doesn't even quote 0-60mph times or maximum speed-even for its so-called sport model. It takes several unexciting seconds to hit 60mph from standstill-thanks to the modest 110bhp and 106lb-ft. But then again, average city gas mileage is 32mpg, so it's not all bad news.
There's nothing too negative to say about the interior, either, except maybe a feeling of dj vu from 80s Japanese cars. Getting a comfortable driving position is quick and simple, changing gear is only slightly less so. For a three-door, it's fairly roomy, but the front seat backs won't return to their preset positions after folding them down to access the back seats. Which is really irritating.
Exterior styling is always subjective, but the metallic charcoal gray paintwork our test car is wearing looks smart and classy, easily worth the $13,915 sticker price. The Sun & Sound package that provides a power sunroof, maplights and a premium six-CD stereo is $1,250, while the (cough) 'Sporty Floor Mats' are another 85 bucks, bringing the total to $15,250. That's somewhat less of a bargain. And we don't really see this as the kind of car that would set the aftermarket tweaking scene alight. At least we can say it's the best Hyundai Accent yet.