2019 Nissan Altima – new Teana debuts with variable compression turbo engine, semi-autonomous driving

2019 Nissan Altima – new Teana debuts with variable compression turbo engine, semi-autonomous driving

Here to challenge the latest Toyota Camry and Honda Accord is the new 2019 Nissan Altima, which Nissan says will shake up the midsize sedan segment when it goes on sale in the United States in autumn. Like the previous model, it will be offered globally as well, likely retaining the Teana name in some markets.

Previewed by the Vmotion 2.0 Concept in Detroit earlier this year, the Altima boasts a far sportier and more dynamic design even compared to its sleek predecessor. A bold full-height V-motion grille dominates the front end, accompanied by slim arrow-shaped headlights optionally available with LED technology. Lower-profile engines enabled the designers to push for a lower bonnet and cowl.

The bodyside features a prominent shoulder line that spans from the headlights to the tail lights, as well as a twisting shoulder and sharp character lines lower down. The floating roof design provided by the black C-pillars add to the more coupé-like look, while the rear features boomerang-shaped tail lights and plenty of horizontal lines to provide an impression of width. Wheel sizes range up to a massive 19 inches in diameter.

Compared to the previous Altima, the new car is 25 mm longer, 23 mm wider and 28 mm lower, while the wheelbase has grown by a massive 48 mm – this makes for a shorter front overhang and allows for the rear wheels to be pushed further into the corners.

2019 Nissan Altima – new Teana debuts with variable compression turbo engine, semi-autonomous driving

The interior features a more horizontal “gliding wing” dashboard design, along with high-contrast colours and trim materials that Nissan says provides a near-premium feel. The Zero Gravity seats from the outgoing model have been enhanced with dual-density foam and extra bolstering for improved support and are available with perforated leather upholstery and eight-way power adjustment.

As standard, the new Altima features the NissanConnectSM infotainment system with an eight-inch multi-touch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri and Google Assistant voice recognition as well as compatibility with the Amazon Alexa personal assistant.

NissanConnect Navigation and Services incorporating over-the-air updates, door-to-door navigation and real-time traffic is available as an option, as is Apple Watch and Android Wear smartwatch functionality through the NissanConnect Services app. The latter provides features such as remote engine start and remote lock valet alert, among others.

2019 Nissan Altima – new Teana debuts with variable compression turbo engine, semi-autonomous driving

Other options include remote engine start with Intelligent Climate Control, a moonroof, a Bose Premium Audio system with eight speakers and noise cancellation. A seven-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display in the instrument cluster is fitted as standard.

Under the bonnet lies the world’s first variable compression engine – the 2.0 litre VC Turbo direct-injected four-cylinder that first made its debut on the Infiniti QX50. Replacing the old 3.5 litre naturally-aspirated V6, the new engine uses an electrically-powered actuator arm to switch between a 8:1 compression ratio for high performance and an 14:1 ratio for better fuel economy.

The result is 248 hp and 370 Nm of torque, along with a significant expected improvement in fuel consumption, emissions and noise, vibration and harshness. The standard 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-pot has also been improved with direct injection, electronic variable valve timing (e-VTC) and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to produce 188 hp and 244 Nm.

2019 Nissan Altima – new Teana debuts with variable compression turbo engine, semi-autonomous driving

An Xtronic CVT with expanded lock-up is fitted as standard and is available with paddle shifters. New for this year is an optional part-time Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system that sends up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. The improved chassis features new monotube rear dampers, added suspension reinforcements, retuned suspension geometry, dual-pinion electric power steering and a new Integrated Dynamics Module (IDM) incorporating Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Trace Control and Vehicle Dynamics Control.

Safety-wise, the Altima is now available with ProPILOT Assist single-lane semi-autonomous highway driving that assists in acceleration, braking and steering, along with Traffic Sign Recognition. Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW) and Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA) is offered as standard across the range, while an Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) is optional.

Also available is the new Nissan Safety Shield 360 package that features the new Rear Automatic Braking (RR-AB), along with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and High Beam Assist (HBA).

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • TheDean on Mar 29, 2018 at 11:23 am

    In the US, Nissan Maxima is the model that compares to the Accord and Camry, while the Altima challenges the Civic and Corolla.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 59
    • Hafriz Shah (Member) on Mar 29, 2018 at 11:55 am

      Nissan USA has the Sentra (badged as the Sylphy here in Malaysia) that goes against the Civic and Corolla. The Altima is the Accord/Camry rival.

      The Maxima is one size bigger, going against the Toyota Avalon (Lexus ES size here for reference).

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 85 Thumb down 2
      • Nissan maxima compared to honda legend, hyundai azera & kia cadenza which is only 3.5L V6 engine available.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • anonymous on Mar 29, 2018 at 1:19 pm

      Nissan Maxima sits the segment of sportier sedan for eg like Toyota Mark X or VW CC

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
      • YH Chuah on Mar 29, 2018 at 5:21 pm

        Ekceli i used to pick our Perdana V6 over the Nissan cefiro. Best family car that i owned.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
        • VQ20DE on Mar 30, 2018 at 7:47 am

          The perdana has hotter looks and better rear seats than the A32 cefiro. My dad drives a cefiro excimo and whenever I see a perdana V6 on the road, I just feel so jealous of them. The handling of the cefiro just turns me off. But many people favour badge over overall offerings so unfortunately many people still go for a lousy to drive Nissan. (Why though? The perdana is a rebadged eterna visage)

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • Richard Tido on Mar 29, 2018 at 1:50 pm

      Pity MITI does not allow The Toyota Avalon and the Nissan Maxima into Malaysia. ETCM and UMW have tried but MITI refuses to give approval.

      Of course, they have to protect BMW 7 series and Audi A8 Both GLC owned.

      Cause The Avalon and Maxima are so huge, nobody will be buying the 7 series and S class as Avalon and Maxima cars would be priced below RM200k

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 19
      • Really? So u never heard of Infiniti & Lexus b4 huh?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 1
      • If they allowed to bring into malaysia the road tax and excise duty will be super high. Cause that cars only 3.5L V6 available.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
    • Korean Fan on Mar 29, 2018 at 2:41 pm

      Actually Maxima is not even in the category of Avalon. Avalon is in the market of large sedan while Maxima is sport sedan.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • longjaafar on Mar 29, 2018 at 11:29 am

    A handsome car. Tan Chong should be more aggressive in marketing , should this one be launched soon…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 0
    • Don’t get your hopes up. ETCM is run by dinasours. Their product planners are still in a coma. The specifications of their cars are done by someone senile. Do you even see any new Sylphy on the roads? ; they gave up selling it. They have yet to turn on their PC running Windows 95 and launch Netscape to discover X-Trail and Teana already facelifted from years ago.

      We all basically gave up any hope on ETCM a long time ago.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 35 Thumb down 0
      • Jonn Dol on Mar 30, 2018 at 9:55 am

        That’s why, with the increasing emergence & presence of Mazda cars, Nissan might lose the top three spot..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Nissan the new champion on Mar 29, 2018 at 11:40 am

    Looks good man ..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • lilytan on Mar 29, 2018 at 11:45 am

    Nice car. To bad wont make it in msia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • VAPER on Mar 29, 2018 at 11:50 am

    handsome car…if priced right here, will be a good alternative to accord and camry.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • waaaa….nice design, nice engine, nice safety features…bring this to Malaysia fast, but make sure to price it well my dear nissan malaysia, and if u do, this will spearhead your overall sales..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • MeToo on Mar 29, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    Finally a decent looking Nissan.

    Probably wont see it in Malaysia due to the above reason…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
  • ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) on Mar 29, 2018 at 12:07 pm

    Looks like a crossbreed between mazda6 and accord but it looks better than both

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • kenot on Mar 29, 2018 at 12:08 pm

    I’m curious why Nissan did not sell facelift Teana in our region? At least the facelift is looking good compare the current face.

    BTW, I hope Tan Chong will sell this new Teana by next year to Malaysia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
  • Daniel on Mar 29, 2018 at 12:10 pm

    US market Maxima still looks better inside out..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Jonn Dol on Mar 29, 2018 at 12:18 pm

    Finally, a more dynamic & tech-driven Nissan saloon has arrived after years of ultra-conservatism. This model should be challenging for the top spot for the local mainstream D-Segment. Provided Tan Chong maintained all the technical gizmos.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Veneno on Mar 29, 2018 at 12:52 pm

    What a gorgeous car.. Looks better than the new Accord and Camry, imo.. I love the simplicity of the interior too but I totally hate the floating screen..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Heskey on Mar 29, 2018 at 1:34 pm

    Will arrive in Malaysia in 2025

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
  • Ajaikinrara on Mar 29, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    Shake up the midsize sedan segment?? Shaking my head lol. Design is nice but the new Accord & Camry are way nicer. Cant even compete with current Mazda 6 design.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 15
  • Wong Fei Hong on Mar 29, 2018 at 4:01 pm

    Like- Variable Compression Engine, Dislike- Actuator that control it

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • gigi kuning macho on Mar 29, 2018 at 4:19 pm

    lets see first. New tech always entails problem…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • potato on Mar 29, 2018 at 7:17 pm

    Anyone else think the upcoming Camry design looks abit like the old US Camry (2nd previous gen) especially the front? they only changed the grill the front lights is identical.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Bernard on Mar 29, 2018 at 7:46 pm

    The Teana is not in demand today in Msia. Lost its appeal. People lose interest in it quickly.
    But Camry and Accord still in demand .

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • potato on Mar 29, 2018 at 9:13 pm

      maybe if Nissan kept the name Sei Fei Lou instead of Auntie name Teana?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • Racingkaki on Apr 04, 2018 at 3:33 pm

    I think Nissan should call the same name across the globe for this model, not like in Malaysia called Teana but in USA called Altima!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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