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The latest generation Nissan Altima was a big step for the automaker, which gave it a look bold and powerful V6. The car should really have done better against the Toyota Camry No. 1 and No. 2 Honda Accord.

Still, the front-wheel drive Altima sold well, which makes Nissan’s top-selling car, and the new 2007 is even more of a good alternative to the Accord and Camry.

Most new cars have grown larger, but it almost seems as if the new generation of the Altima has been reduced. It’s 2.5 inches shorter overall than its predecessor, with a shorter wheelbase approximately one inch at 109.3 inches for a little better maneuverability. However, the new car is nearly a half-inch wider and is the same height.

The style is smoother, though the 2007 Altima is very similar to the 2006 version. He reworked a little greenhouse (area above the bottom of the window), hood and fenders bolder, a reduction of the gaps in rear wheel and more exaggerated. A windshield with a rake helps provide more of a sportier look.

Altima interiors have never been one of the highlights of the car, but the quietest new interior looks more upscale. He has a better workforce, chrome accents and an increased use of soft materials for items such as padded armrests. Front console cupholders have coverage of the console to give a piece appearance when the lid is closed.

Front seats offer much support and backlit gauges can be quickly read, even in direct sunlight. Controls are well placed and most important can be easily exploited. But the engine of push-button start / stop feature is gimmicky because it can only be used if on the inside, a voluminous fob, which ends up in a cupholder.

Four large adults easily fit. Five slips easily if the extra occupants was thin, but the center of the rear seat is too strong for comfort, even on short trips.

The trunk is spacious, with a low, wide opening. But we have almost crawling in the trunk of the seatbacks fold forward to enlarge the cargo area.

Nissan’s new “C” platform is used for greater rigidity of the body and reducing noise, vibration and harshness. There is also a new front suspension for better stability, and the rear suspension has been improved for a smoother ride and more lightness.

List competitive prices, ranging from $ 17950 to $ 28400. The Altima is that the basis of 2.5, the highest on-line 2.5 S, 3.5 SE and midrange top-line 3.5 SL. (A gasoline / electric version hybid using technology from Toyota is sold in eight states with low emissions, including California.)

A smoother, more refined 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine continues with 175 hp and 2.5 levels powers finishing. The trim levels were 3.5 revamped 3.5-liter V6, which produces 270 horsepower. That’s up from 250 hp for the standard 2006 V6. (The SE-R 2006 hot rod version V6 with 260 horsepower).

The 4-cylinder should be OK for many buyers Altima. In fact, most buyers of mid-size sedans Japanese opt for a 4-cylinder engine. A 4-cylinder Altima does 0-60 mph in a respectable 7.5 seconds, but the V6 propels the car to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and can spend more strong 65-75 mph.

2007 Both engines have dual exhaust with chrome outlets for greater efficiency and help to give an Altima sexy appearance.

An automatic transmission continuously variable (CVT) is the standard for 3.5 SL and optional for other trim levels of the base, except Altima 2.5. A 6-speed manual gearbox with short strokes of change is standard for all but the 3.5 SL.

Altima offers a good highway mileage. Estimated fuel economy with the 4-cylinder and manual transmission is 24 mpg in the city and on highways 31 and 23 and 29 of the FPC. The V6 offers 21 in the city and 27 on the highway with the manual and 22 and 28 with the automatic.

The engines are placed lower to give the Altima lower center of gravity for better handling. However, I have experienced some torque steer (unwanted pulling on one side) during the accelerated hard on highway ramps speeds. However, the couple driving has been reduced from last year’s Altima.

The 3.5 SE is the most fun and as close as you can get last year SE-R hot rod. It has the highest manipulation, with a sport suspension featuring a larger diameter stabilizer bars and unique spring rates and damping of the shock, wider tires on 17-inch (16-inch) wheels.

Other Altimas are not too far behind, driving pleasure in the department with articles as a whole independent suspension. However, even if they have a sporty feel, none is sport sedans you get a good dose of sub if you drive hard.

Director is accurate, although there is a fairly heavy feeling in the 3.5 SE. The ride is supple, although slightly firmer with the 3.5 SE. The brake pedal has a linear action for smooth stops.

V6 Altima has a standard anti-lock brakes, which are optional for the 4-cylinder versions except the entry level of finish.

The security features are obviously important to many buyers of mid-size sedans. Standard items include Altima security front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. The traction control is standard on V6 trim levels and not available on the 4-cylinder versions. An anti-skid system with a full-size spare tire is offered for the 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL.

The base Altima is fairly well equipped, with items such as cruise control, tilt / telescopic steering wheel, center console, split-folding rear seat, and power mirrors, windows and locks keyless entry with remote control.

The 2.5 S adds air conditioning and AM / FM / CD player. Move SE and 3.5 are added a power driver’s seat and a steering wheel with radio controls. The top dog SL 3.5 adds leather upholstery, power sunroof, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer and satellite radio.

A lot of desirable option packages contain items, but they are not cheap. For example, a premium of 3.5 SE package costs $ 4400, but it contains elements such as a system-level sound, leather seats, power sunroof and XM Satellite Radio.

Competitive pricing Altima offers a sporty look and feel, without sacrificing practicality. This is more than enough for many buyers of mid-size sedans.