SPARK an argument with Nissan that its new Altima mid-size sedan is a replacement for the struggling Maxima, and Nissan will deny the connection.

However, scratch the surface, and underneath the cars share almost the same dimensions, and both drive the front wheels via either a 2.5-litre four-cylinder or 3.5-litre V6 engine — but according to Nissan they are not the same thing.

In an effort to differentiate the pair, Nissan’s newest model is classed as a mid-size sedan,while the outgoing model was classed as a large sedan. However, with sales of the Maxima just passing the 700 mark this year, Nissan will be hoping the Altima — replacement or not — will ramp up in sales.

Priced from $29,990 the Altima has its sights set on the seemingly unstoppable locally made Toyota Camry, the slightly pricier Japanese-built Mazda6, and may even steal a few sales from Holden’sKorean-sourced Malibu.

With a wide range of specification levels there is something for everyone, from the fleet-friendly ST variant up to more luxurious and performance-focused Ti-S version aimed at private buyers.

For the last year,four V8-engined versions of the Altima has built the car’s profile, even before the road-going version hit showrooms.

The Altima has proven itself as a strong seller elsewhere in the world and, on occasion, has even been the top-selling car in the US.However, Australia is a very different market.



Click here for the full review...