Since many of the new 2010 Nissan sedans are already at dealers, the real story is about their evolution. Nissan can ill afford to have stale product with any of their sedan lines. High-volume sales with each model remain the backbone of the company, with great performance/build quality, high-tech features and excellent value part of the proven formula. For the flagship Maxima—introduced last year—no mechanical or styling updates were on tap. Two new exterior colors, Crimson Black and Ocean Gray, are all that was seen, along with new wheel finishes. But that wasn’t the case with the Altima. The ’10 Altima sedans, coupe and hybrid (still sold in only eight states) all have significant mid-model styling updates to the hood, grille, and front bumper. Inside, revised fabrics, more upscale finishes, and an available next-gen navigation system await the discriminating consumer. Together, the upgrades make any Altima look more upscale, sleek, and appealing. Driving both the 2.5 Hybrid and 3.5 SR model (replaces the previous SE package), the Altima sedans accelerate, handle, and brake better than any grocery getter should.
I was particularly fond of the restyled Altima SR Coupe with new projector beam headlights and tastefully done brick-colored leather seats and interior combined with shimmering black paint. Altima Coupe fans may want to examine these upgrades carefully; they add both sparkle and function, without getting gaudy. The only disturbing news comes as consumers continue a trend away from buying manual transmissions in all Nissans. CVTs outsell six-speed gearboxes by an astounding 98%! And while many Nissan staffers bemoan this fact, the truth is this could be the last generation of sedans with manuals in them.
The 2010 Sentras, including the Se-R Spec V, have mildly revised finishes on the headlights, taillights, and wheels. Bigger news is that Nissan looked hard at Sentra pricing and came up with significant cost reductions on six high-value models. The Spec V was a whopping $1,080 less than the comparable 07-08 version. And it doesn’t end there either, as Nissan took the new 4.3” Nav system (with better legibility and appearance from the last factory kit) and packaged it in an option package costing an unheard-of $400 for Sentra buyers.
Finally, the Versa sedan and hatch got a modest refresh, with new front grille and different finishes on head/taillights. The sport package body kit (with unique front and rear fascias and sideskirts standard on the 1.8 SL hatchback) with 16” alloy wheels was sprightly and attractive. Versa sold so well in
—David Muramoto
