2012 Altima offers impressive array of comfort, handling

Nissan’s popular Altima is back in its familiar body style for 2012 with upgrades for comfort, technology and front suspension while sticking to the tried-and-true engine options.
 
Under the Hood
 
Nissan engineers designed the 2012 Altima coupe and sedan to take either the 175-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 pound-feet of torque or the 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 258 pound-feet of torque.
 
Both engines are teamed with either a six-speed manual

transmission or Nissan’s Xtronic CVT, or continuously variable transmission.
 
The Altima’s designers went the extra mile with the suspension, creating a system up front that uses nearly equal-length drive axles that are almost parallel to the ground to virtually eliminate torque-steer and give better performance and handling.
 
The coupe has a wheelbase that is shorter by four inches to give the sportier version better handling than the sedan as well as a smaller turn radius. It is also 2.1 inches shorter than the sedan.
 
Comfort and Convenience
 
The Altima’s interior was upgraded to include more technology and creature comforts for 2012. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls makes it easier for drivers to adjust the radio and stay focused on the road.
 
A Bluetooth hands-free phone device comes standard on the 3.5 SR model and is optional on other models.
 
Bluetooth audio streaming is also available, coming through an optional nine-speaker Bose AM/FM radio/CD player and MP3 player with iPod connectivity. A rear-view monitor and navigation system round out the technological hardware, and XM NavTraffic, NavWeather, and real-time traffic information are available with a subscription to XM satellite radio.
 
The L-shaped instrument cluster that extends to the center console gives the driver easy access to all gauges. Up to nine cup-holders ensure a beverage is never out of reach. Drivers can also get the perfect position via the eight-way-adjustable driver’s seat.
 
Dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear-seat vents keep the car air-conditioned, and for cold days, the front seats both include seat-heaters.
 
Altima sedans can be equipped with a sliding moonroof, and Nissan engineers designed the rear multi-link independent suspension for ride comfort.
 
Safety
 
All Altima models come standard with vehicle dynamic control with traction control. The rack-and-pinion steering system gives drivers the precise steering input needed at all times.
 
Standard four-wheel disc brakes slow down the Altima quickly with a four-wheel, four-channel, four-sensor antilock braking system with brake assist and electronic brake distribution.
 
Nissan's advanced airbag system on Altima models includes dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seatbelt sensors. Other airbags include front-seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted curtain airbags for both front-seat and rear-seat occupants.
 
Other safety features include front and rear crumple zones to absorb collision impact forces, seatbelts with pretensioners and active head restraints.