If you have a really keen eye, then you'll probably notice the subtle exterior updates to Nissan's line of 2010 sedans -- the Altima, Maxima, Sentra, and Versa. For the average bystander, though, these four-doors will scoot past with little reaction. Perhaps a, "Hmm, there's something different about that Nissan," but not much more. Ditto for the freshened interiors, all of which get minor tweaks, mostly with the electronics (audio and nav) and gauge clusters. Not that these changes aren't welcome and noteworthy, mind you; they've all been implemented to improve aesthetics and functionality, and to that end, they all succeed. Below is a rundown of the subtle but significant updates to Nissan's 2010 sedans.
ALTIMA
Nissan's cash cow -- the Altima is the brand's global sales leader - receives the most prominent exterior modifications, notably a new hood with a "power bulge," a restyled grille and front bumper, and fresh 16- and 17-inch wheel designs. The coupe gets similar updates but also adds projector beam headlights to the mix. For shift-it-yourself enthusiasts, the coupe is now the only Altima available with a manual transmission; all sedans come with exclusively with a CVT. Engines -- a 2.5-liter 175-horsepower four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter 270-horse V-6, and a 2.5-liter 158-horse four-cylinder plus 40-horsepower electric motor (198 horsepower combined) -- are carryover. For added safety, VDC is standard across the board.
Inside, both sedan and coupe receive updated gauges, a standard 4.3-inch color audio display, and a USB port with iPod connectivity. Nissan's next-gen navigation system, with a 6.5-inch monitor, Zagat restaurant guide, XM NavTraffic and NavWeather, and Bluetooth streaming audio, is available as an option. A la the Europeans, Nissan is even offering a handsome dark-red leather interior for the coupe. Pricing: Sedan -- 2.5 ($21,620), 2.5 S ($22,560), 3.5 SR ($25,240); Coupe -- 2.5 S 6M ($23,160), 2.5 S CVT ($23,660), 3.5 SR 6M ($30,320), 3.5 SR CVT ($27,990); Hybrid -- $27,500.
MAXIMA
Given that it's only a year old the 3.5-liter 290-horse V-6 Maxima enters 2010 with the fewest changes, the most significant of which is an optional next-gen nav system with a seven-inch screen, back-up camera, and 2GB hard drive. Bluetooth and USB/iPod connectivity are now standard, and there are new wheel finishes. Pricing: 3.5 S ($31,180), 3.5 SV ($33,900).
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