Following the regional launch of the new 2023 Nissan Altima, the technologically-advanced sedan is celebrating three decades of rich heritage, legacy, and innovation in the Middle East. Now in its sixth generation, the Nissan Altima continues to differentiate itself through bold and dynamic styling, cutting-edge performance, and a host of innovative technologies.
Regarded as one of Nissan’s best-selling nameplates with over six million units sold globally, the Altima’s success story dates back to 1992 when it made its entry into the brand’s line-up. Prior to its global debut, the Altima name appeared on the top trim line of the Nissan Leopard and Nissan Laurel, playing on the word ‘ultimate’ and positioning the car as the ‘ultimate sedan’.
The Nissan Altima has established itself in the Middle East as a core model in the brand’s line-up, boasting a legacy that spans six generations and more than thirty years. As the Altima marks a new milestone in the region, Nissan celebrates its continued success with the introduction of the new 2023 model, which features aesthetic upgrades inside and out, and welcomes a plethora of technological features, including a new 12.3-inch display and wireless smartphone integration.
Thierry Sabbagh, President, Nissan Saudi Arabia, INFINITI Middle East and Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, said: “An essential model for Nissan globally and in the Middle East, the Nissan Altima serves as tangible evidence of our commitment to deliver vehicles that are technologically advanced, fun to drive, and cater to the needs of our customers. Through six generations, the Altima has offered our customers the very best, including being the first model to debut our advanced ProPILOT driver assistance system in the Middle East. The new 2023 model builds on a strong legacy in the region and stays true to our brand promise of ‘Innovation that Excites’”.
As a pioneer within its segment decade after decade, the Altima builds on its success, which spans over six generations, since its regional debut in the early nineties:
- First Generation: The birth of the Altima
First produced in June 1992 as a 1993 model, the Altima replaced the Nissan Stanza, also known as the Nissan Bluebird in certain markets. The first-generation Altima, created at Nissan’s Southern California design studio, was noted for its contemporary design and sporty performance and was a true technological trailblazer. Powering the four-door sedan was a 150-horsepower inline 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine matched with the choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
- Second Generation: First Altima to offer side airbags
The second-generation Altima, which was introduced in 1998, featured a fresh redesign and offered a sportier appearance inside and out, along with enhanced safety through the introduction of side airbags. A bump in power saw the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produce 160 horsepower, while the Altima made a bold statement with 15-inch wheels embellishing the wheel arches for the very first time.
- Third Generation: First Altima to offer a V6 engine
Launched in 2002, the third-generation Nissan Altima introduced an all-new design and was the first Nissan vehicle to be built on the brand’s new FF-L platform (Front engine, Front-wheel drive, Long) with a 6.9-inch longer wheelbase than its predecessor. Powertrain enhancements included a 175-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and an award-winning VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 240 horsepower. Along with being the first Altima to offer a V6 engine, the third-generation model was also the first to be equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes and a rear multi-link suspension.
- Fourth Generation: First Altima to offer a Coupe body style
Among the many changes that the fourth-generation Nissan Altima brought to the market in 2007, were a more powerful 270-horsepower V6 engine and the brand’s first use of its Xtronic CVT transmission. A new body style, the Altima Coupe, was also added to the lineup for the 2008 model year and was designed to attract younger buyers looking for sporty performance and styling.
- Fifth Generation: First Altima to offer Zero-Gravity seats
Launched in 2013, the fifth-generation model became known as the most innovative and premium Altima in the model’s 20-year history at the time. In addition to a restyled and lighter body, the fifth-generation model featured a more powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, next-generation Xtronic transmission, and a refined suspension set-up. The fifth-generation model was also the first Altima to feature Nissan’s innovative Zero-Gravity front seats for enhanced comfort and “honking” easy-fill tire alert system for enhanced convenience and safety.
- Sixth Generation: First Altima to offer a Variable Compression (VC) turbo engine
Making its global debut at the New York International Auto Show in 2018, the sixth-generation Nissan Altima is heralded as the most exciting and technologically advanced model to date. Replacing the 3.5-liter V6 engine of the outgoing model, the sixth-generation Altima brought the world’s first variable compression turbo engine to the fore, delivering advanced excitement and fuel efficiency. In 2021, the Altima also debuted Nissan’s advanced ProPILOT driver assistance system in the Middle East, for added safety and convenience.
A refreshed sixth generation, the new 2023 Nissan Altima is currently available at Nissan’s partner network across the Middle East, in four well-equipped grades – S, Sport, SV and SL – with a choice of two 4-cylinder engine configurations, a 2.0-liter Variable Compression (VC) Turbo engine and a 2.5-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) engine.
