The Nissan Altima 2013 gets a 2.5 litre engine, capable of producing 182 bhp. The design of the car and the new engine also help to generate fuel efficiencies of 11.5 kmpl in the city and 16.16 kmpl on the highways. The current Altima is the fifth generation of this highly successful family sedan.
As compared to this sedan, the new Honda Accord has a 2.4 litre engine that develops a power of 179 bhp. However, the Accord also has a top variant that is powered by a 3.5 litre 270 bhp i-VTec engine. The Altima 2013 gets a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox, which makes power delivery smooth and efficient. In place of this, the Accord gets a Manual and an Automatic Transmission gearbox.
Currently the Teana is offered at a price range of Rs. 21-25 lakhs, but being a CBU (Completely Built Unit), there is scarce availability of spare parts. Instead of this, if the 2013 Altima can be localized and sold in the market in the range of Rs. 18-22 lakhs, it will definitely sell like hot cakes. Also, Honda and Toyota service standards are way ahead, and Nissan has some catching up to do, before shifting the potential customer to their brand.
Since the Altima 2013 has been successful in the global market, there is no reason why it cannot recreate the same in Indian conditions. Fuel efficiency and ride quality are two areas where Nissan would have to concentrate on, along with number of service centres. Thus, one can say that the 2013 Nissan Altima would definitely compete strongly against the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry if priced well.
