Lighter 2013 Nissan Altima Goes Heavy on Safety for Five-Star NCAP Rating

WARWICK, R.I. (10/05/2012)(readMedia)-- In car design, safety and fuel efficiency can often be opposing goals, but Nissan's engineers have brought the two together in the 2013 Nissan Altima. The all-new midsize sedan recently earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Nissan dropped 80 pounds from the Altima during its redesign to help it reach a best-in-class fuel economy of 38 mpg on the highway, yet the car's body was made stronger, allowing it to ace its crash-protection tests.

Earning top marks in the NHTSA's frontal and side crash tests, as well as a four-star rating in the rollover protection test, the 2013 Altima rated higher than its heavier predecessor. Standard safety equipment in the new Nissan includes an Advanced Air Bag System with front occupant-classification sensors, front seat side-impact supplemental airbags, roof-mounted side-curtain airbags and Vehicle Dynamic Control, which helps keep the car headed in the right direction in adverse road conditions.

"Conventional wisdom tells us that lowering a vehicle's weight should diminish its crash protection, but Nissan used ultra-high-strength steel in the Altima's chassis to simultaneously make the vehicle stronger and lighter," said Steven Doss, general manager of Rhode Island Nissan dealership Balise Nissan of Warwick. "The result is a car that can ease pain at the pump yet give you peace of mind when you're out on the road."

It was performance, not crash protection that was on Motor Trend magazine's agenda when it recently brought the 2013 Nissan Altima together with several of its midsize competitors for a side-by-side comparison. Other tested models included the Chevy Malibu, Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Ford Fusion, providing a cross-section of the newest and most popular cars in the segment.

Motor Trend editors praised the 2013 Nissan Altima for its performance on curvy roads, describing the sedan as "buttoned-down" with "confidence-inspiring suspension." That road-hugging display was backed up by acceleration numbers that tied the Honda Accord for group best. Equipped with its standard 182-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission, the Altima also netted the top observed fuel economy in the test.

With its conveniently laid out controls, well-designed gauge cluster and easy-to-read available touchscreen, the Altima's sophisticated interior garnered compliments from Motor Trend as well. A Bluetooth hands-free phone system is also on the list of standard equipment, helping to alleviate the risk of distracted driving. Meanwhile, optional equipment includes a voice-recognition navigation system featuring point-of-interest information from Google and live traffic and weather reports.

"A great midsize car has to be a jack of all trades, offering responsive performance, top-notch technology, extensive safety and impressive fuel efficiency," noted Doss. "The 2013 Altima not only has all those things, but it also has a sleeker style that bucks the boring status quo in the segment."

About Balise Nissan of Warwick:

Balise Nissan of Warwick has been serving the motoring needs of Rhode Island drivers for years, providing great new and used Nissan sales, service and parts with a steadfast focus on customer service. Offering vehicles like the Nissan Altima, Sentra, Versa and Maxima for comfortable, efficient commutes, as well as rugged yet refined rides like the Pathfinder, Frontier and Armada, Balise Nissan of Warwick has something for everyone. Visit their Rhode Island Nissan dealership at 1350 Post Rd. in Warwick, R.I., call them at 401-352-5908 or visit them online at www.balisenissanri.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BaliseNissanWarwick.