The same must be said for its exterior design that incorporates clean, sharp European influenced lines. Two triangular projector headlamps flank its menacing blacked-out grille. A long, elegant hood sweeps into its steeply raked windscreen that reaches back to an aggressively stubby rear trunk via a gracefully arced roofline. Its waistline lifts gently from the top edge of the front wheel cut-outs to the apex of the trunk where it meets with racy clear plastic taillights. Clearly it doesn't have a bad angle.

Actually, there doesn't seem to be a single bad angle when balancing its vices and virtues either. The virtues win hands down. With class leading performance, a feature-laden interior and great looks all for an extremely competitive price, the Altima should effectively shake up the mid-size market, winning new customers over to Nissan in the process.

Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $23,498 - $33,098
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: Front engine, FWD
• Base Engine: 175 hp, 180 lb-ft, 2.5-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
• Opt Engine: 240 hp, 246 lb-ft, 3.5-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
• Transmission: 5-spd man (opt 4-spd auto)
• Brakes: disc/disc (opt ABS with EBD)
• Curb Weight: 1,371 kg (3,022 lbs)
• Cargo Cap (trunk): 442 L (15.6 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 10.1 / 7.3 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler Sebring, Daewoo Leganza, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Magentis, Mazda 626, Pontiac Grand Am, Saturn L Series, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Jetta/Passat
• Web Site: www.nissan.ca