Falling sales and a weak D-sector could prompt Honda to leave the next Accord off the UK sales list
There is no “concrete plan” to replace the current Honda Accord in the UK, according to company insiders. Like other cars competing in the cut-throat mainstream D-sector, Accord sales have been hit as drivers are forced by CO2-based taxation to downsize into Golf-class cars.
The rising popularity of compact SUVs is also undermining the European D-sector. UK sales of the Accord have slipped from about 10,000 per year to about 2500.
Importing the Accord from Japan also seriously depresses the car’s profitability because of the strength of the yen against sterling.
Currently, 93 per cent of Honda’s UK sales are of cars made in Britain, resulting in the Accord becoming a niche model alongside the CR-Z and Insight hybrids.
Nice looking car, however I've always liked the Mazda6 styling....
We’ve been very anxiously waiting for the new Mazda 6 ever since we first saw the stunning Takeri concept. The Japanese manufacturer assured people that the upcoming production version of the Takeri, the all-new 6 would retain most of its design cues, and we’re very happy to report that they weren’t lying.
After one picture leaked onto the web last night, Mazda responded by releasing an additional three, showing the car from pretty much every angle. We are really impressed with how it turned out and we say that it’s the best looking sedan revealed in a while (a few years, actually).
According to Mazda, they will be officially revealing the car live one month sooner than anticipated, not at the Paris Motor Show, but at a similar venue taking place in Moscow next month (August 29th). It will, obviously, be shown in Paris as well, but Russia will be the first country to see the new 6 in the metal.
We hope this car is as good to drive as it is to look at, as well as being very efficient, as we’ve come to expect from Mazda. We applaud their design effort, and if it will be backed up by similarly good driving dynamics (which judging by the old model, it probably will, and some), there will be no reason for anybody to want another sedan.
While the BMW X3 and redesigned Acura RDX have moved up in Consumer Reports Ratings of upscale compact sporty SUVs, both vehicles earned a top spot by changing their powertrains in different directions.
The X3 has been powered by a six-cylinder base engine since its inception in 2004, but BMW opted to go smaller for 2013. It replaced the previous 3.0-liter inline six with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The new engine ekes out 1 mpg better overall fuel economy (23 mpg) than the old one. The turbo four is not as refined as the six, but it delivers the same 240 hp and comparable acceleration. Precision handling and a taut ride make the X3 drive like the best sporty sedans. Add to that a quiet and plush interior, and the X3 scores at the top of CR’s Ratings.
By contrast, Acura dumped the RDX’s rough and thirsty turbocharged four-cylinder engine in favor of a more refined 273-hp, 3.5-liter V6. The larger engine not only performs better but also contributes to a respectable fuel economy of 22 mpg overall. The sweet sounding V6 feels smooth and responsive, delivering effortless acceleration.
“The RDX had been a weak spot in the otherwise competent Acura lineup; the previous version wasn’t refined and had a stiff ride. But the engine upgrade, along with a roomier, user-friendly cabin and an improved ride, helps it score near the top of its category,” said David Champion, Sr. Director of Consumer Reports Automotive Test Center.
Another good choice is the Audi Q5 which features enjoyable handling and a well-trimmed interior.
Consumer Reports originally tested it with the uplevel 3.2-liter V6 but now tested it with its base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that averaged a good 21 mpg overall on premium fuel. Shifting is very smooth from the responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Optional for 2013, is a potent 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that replaces the 3.2-liter V6, with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel and hybrid expected later.
The full report and road test results on Consumer Reports’ latest tests are available on http://www.ConsumerReports.org on July 24th and in the September issue of Consumer Reports on newsstands July 5. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to Website for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information. Check out CR’s ongoing Twitter feed at @CRCars.
Rounding out Consumer Reports’ foursome is the Cadillac SRX, which dropped its overtaxed 3.0-liter V6 and optional 2.8-liter turbo V6 for a larger 3.6-liter V6 that gets 18 mpg overall. Despite a power increase and impressive acceleration track times, the heavy SRX still feels sluggish in everyday driving. The interior is plush but driver visibility is problematic. Overall the Cadillac scored a respectable 72 in Consumer Reports Ratings, dropping a point because its revised suspension tuning hurt its emergency handling performance.
The RDX and the Q5 are Recommended because reliability is predicted to be average or above. The X3 four-cylinder is too new for Consumer Reports to predict reliability, and the SRX has shown below-average reliability.
Consumer Reports also tested two other turbocharged four-cylinder SUVs for this report: the Kia Sportage SX and the Ford Edge SEL. The Sportage gained a turbocharger to boost power; the Edge is another SUV that downsized from a V6 to a turbo four to save fuel.
The Kia Sportage’s stylish design stands out from the crowd of typical boxy SUVs. But if you want even more fun, you can buy the top-level Sportage SX with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With 84 more horses than the standard four-cylinder, acceleration is much quicker. Handling is agile and responsive, with body lean that’s kept in check in the corners, but the steering is heavy and doesn’t give much feedback. The ride, which was already stiff in the base Sportage, becomes worse with the SX version. There is also quite a bit of wind noise and pronounced road noise.
From the outside, the tested Ford Edge SEL might look like any other Edge. But under the hood it’s missing two engine cylinders. That’s because this SEL has Ford’s optional EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine instead of the base 3.5-liter V6. The little engine moves this not-so-little SUV around with plenty of power There’s less engine noise, too: The four-cylinder turbo actually sounds more refined than the V6. Fuel economy is improved over the V6 but you can’t get all-wheel-drive with the EcoBoost four-cylinder. The six-speed transmission lacks refinement and handling comes up short on agility.
Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.
Above is the new pic of what the next gen Honda Fit/Jazz may look like and below is one that was floating around a while ago. If you don't already have Woody's site bookmarked, I'd highly recommend it, he's got a great site! Check it out if you haven't already; www.woodyscarsite.com
The all-new 2013 Honda Accord is at present being honed, tweaked and refined in efforts to put the spark back into the carmaker’s reputation among US motorists. Early images of the 2013 Accord have already made their onto the web, as the company prepares to do battle with industry heavyweights including the 2013 Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and the mighty Ford Fusion.
In order to earn a lead over the competition, Honda will have to afford the 2013 Accord more than just a few stylish tweaks and touches here and there. However, the Japanese auto giant has already admitted that efforts are being made not to be too heavy-handed with the new 2013 Accord, having learned lessons following the launch of the overly-modified 2012 Honda Civic.
According to company executives, the 2013 Honda Accord will be a “well-balanced product that is the best overall product in everything, whether we’re talking about interior packaging, content of the vehicle, the fuel economy of the vehicle.”
Motorists have also been advised to prepare for an Accord that is “One of the most feature-rich vehicles we’ve ever made.”
Honda-devotees across the US have voiced their concerns as to how well the company will be able to strike the necessary balance of incredible advancement without going overboard. Should the 2013 Honda Accord launch as a basic and predictable evolution of the current model, it will most likely struggle to compete with market-leaders from Ford, Kia and Hyundai.
However, the Accord certainly has a strong legacy to fall back on and initial demand is expected to be high.
Even at this moment, Honda’s according remains America’s fourth biggest-selling auto, falling behind only its sibling Honda Civic, the Nissan Altima and the unstoppable Toyota Camry.
The 2013 Honda Accord has some big shoes to fill, but one heck of a fan-base to capitalize on.
Honda Motor Co. is recalling certain Honda CRV compact SUVs from the 2012 model year, and Acura ILX sedans from the 2013 model year to fix a flaw in their door-locking mechanisms.
In a document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the car maker said that if an occupant operates the manual or power door lock while someone is moving an interior front door handle, the cable connecting the door handle to the door-latch system may loosen. If this happens and the cable moves far enough from its proper position it could prevent the door from latching properly.
If the door is not completely latched it may open in a crash or during normal driving, increasing the risk of injury. The recall affects 172,837 vehicles.
Under the recall, which is to begin next month, Honda dealers will replace the front door latch assemblies free of charge. Honda said it will also replace the interior front door handles in certain CR-Vs. Owners may contact the company at 800-999-1009 (US).
For those of us in Canada that would like to know if their vehicle is affected by the recall, follow this link and type in your VIN number (instructions on the link); Honda Canada Recall Inquiry
Type R is likely to be previewed at the Geneva motor show in March next year before going on sale in about 12 months’ time.
The new Honda Civic Type R will be confirmed for production at the Paris motor show in September, company insiders have confirmed to Autocar. It is then likely to be previewed at the Geneva motor show in March next year before going on sale in about 12 months’ time.
Engine details of the new Type R are still under wraps. The old Type R went out of production before the standard Civic because its high-revving, normally aspirated VTEC engine failed to meet emissions regulations. Honda could have updated the engine for the new Type R, or it could be destined to get a downsized turbo engine in line with hot hatch rivals.
Before the hottest new Civic arrives, Honda will launch a cooking version of the new five-door hatchback. Mugen and Team Dynamics both recently showed proposals for a ‘Type S’ version of the new Civic at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and a decision on the direction of the new 1.8-litre petrol model is imminent.
Honda has released the updated details and images of its new British-built CR-V, ahead of the vehicle's UK launch this October.
The SUV is to be made available in both two- and four-wheel drive variants with a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine, Honda has confirmed, while the other engines in the range have been engineered for a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
Compared to the previous generation CR-V, the new model takes on a more aerodynamic stance with a bolder nose section, while the front bumper is joined by a horizontal three-bar grille and deep-set headlights. The CR-V's signature vertical rear brake lights, which debuted on the original model, remain but introduce a more three-dimensional style.
The European-specific CR-V design, which differs to the same generation design for the rest of the world, includes exterior refinements not seen elsewhere including a revised front bumper and front LED daytime running lights with rear LED lightings as standard.
The length and height of the new CR-V have been reduced by 5mm and 30mm respectively, but Honda claims that hasn't come at the cost of interior space: the new-generation CR-V increases its boot capacity by 148 litres over the outgoing model for a total of 1,640 litres, although this drops to 589 litres with the rear seats folded up. The load length is increased by 140mm to 1,570mm, while the height of the load lip has been reduced by 25mm to make loading heaving or awkward items easier.
Internally, Honda promises a spacious cabin with high-quality finish and improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reductions over the outgoing models. A new front seat design incorporates whiplash-mitigation technology, while the rear seats feature a single-motion easy-fold system for increasing the luggage area.
Full UK specifications have yet to be released, but Honda is preliminarily claiming that the new body results in a 6.5 percent reduction in drag coefficient for improved fuel economy and efficiency. The 150PS i-DTEC, as an example, drops its carbon dioxide emissions from 171g per kilometre driven on the outgoing model to 153g/km, while the power output of the 2.0-litre i-VTEC rises to 155PS from 150PS despite a drop in carbon dioxide emissions from 192g/km to 174g/km in the manual edition.
Full UK pricing and specifications are expected to be detailed later this year, ahead of its planned launch in October.
New Cloud-Based HondaLink™ Connected Car System Helps Drivers Put Away Their Phones While Maintaining Intuitive Access to Their Favorite Media
HondaLink™ provides first-ever OEM application of Aha™, delivering robust digital content via preset smartphone app
July 18, 2012
TORRANCE
Honda today unveiled HondaLink™, a new in-vehicle connectivity system that will debut this fall on the all-new, ninth-generation 2013 Honda Accord. Featuring the first automotive OEM application of Aha™ by Harman, HondaLink will provide a personalized experience connecting drivers to thousands of cloud-based news, information and entertainment feeds from around the world, using an intuitive, audio-system based interface.
"HondaLink will enable customers to put away their phone and still stay connected to the people, music and media they love," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda. "By creating an intuitive and customizable user interface, HondaLink allows drivers to access digital content as easily as choosing a radio station."
Honda's intuitive new HondaLink smartphone application allows owners to preset content on their phone. Once in the car, consumers can enjoy personalized content accessible via voice recognition, steering-wheel mounted controls and in-dash audio system controls. With a tethered smartphone serving as a conduit to a wealth of cloud-based media, HondaLink creates a unique, connected driving experience.
"Honda's strategy is about leveraging the cloud to bring a wealth of new information and services to Honda owners," said Charles Koch, American Honda manager of new business development. "This is the next evolution of the connected car and the connected customer."
Through the Aha service, for example, HondaLink users can listen to Facebook and Twitter audio newsfeeds, podcasts from NPR, location-based personalized restaurant listings from Yelp!, and access internet music services such as Slacker. The service is free and instantly accessible from the cloud.
Aha delivers a user-friendly experience requiring infrequent smartphone software updates, with in-vehicle content and channel access updating simply and automatically throughout the vehicle life. And content available from HondaLink will grow as the system continues to expand its services for Honda owners. HondaLink will also incorporate Pandora internet radio and voice-to-text SMS text services with pre-programmed responses, which Honda introduced on the 2012 CR-V.
HondaLink EV
The HondaLink family also includes HondaLink EV, specifically designed for the all-new Fit EV all-electric vehicle and the upcoming Accord Plug-In Hybrid. Owners of these electric vehicles will have access to unique applications designed specifically to maintain connectivity to their vehicle. The HondaLink EV application will allow the user to remotely view the state of charge, initiate charging, and activate the air conditioning and heater to pre-condition the vehicle while connected to the grid to maximize battery range on start-up. HondaLink EV will launch with the Fit EV, which will be available for lease in California and Oregon beginning on July 20, 2012
Toyota was a pioneer in its segment with the first generation RAV4, which was considerably smaller than the SUV they currently build. This one was introduced in 2006 and suffered a facelift at the middle of its cycle in 2009.
So presumably, this brand new RAV4 is going to be on the market within the next year or so. This is first time we’ve been able to show you a prototype, and even though it’s heavily camouflaged, we can see it’s changed a lot.
It’s going to be better and more economical than the current generation, the reason being stiff competition coming its way from other Japanese rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 and the Honda CR-V.
The architecture for this car is believed to be derived from the current generation, seeing as the wheelbase seems unchanged.
We can also clearly see this car has done without the tailgate-mounted spare tire. Given where the number plate is installed and the shape of the bumper, it’s reasonable to deduce that this feature has been removed, and the spare is now in the trunk.
The styling of the 2013 RAV4 might differ from market to market, but it will be inspired by the Camry in the US.
Automakers are trying to convince us they can make hybrid sportscars that are as economical as diesel econoboxes on tiny wheels, but still offer all the thrills. We’re not so convinced, because once you actually do want to get on the gas, that power, be it electric or fuel-based, has to come from something.
But Honda doesn’t seem to be going back on its word and is making the next NSX into an all-wheel drive hybrid.
The NSX has been off the radar for a number of years now, and the Japanese have to actually prove their car is worth our attention. And to do this they will unleash it onto the track.
But the racing version of the NSX might be a conventionally-powered, non-hybrid car, at least according to an AutoGuide report.
According to them Honda will race their sportscar in the American Grand Am series, which currently does not allow hybrids. However, a new class could be created soon, as Mazda has announced a diesel racer for next year.
What’s more, the NSX will race in Japan in the Super GT Series, which would also forbid a hybrid AWD car under current regulations.
TOKYO -- Honda has a few tricks up its sleeve for the next-generation Fit due next year.
Honda already has said the Fit will pioneer a new regional r&d strategy -- in which global nameplates will break from a one-size-fits-all approach and be developed and built locally.
But Honda apparently is planning a new Fit-based crossover to help it sell more than 1 million vehicles off the new platform, according to Japan's Nikkei business daily.
Those crossovers will mainly target the U.S. and European markets, and global volume could reach 400,000 units, the report says.
If true, look for a U.S. version to be made at the new Mexican plant Honda plans to open in 2014. That factory is already slated to make the Fit hatchback.
Worldwide, Honda makes about 800,000 vehicles based on the Fit platform, including the Fit hatch and its sedan-styled City sibling, the Nikkei notes.
Adding a crossover could push it over the 1 million mark.
The redesigned Fit is expected in the United States next year.
The car is already small by U.S. standards, but could a pint-sized crossover version catch on Stateside? To match demand for utility hauling, it might need more oomph under the hood.
The Japan market already gets a tall-wagon variant of the Fit, called the Freed. That model even comes in an eight-seat version, but that kind of load can put a strain on its 1.5-liter engine.
This is the first month to order the 13M Accord Sedan.
We are pleased to introduce the all new Accord sedan. For 13M the following trims will be available with these standard features.
13M Accord L4 Sedan Features
LX includes:
• Rearview camera • 8 in. i-MID TFT screen • Pandora • SMS text messaging capability • 16 in alloy wheels • Body color door mirrors • Chrome door handles • Bluetooth HandsFreeLink • USB • Dual Zone Auto AC • Auto on/off headlights • Security Alarm
NEW Sport adds:
• 18 in Alloy Wheels • 8-way power seat • Fog Lights • Dual Exhaust • Decklid Spoiler • Paddle Shifters
EX adds or replaces on Sport:
• Honda LaneWatch (Blind Spot display) • Side mirrors with turn signal indicators • 17 in Alloy Wheels • Power Moonroof
EX-L adds or replaces features on EX:
• Leather trimmed seats • Audio with touch screen • Multi-angle rearview camera • Forward Collision Warning • Lane Departure Warning • XM Radio • Heated Front Seats • Leather steering wheel • Navigation option
13M Accord V6 Sedan Features
EX-L adds to L4 EX-L:
• LED Daytime Running Lights • Homelink • Dual Exhaust
NEW Touring:
• Includes all of the aforementioned EX-L features and some additional Luxury features
Even though this is the Euro Civic Sedan for 2013, I can't help but think that these changes are what the North American Civic might get.... Only a few more months and we'll know for sure....
Honda has dropped the first photos of the European-market Civic sedan, ahead of its launch later this year. While the hatchback variant is bespoke to Europe, the sedan variant is essentially a tweaked version of the global Civic sedan – both inside and out.
When compared to the U.S model, the European Civic boasts a redesigned centre console, made from hard-wearing materials, and updated seating fabrics. The Civic sedan also features Honda’s new I-MID (Intelligent-Multi Information Display) screen that allows the driver to monitor the vehicle’s functions.
Initially, the Civic sedan will be launched with a four-cylinder, 1.8 litre petrol engine, with the rest of the engine line-up likely to mirror the hatchback model.
Sales of the European Honda Civic sedan will kick-off late Summer in selected European markets, sans the United Kingdom.
Toyota is working full throttle to develop a new generation of the RAV4, with the vehicle set to be shown by the end of the year, but we don’t have to wait in order to get an idea of what the designers are preparing, as a set of speculative renderings have appeared in the Italian magazine Quattroroute.
The renderings show that the fourth generation of the RAV4 will be a revolution in terms of design and will be positioned higher on the market, as it will borrow a few styling cues from Lexus (notice the CT200h headlamps?).
As for the tech side, various unofficial reports indicate that the engine range will follow the downsizing trend. For example, the V6 engine will be ditched in favor of the 2.5-liter that’s currently available. It is still unclear if Toyota will offer a hybrid version, due to the fact that the company is promoting the RAV4 electric vehicle, which has recently made its Californian debut.
Our say: we musn't forget that this is the car that basically invented the SUV segment, so its changes are very important, despite the fact that it might not set the trends anymore.
Ford Motor Co. is now officially unrepresented in the board of Mazda Motor Corp. This came as the last Ford appointee on Mazda's board, Thomas Pixton, left the Japanese carmaker following its June 27 annual shareholders' meeting. Pixton’s exit from Mazda signals the end of an era that is marked by Ford’s control of the Japanese carmaker’s board. Ford first acquired a 25 percent stake in Mazda in 1979, when the latter was struggling financially. Mazda’s financial troubles once again paved the way for Ford to acquire additional stakes and increase its ownership to 33.4 percent in 1996.
However, fiscal winds changed directions and headed to Ford in 2008, forcing the carmaker to slowly divest its stake in Mazda to boost its emptying coffers. In a span of two years, Ford saw its stake in Mazda dwindle to 3.5 percent. In 2012, Ford sold another tranche of shares to effectively reduce its stake in Mazda to 2.1 percent. During Ford’s dominance in Mazda, the US carmaker was able to enthrone four of its executives as successive presidents of its Japanese partner. However, Ford’s control of Mazda as well as the number of board representatives dwindled as its stake decreased.
Despite the end of its involvement in Mazda, Ford remains as a partner in other ventures. Ford and Mazda still jointly own the AutoAlliance International Inc assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich.; Mazda, however, decided in June to indefinitely suspend output of its vehicles at the plant. Both carmakers are also involved in a three-way joint venture in China with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co.; but they are assessing ways to break the venture up so that Ford and Mazda can have separate operations in China. Ford and Mazda also jointly own the AutoAlliance (Thailand) Co., assembly plant. The good news is that, the carmakers said in April 2012 that they will invest around $27 million to increase the plant's annual pickup capacity by 20,000 units to 195,000 units.
What It Is Nissan's best-selling car and last year's midsize sedan bridesmaid looks to topple the segment leaders with its stylish, innovative packaging and fun-to-drive character. Best Thing That 38-mpg fuel highway fuel economy number is for real. Worst Thing The tires may be made by high-quality, name-brand labels, but their loud, squeal-prone nature reeks of budget-brand quality. Snap Judgment With a lot of small tweaks, the 2013 Nissan Altima adds up to be a much better car than the one it replaces.
It used to be said that the differences from the best to the worst cars in the midsize segment were huge. That's perhaps how Japanese automakers took hold of the family sedan market in the 1990s and never looked back. But today, that's not really the case, as the class's best sellers are separated by the smallest of fractions.
With the 2013 Nissan Altima, the Japanese automaker is trying to open that gap a little. But instead of trying to revolutionize the segment with some high-flying, revolutionary car, it's chiseling away with the same basic formula that has propelled it the position of the second-best-selling car in its class. And for 2013, Nissan has made its family car even better.
Headlining the 2013 Altima is its 38-mpg highway fuel economy, a number that far surpasses its non-hybrid competition. Nissan was able to accomplish this feat by improving aerodynamics, lowering the car's weight, and re-engineering its continuously variable automatic transmission for better acceleration and fuel economy. Coupled to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's up 7 horsepower to 182, its fuel up 4 mpg in the city and 6 mpg on the highway versus the 2012 model.
Competing against stalwarts like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, as well as other segment leaders like the Hyundai Sonata and soon-to-be-redesigned Ford Fusion, it's no longer enough for the Altima's chief selling point to be its price. The new car is plenty improved over the outgoing model, but is it improved enough to jump to the top of its class?
Walkaround
Before seeing the car in the sheetmetal, I kept tally of what some of my friends thought about the 2013 Nissan Altima. A few loved it; a few adamantly hated it. But hate isn't a bad thing; some of the world's most renown car designers have said the worst opinion of their designs would be one of neutrality, and it doesn't look like Nissan will have to worry about that. But when I saw it, it looked to me as though Nissan had struck the perfect balance between the radical Hyundai Sonata and forgettable Toyota Camry, making sure its styling would be remembered longer than 30 seconds after walking away from it.
The 2013 Nissan Altima takes much of its looks from the 2010 Ellure concept sedan, adding softer shapes but more dramatic lines to the midsize sedan. Up front, Nissan gave the new Altima large, chrome-bordered trapezoidal grille, evocative of a samurai's robe, or so the automaker says.
It shares the same 109.3-inch wheelbase with the outgoing model, giving it a fairly sprawling stance with good proportions, like its predecessor. But thanks to raising the rear seat, it has more real-world legroom. Although its roofline is steeply raked, headroom is ample for rear-seat passengers taller than six feet. Getting into the back might take a little bit of ducking, though.
The previous Altima was happily inoffensive in addition to being cheap and reliable. And it worked, with the Altima still sitting in second place in sales behind the Camry despite its six years on the market. But this new car stirs the pot a bit, hoping to get people to notice. And like it or not, people will notice.
Sitting Down
We had the opportunity to drive just two 2013 Altimas, so we did what any enterprising car reviewers would do: We got into the bargain-basement Altima 2.5 and the 270-horsepower, absolutely loaded Altima 3.5 SL.
At $22,280, including $780 for destination and handling, the base model is expected to make up a tiny fraction of sales, relegated mostly to fleet and rental car duties. But even so, it came with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and Nissan's Advanced Drive-Assist information display in its gauges, nice touches to be sure. A representative later told us the most basic model probably shouldn't have been available in the introduction since it often goes overlooked, but we're glad Nissan didn't avert our eyes from the bare-bones model.
We found controls to be straightforward and the interior to be somewhat more conservative than what we were expecting from a car with such a distinctive wrapper. In base models, the color scheme goes for grays and charcoals, with plastics that look and feel better than the outgoing model's, but not by much. That's a shame, as some competitors have both more solid-feeling interiors and higher-quality materials. But seeing as though the 2013 Altima's goal is to knock the Toyota Camry off the top of the mountain, we can report that the Nissan's interior quality feels better than its Kentucky-built rival's.
Stepping up to the V-6-powered Altima 3.5 SL, we expected some better materials. The plastics largely remained the same, but the car's beige color scheme certainly brightened up the downtrodden look. The seats came with the same ergonomically correct NASA-engineered "zero-gravity" foam underneath, but the uplevel model featured seat heaters and perforated leather. In back, the newly raised rear seat makes it easier for even tall passengers to sit comfortably, showing that some small tweaks in packaging can make a car's usable interior space among the best in its class. Hopping from car to car, we came to appreciate the premium technology features available at each price, acknowledging that even a roughly $32,305 Altima 3.5 SL was a pretty good deal. But even in its most basic trim level, we still didn't mind the overall look, with fewer features and a rubberized steering wheel instead of the leather one that comes in all but the base, 2.5 S, and 3.5 S models. For basic transportation, the pedestrian Altima excelled at its job. We just wish the $10,000 pricier version had a little more of a "wow" factor to it.
Driving
Nissan plotted out a route in Lynchburg, Tennessee's twisty back roads, prompting us to see just what the car could do. While steering feel was generally good thanks to a new power assist system that emphasizes steering "feel," the 2013 Nissan Altima's tires didn't prove as capable during our loop. Using low rolling resistance tires in both standard 16-, or upgraded 17- or 18-inch wheel and tire packages, the Altima squealed around twists in the road. And while quiet through most of our driving, the Altima could have used better sound deadening on the coarser roads, as noise could more readily be heard than in some of the Altima's competitors, which Nissan brought for comparison.
However, with Nissan's trick handling controlsand shock absorbers designed by German outfit ZF--the company that designs many of BMW's technologies--the Altima felt plenty competent in emergency handling situations. It just didn't sound like it. Nissan said it targeted Audis and BMWs for handling prowess; a set of tires that didn't whine like a child having to go to bed early would have completed the package.
While the low rolling-resistance tires on the 2013 Altima were our least-favorite part of the car, they helped make one of our favorite parts of it possible: fuel economy. In a 3,200-pound sedan, we were a little skeptical of Nissan's 38-mpg claim. But it didn't take long for it to make--and surpass--that number, thanks to a revised continuously variable automatic transmission. With a CVT, there is no feeling of the car changing gears; it just builds speed while engine revs remain constant. Although somewhat disconcerting at first, the Altima's lack of "shift shock" makes you think you're going a lot slower than you are until you look down at the speedometer. Nissan says 90 percent of buyers will select the car's four-cylinder powerplant, and we don't blame anyone who does. The engine works perfectly with the transmission setup. On paper, it looks like it's lacking in horsepower versus many of its rivals, but its gearing and light weight allow it to out-accelerate its competition. And those numbers are pretty compelling in a world of ever-faster cars and ever-increasing gas prices.
Summary
Looking at the 2013 Nissan Altima next to a previous-year model, it's impossible to say that one is appreciably better than the other without a second thought. They share the same dimensions, drive mostly the same, and have the same sort of feel. But Nissan didn't set out to revolutionize the midsize sedan segment; it set out to take a good sedan and give it enough gusto to make a case for why customers should pick it over the Camrys and Accords of the world.
Nissan didn't pick one major issue to address, partly because the Altima was already pretty good overall. Instead, it picked many, many little ones, including better engine efficiency, more technology integration, more comfortable seats, and some better interior materials. Together, it adds up to be a markedly better sedan than the one it replaces.
The Altima is never going to set the world on fire, but when you realize that Nissan is designing it to go straight for the heart of the market, it's a very good package for the money. And it should serve notice to establishment players like the Camry and Honda Accord that the Altima can no longer be simply looked at as a budget player, as it comes with more features than most of its competitors and a price tag on par with Toyota's and Honda's.
We got behind the wheel of the best-equipped and most spartan versions to see what all the Altima comes with at each price point. We're confident in saying that if we had to pick a version of the Altima for a daily driver, neither car would get our nod; that honor would go to the volume-selling Altima 2.5 S and SV models. When that chance comes, you can be sure we'll bring along the class' top-sellers to compare and see if the Nissan has what it takes to win over family sedan shoppers.
What It Is: What the redesigned 2014 Mazda 6 sedan could look like. The new 6 will debut at this fall’s Paris auto show, and it will be redesigned from the ground up with all of Mazda’s lightweight, efficiency-boosting Skyactiv technologies baked in. The 2014 iteration of the 6 will return to a global-market strategy—meaning it will produce the same-size car for all markets, as it did with the first-generation car. Expect the new 6 to fall somewhere between the current-generation’s U.S.-spec and slightly shorter and narrower European versions.
Why It Matters: The current Mazda 6 is reasonably fun to drive and pretty interesting to look at, but with ever-tightening fuel-economy standards looming it will need to get more efficient. Enter Mazda’s Skyactiv chassis and engine tech, which can be viewed in full effect on the new CX-5 crossover.
Platform: Like the CX-5, the next-gen Mazda 6 will get a lightweight-yet-strong structure. The cherry on top of the redesigned 6 will be its even-sexier sheetmetal, which will draw inspiration from last year’s Takeri concept. Referred to as Kodo, the new design language already has debuted on the CX-5. Considering how closely that model resembled the Minagi concept that presaged it, we expect the new 6 will ape the Takeri. As you can see in the rendering above, we figure production changes largely will be limited to door handles, a more-realistically shaped light-catching surface just above the rocker panel, and a smaller grille than the Takeri’s.
Powertrain: Mazda has already revealed that the 2014 6 will get a Skyactiv engine, along with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic Skyactiv transmissions. A Skyactiv-D diesel engine is a possibility for the next Mazda 6, but Mazda hasn’t confirmed such an option will be available. The oil-burner is expected to make its way to our shores sometime this year in a CX-5. The outgoing 6’s 272-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 won’t survive the redesign, although we do expect a hybrid version to combat the gas-electric offerings of the 6’s competitors.
Competition: Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry.
Estimated Arrival Time and Price: Look for the 2014 Mazda 6 sometime next year following its auto-show debut in Paris. It’s too early to speculate on pricing, but given the cutthroat nature of the mid-size sedan segment, don’t expect the next-gen 6’s sticker to move too far from the current car’s $21,520 base price.
