Nissan has unveiled the ‘class above’ all-new 2013 Nissan Altima, which breaks new ground for the mid-size sedan segment. More than 100 media, VIP guests and senior Nissan representatives from across the Middle East attended the event held at Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex, Dubai.

The superb backdrop of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex was embellished with all-new Altima inspired attractions. Featuring 3D projections, interactive displays and, of course, the all-new Nissan Altima itself, the exhibits were as spectacular as the setting itself.

“The same bold approach was taken with this exceptional unveiling as was applied during the development of the all-new 2013 Altima,” explained Atsuo Kosaka, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East.

“The safe thing to do would be to follow other automakers’ paths, conservatively evolving the Altima so as not to upset the existing owner base. But that would not be in keeping with Nissan’s new brand philosophy of ‘Innovation and Excitement for Everyone’. Innovation is what we do! Human centric, accessible, purposeful. Excitement is the customer’s experience! Engaging, intuitive, energizing’.

“We took one of our most successful model, kept its DNA and changed nearly everything – the visual appeal, the driving experience and, of course, the technology. The new Altima is hands-down the most engaging vehicle in its class,” said Kosaka. “If you liked the previous Altima, you’ll love this one even more. And if you’ve never driven an Altima before, get ready to have your notion of a mid-size sedan redefined.”

The result is a modern and charismatic vehicle over delivering on the fundamentals earned over four generations and two decades, for quality and reliability and adds new levels of innovation, fuel-efficiency, dynamic performance and premium style.

“The all-new 2013 Nissan Altima offers the whole package – stylish design inside and out, outstanding ride, handling, acceleration and fuel economy, and thoughtful technology solutions not currently found in the segment,” concluded Kosaka.

“For people who enjoy experiencing life to the fullest, we have the new premium mid-size sedan just for them.” The all-new 2013 Nissan Altima is offered in three 2.5-litre engine equipped models, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL, along with two 3.5-litre V6 equipped models, 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL.

The Altima 2.5 S includes: 2.5-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, Next Generation Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Active Trace Control (ATC), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Remote keyless entry with Push Button Ignition, AM/FM/CD audio system with Aux-in with 2 speakers, steering wheel mounted meter display control, air conditioning with rear vents, 60/40 split fold-down including best-in-class seat comfort inspired by zero-gravity research, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with driver and passenger single-stage supplemental front impact airbags (2 airbags).

Altima 2.5 SV (in addition to S features): Nissan Intelligent Key, Steering wheel mounted Audio & Cruise Control buttons, , 6 speakers, Auto on/off Head lamp (enhanced type), Cruise control, Parking sensors (2 Front & 2 Rear), Foglamp, Bodycolor outside mirror, Chrome front cup holder, Console & interior door handle piano black trim, 215/55 R17 Tires, 17″Aluminium wheel, 5 inch LCD display for audio, Bluetooth hands free phone with steering wheel mounted buttons, Mic in roof console, USB port with iPod connectivity, Rear view camera.

Altima 2.5 SL (in addition to Altima 2.5 SV features): Auto dimming Inside mirror, Power window with One-touch auto-up/down for passenger, Driver 6-way power seat, Dual zone auto A/C, Vanity mirror with illumination and rod extension, Side cargo net, Compass, Side turn lamp in Outside mirror, Mood lamp in roof console, Side & Curtain airbag, Leather wrapped Steering, Remote engine start system

Altima 3.5 SV (in addition to 2.5 SV features): 3.5L V6, Paddle Shift on Column w/ manual mode, AT with Ds Mode.

Altima 3.5 SL (in addition to 3.5 SV features): Leather seat and trim with double stitch, Driver’s 8-way power seat, Power lumbar support, Leather wrapped shift knob, Bose audio & 9 speakers, Xenon head lamps, Dual zone auto A/C, Auto dimming Inside mirror, Normal sunroof, Leather wrapped steering, Side cargo net, Compass, Remote Engine Starter, Side turn lamp in Outside mirror, Power window with One-touch auto-up/down for pass, Vanity mirror with illumination and rod extension, Side & Curtain airbag, Rear 2 independent type headrest, LED tail lamp, Premium interior trim (wooden with beige colour/metal with black colour).