Starting a conversation about self-driving automobiles is never difficult, but what is often missed in the discussion is the contribution of these technologies in making affordable family cars safer.
We drove a prime example last month: the Nissan Altima. Updated for 2016, it features a range of safety features that weren’t available on cars of any price 10 years ago, much less one selling for $29,000.
• What we drove: 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV, a full-sized four-door, five-passenger sedan with 2.5-liter four-cylinder front-wheel-drive engine producing 182 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, with continuously variable transmission, rated at 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway driving.
• What it cost: Total price of $28,935. Base price of $26,395 includes antilock braking, traction control, vehicle dynamic stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, electronic brake force distribution, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert safety systems. Options priced at $3,475 include navigation, 7-inch touch display screen, back-up camera and Sirius traffic and travel information, as well as sliding moonroof, heated/folding outside mirrors, heated front seats and steering wheel.
• What we liked: The car offered excellent acceleration with good transmission response, belying the relatively low torque rating and the CVT transmission, both of which contribute to long-term reliability. The Altima’s good fuel efficiency is rated at the top of the class for mid-priced full-sized sedans.
• What needs more work: Although the car got a face-lift in 2016 that improved the exterior appearance, the woven vinyl interior material looks dated, and the audio system is quite spartan for a Japanese car. Road noise also is somewhat more obvious than in comparable sedans from other companies.
• Overall: You won’t be disappointed with this car and can be confident that the technology will help keep your family safe. Even if you don’t have a good relationship with the Nissan dealer or get a good deal on the price, the car is still a good choice.
Longtime Los Altos residents Gary and Genie Anderson are co-owners of Enthusiast Publications LLC, which edits several car club magazines and contributes articles and columns to automotive magazines and online services.
