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compromise between perfor-
mance and ride.

‘The Altima’s standard
155-horsepower 2.4-litre
DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder
engine has a 6,300 r.p.m. red-
line which it approaches will-
ingly and quicldy with a
muted growling sound. I
found the revised engine to
be generally quieter with
fewer vibratiuns than last
year’s engine. Highway cruis
ing is comfortable and quiet
with the engine doing just
2,300 rp.m. at a steady 100
km/h

The Altima’s standard five-
speed manual transmission
offers smooth, medium length
throws, however moving from
first to second gear is stiffer
than with other gears.

My car’s standard four
whee! disc brakes with ABS
provide grippy, powerful brak-
ing performance.
bition” Altima's outward visi

ty is generally very good,
but like most mid-sized
import sedans, the high trunk
lid reduces visibility wien

. backing up.

Models and prices
The entry-level 2000

Altima XE starts ar $19,998,
the same price as the 1999
model. Standard equipment
includes a five-speed manual
transmission, 195,/65R-15
inch tires, AM/FM/CD
stereo with four speakers,
cloth upholstery, power win-
dows with automatic-down
for the driver's window, cruise
control, alt steering wheel,
power mirrors, intermittent
wipers, front centre armrest,
tachometer, dual cup holders,
height-adjustable front seat-
belts, and immobilizer key
system,

The popular Altima GXE
model, priced at $22,698,
adds the following features to
the XE’s standard features: air
conditioning, 60/40 split
folding rear seatbacks, cight-
way adjustable driver’s seat,
simulated woodgrain trim,
power door locks and remote
keyless entry with panic alarm,
variable intermittent wipers,
upgraded seat cloth, rear cen-
tre armrest, and wider
P205,/60R.-15 inch tires.

Sporty Altima SE models,
which start at $25,598, add a
sport-tuned suspension and
the front strut tower braces,
P205/55R-16 inch tres, rear
disc brakes and four-wheel
anti-lock braking system, alloy

wheels, fog lights, rear spoiler,
titanium coloured gauges,
leather-wrapped steering
wheel and shifter, sporty seat
cloth, metallic dash vim,
eight-way power driver's seat
with adjustable lumbar sup-
port, AM/FM/CD and cas-
sette player with six speakers,
and anti-theft system.
Top-of-the-line Altima

GLE models, for $28,598,
add such standard features as
a standard four-speed auto-
matic transmission, leather
seats, side airbags, power
ult/slide sunroof, and
Homelink garage door open-
er.

A $915 freight charge is
additional.

Conclusica

The Altima is at feast a
couple of thousand dollars
cheaper than the Accord,
Camry and 626, and it still
has the most powerful engine
in its class. It’s not quite as
roomy as the Accord and
626, but it offers comparable
comfort, performance and
fuel economy with its major
competitors.

If you’re looking for a four
cylinder import sedan, it
should be on your compari-
son list.

ry

per month
21 TO CHOOSE FROM

EGENCY

REGENCY HONDA

REGENCY MAZDA
Vancouver
- BISBIOt pesos

REGEXCY TOYOTA
4278 puanc Hey.
291-8422 poss

REGENCY ISSAN
” 700 Marine Dr.
North

REGENCY TOYOTA
401 Ri:

Based on 48 morth
O.AC. Total price $13,052. Taxes extra -

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