THE NEW SR TRIM FOR THE NISSAN ALTIMA
Nissan is truly bringing the excitement and advantages of a performance vehicle to the masses, introducing the new SR trim for the 2020 Altima. While a number of changes were instituted for the new model year, this one difference appeals to those who have a need for extreme levels of handling. It also introduces a level of style and sophistication never before seen on the Altima, making it an exciting move in the midsize sedan segment.
Based on the Altima S, the new SR trim has been designed to be affordable, while also serving up plenty of on-road fun. Nissan decided to not use the Altima SV or SL as a way to keep costs down. The whole point was to create a vehicle that’s appealing to younger buyers who might not have a big budget and are looking for a midsize sedan.
Sport variants are the hottest segment of the midsize sedan market. With the 2020 Altima SR, Nissan is looking to capture the attention of car shoppers. The automaker says that with some competing models, the so-called sport variants constitute up to 40 percent of total sales. With the 2019 model redesign, the Altima is already sporty in comparison to alternative vehicles, making the SR trim level even more performance-oriented.
Pierre Loing, the vice president of Product Planning for Nissan North America, said that the Altima SR doesn’t just come with additional equipment such as different wheels and a body kit just to make it look faster. Instead, the car actually outperforms the other trim levels. Loing disclosed that the vehicle corners 12.5 percent better.
The SR trim has created a number of firsts for the Altima. It’s the first time that 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels have ever been available for a 2.5-liter version of the car.
Buyers will be able to choose two different engine options, giving them an option that fits with their budget and lifestyle. The first is the 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder, which produces 182 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. The other is a 2.0-liter Turbo that churns out 236 horsepower. Both are mated to an Xtronic 7-step manumantic transmission, which has been tuned for performance using Gen 3 D-step logic. Drivers can use paddle shifters that are mounted to the steering wheel, allowing them to manually switch gears whenever they want.
The interior comes with an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, with 2-way adjustable lumbar support. Drivers grip a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob. The cabin has a black color scheme, with red accent stitching.
Of course, the best way to soak in all of these changes is to take the 2020 Nissan Altima SR for a spin and see the car in person. You’ll be amazed at the changes and how it feels behind the wheel.