Despite being around since 2018, the current-generation Nissan Altima still sells well, ranking third among the models sold by the Japanese automaker in America. However, we can’t deny the fact that the model is becoming long in the tooth, even after the refresh a few years ago. Nissan is mum on details about an impending update to the Altima, but its version sold in other countries, the Teana, is already being updated, as revealed through leaked information from its major market: China.
The Teana’s updated information was filed with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of the world’s largest auto market, leaked by Autohome. According to the publication, the second mid-term facelift is scheduled to be launched this year. Yes, it’s still a facelift, as the model that you see here is still based on the current-generation L34 Altima in America. Measurements are mostly the same as the outgoing Teana, except for the overall length, which has slightly increased.
The Altima’s Twin Becomes Classier In China
The most obvious update on the Teana is found on the front fascia. The restyled and enlarged V-Motion grille gets chrome accents on the corners, while the headlamp housings have been reshaped, looking less aggressive and sporty than before. The rear end also gets a major restyle, with the taillights now connected under a single black trim. And yes, there’s an LED strip at the back with an illuminated Nissan wordmark – a design element that’s pretty common these days. The side profile remains largely unchanged, including the kink on the C-pillar.
But perhaps what caught our attention with this updated version is the availability of a two-tone paint for the Teana. The contrasting colors – black at the bottom and beige on the upper half – give off a Maybach vibe, adding an elegant touch to the midsize sedan. Combined with the other updates on the fascia and the wheel design options, China’s Altima looks classier than before.
According to the document, the updated Teana will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter power plant that makes 243 horsepower – a slightly less powerful version of the controversial VC-Turbo engine option that was removed from the Altima lineup in the US.
The Sedan’s Future In America Remains Uncertain
Rumors in China state that there will also be an update to the cabin, primarily to accommodate Nissan’s new technologies. However, the filings don’t show the cabin, so that’s styling is a mystery at this point.
It’s unclear whether this version of the Teana will creep on over to the US-sold Altima, which has long been rumored to leave the lineup after this year. Despite sedans dying in the country, the Altima remains an important nameplate for Nissan, ranking third just behind the Sentra and the Rogue. However, year-on-year data shows a decrease in Altima sales, which could mean that the current design is getting old in the eyes of the remaining American sedan buyers.
Hopefully, an updated Altima is on the way to help refresh the interest in the affordable nameplate, or maybe even a version that hinges on the popularity of the new N7 sedan. Of note, this new electric model is going global, aligning with Nissan’s strategy to export cars from China.
Source: Autohome
