Nissan Altima facelift unveiled in the USA

As promised, the company has given the Altima sedan a revised exterior that has the hallmarks of the company's latest design language, dubbed "energetic flow", which has already been applied to the America-only Maxima and Murano.

At the front, the Altima features a new bonnet, fenders and bumpers to accommodate the car's "V-motion" grille and more expressive headlights. Out the back, the sedan has a new boot lid and bumpers, as well as revised tail-lights. Top-spec models will come fitted with LED headlights, tail-lights, driving lights and fog lights.

On the inside, the company has revamped the dashboard with a new centre stack and central tunnel, which brings the cabin design closer to that of its Maxima and Murano siblings.

For America-bound vehicles, the Altima now features a standard customisable 4.0-inch display between the speedometer and tachometer., while the infotainment system is available in either 5.0- or 7.0-inch sizes.

Structural integrity has been increased via the use of high-strength steel in the A- and B-pillars. The Altima's cabin is said to be quieter than before thanks to a new acoustic laminated glass windscreen, additional insulation, new engine mounts, and a larger muffler.

Safety has been improved thanks to the availability of rear cross traffic alert, automated emergency braking, and intelligent cruise control.

The revised Altima will once again be powered by a 136kW/244Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a 201kW/340Nm 3.5-litre V6, both driving the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

The fifth-generation Altima has been a very solid performer in the US with five straight years of sales growth. In 2014, the Altima notched up 335,644 sales, placing it third behind the Toyota Camry (428,606) and Honda Accord (388,374), and ahead of the fourth placed Ford Fusion (306,860).

Locally the Altima hasn't fared quite as well. In 2014, just 1791 found Australian homes, marginally ahead of the Accord (1760), but well behind the segment leaders, the Toyota Camry (22,044) and Mazda 6 (5,883). It also trailed other competitors, such as the Volkswagen Passat (3079) and Ford Mondeo (3051).

Click here to see more photos of the facelifted Nissan Altima.