Along comes Renault, freshly released from ownership by the French government, looking for an entry into the Japanese car market and managing to do so by buying 36 percent of Nissan. Part of the deal was that Nissan would be managed by Renault executive, Carlos Goshn. The industry gurus predicted disaster; Nissan could not be saved because the merger would require very un-Japanese actions that would be opposed by employees, company directors and maybe even the Japanese government.

Monsieur Goshn rolled up his sleeves anyway and went right to it, laying off thousands of employees, shutting down plants and encouraging the design of fresh new products, including the 2002 Altima.

The new Nissan Altima is completely redesigned and much larger.

While earlier Altimas were the ultimate in bland and ordinary, the new model is one of revelation. Completely redesigned and much larger, this is a beautiful-looking automobile, with flair, elegance and the look of a much more expensive car.

The car is offered in four models. The 2.5, 2.5S and 2.5SL, all of which are equipped with the new 175 hp, twin overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder, 4-cylinder engine, and the 3.5SE which is equipped with a 240 hp, twin overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder, V-6 engine.

The Altima 3.5SE has a luxurious and attractive feel. It is quite commodious inside, a good five-person carriage. The illuminated orange hued instruments are attractive and always visible, even in bright sunlight. The optional Bose radio is very good and the car’s ride is very quiet except for a little tire noise over some road surfaces.

On the road, the 3.5SE is a tiger with racing power to combat most anything on the freeway. Passing or hill climbing is a snap. The larger motor puts this car in the same league as the Honda Accord, Volkswagen Passat or Toyota Camry, and in many ways makes it a more attractive purchase.

Not quite so racy, nor expensive, the 4-cylinder 2.5 models also have surprisingly good power delivery. The engines sport variable valve timing technology for better response and include two balance shafts to make this unit smooth.

Cornering in the Altima was surprisingly flat, with no hint of any histrionics. Freeway ramps can be taken at speed without concern. That, along with a good but firm ride from the 3.5SE with 17-inch wheels, delivers a sporty feel. The 2.5 versions with 16 inch wheels and larger profile tires have a little smoother but slightly less firm ride.

Base prices for the four models start at $16,349 for the 2.5 and rise to $23,149 for the top of the line 3.5SE. Standard equipment for the SE includes air, alarm system, four-wheel disc brakes, cargo net, power everything, keyless remote entry, automatic headlamps, cruise control, tilt, telescoping and leather wrapped steering wheel, five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, trip computer and aluminum wheels.

An optional moonroof costs $849, antilock brakes $799, xenon headlamps $499, Bose radio with six-disc in-dash player $899, traction control $299, splash guards $289 and spoiler $399.

EPA fuel consumption estimates rate the four-cylinder at 23 city and 29 highway and the six-cylinder at 19 city and 26 highway. These figures are with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

The warranty is pretty generous with three years or 30,000 miles bumper to bumper and five years or 60,000 miles for the power train.

Nissan has produced a winner here. Along with the Exterra and the upcoming new Z sports car, these guys may be back in the game.

If you’re looking for a classy looking car that’s fun to drive, consider a test drive at Mossy Nissan in Kearny Mesa, El Cajon or National City. If you are on the coast, check with Pacific Nissan in Pacific Beach.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 54 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at osten@aol.com.