The 2013 Nissan Altima was recently selected the Best Midsize Sedan in Edmunds.com’s “17 Best Cars You Can Buy” list.

The list, a new Edmunds.com feature this year, was created to select vehicles that are simply “the best, period” in each class.

Edmunds.com editors selected the 2013 Altima for its fuel economy (39.7 mpg in Edmunds’s 116-mile test loop), a powertrain blending “speed and efficiency,” easy-to-use technology and an overall “balance between refinement and engagement.”

“With the redesign of the 2013 Altima, we set out to be the best mid-size sedan in the marketplace,” said Fred Diaz, divisional vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing, Service & Parts, Nissan North America.

“The combination of 38 mpg fuel economy, sleek styling and abundant technology makes the new and improved Altima the best overall package in the segment, and we’re thrilled for the third-party validation from Edmunds.com.”

The Nissan Altima continues to be one of the top selling mid-size sedans in the US, a statement said.

Among the 2013 Altima's many attributes are tremendous standard fuel economy of 38 mpg highway (2.5-liter engine model only), new premium exterior styling with a strong presence and excellent aerodynamics, an upscale interior with premium materials and an outstanding balance of ride comfort, stability and a fun-to-drive demeanor.

The fifth-generation Altima also offers standard Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth, as well as next-generation safety shield technologies, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), remote engine starter and Moving Object Detection (MOD) systems.

Dynamic performance is provided by a choice of a redesigned 182-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine or a proven 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, with both engines mated to a standard Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

The interior features the new Nasa-inspired "zero-gravity" front seats, available leather appointments and a new standard Advanced Drive-Assist Display in the center of the instrument cluster that integrates key information – including available navigation, text messaging notification and audio data – right in front of the driver. – TradeArabia News Service