Subtle but Significant: Nissan Updates its 2010 Sedan Lineup Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/auto_news/112_0910_2010_nissan_sedan_updates/index.

If you have a really keen eye, then you'll probably notice the subtle exterior updates to Nissan's line of 2010 sedans -- the Altima, Maxima, Sentra, and Versa. For the average bystander, though, these four-doors will scoot past with little reaction. Perhaps a, "Hmm, there's something different about that Nissan," but not much more. Ditto for the freshened interiors, all of which get minor tweaks, mostly with the electronics (audio and nav) and gauge clusters. Not that these changes aren't welcome and noteworthy, mind you; they've all been implemented to improve aesthetics and functionality, and to that end, they all succeed. Below is a rundown of the subtle but significant updates to Nissan's 2010 sedans.

ALTIMA
Nissan's cash cow -- the Altima is the brand's global sales leader - receives the most prominent exterior modifications, notably a new hood with a "power bulge," a restyled grille and front bumper, and fresh 16- and 17-inch wheel designs. The coupe gets similar updates but also adds projector beam headlights to the mix. For shift-it-yourself enthusiasts, the coupe is now the only Altima available with a manual transmission; all sedans come with exclusively with a CVT. Engines -- a 2.5-liter 175-horsepower four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter 270-horse V-6, and a 2.5-liter 158-horse four-cylinder plus 40-horsepower electric motor (198 horsepower combined) -- are carryover. For added safety, VDC is standard across the board.

Inside, both sedan and coupe receive updated gauges, a standard 4.3-inch color audio display, and a USB port with iPod connectivity. Nissan's next-gen navigation system, with a 6.5-inch monitor, Zagat restaurant guide, XM NavTraffic and NavWeather, and Bluetooth streaming audio, is available as an option. A la the Europeans, Nissan is even offering a handsome dark-red leather interior for the coupe. Pricing: Sedan -- 2.5 ($21,620), 2.5 S ($22,560), 3.5 SR ($25,240); Coupe -- 2.5 S 6M ($23,160), 2.5 S CVT ($23,660), 3.5 SR 6M ($30,320), 3.5 SR CVT ($27,990); Hybrid -- $27,500.

MAXIMA
Given that it's only a year old the 3.5-liter 290-horse V-6 Maxima enters 2010 with the fewest changes, the most significant of which is an optional next-gen nav system with a seven-inch screen, back-up camera, and 2GB hard drive. Bluetooth and USB/iPod connectivity are now standard, and there are new wheel finishes. Pricing: 3.5 S ($31,180), 3.5 SV ($33,900).

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/auto_news/112_0910_2010_nissan_sedan_updates/index.html#ixzz0XNomxdRh

2010 Honda Civic: Overview

The 2010 Honda Civic sees no major changes after a modest freshening for 2009. These compact cars come in 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe body styles. A gas/electric Hybrid sedan is also offered, along with a sedan that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). Sedans and coupes come in DX, LX, EX, EX-L, and sporty Si trims. Sedans also come in DX-VP and LX-S trims. DX, DX-VP, LX, LX-S, EX, and EX-L have a 140-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Si versions have a 197-hp 2.0-liter four. The Hybrid combines a gas engine and an electric motor for 110 hp. The gas engine shuts off at a stop and restarts again when the driver releases his or her foot from the brake pedal. Hybrids require no plug-in charging. Available for sale in California and New York and to fleets is the Civic GX, which uses a 113-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that runs on CNG. All 140-hp Civics come with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. GX models are automatic only. Si has a mandatory 6-speed manual. Hybrids use a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather upholstery with heated front seats are standard on the EX-L and available on the Hybrid. A navigation system with voice activation and wireless cell-phone link are available on EX, EX-L, Si, and Hybrid.