The new 2007 Nissan Altima looks quite stylish, especially for a mid-size car. The body has gotten a makeover, and features a number of pleasing changes. It has enough Nissan design cues that, from the rear, you can see some 350Z in it.

The deck is distinctively short, yet trunk space has grown by 15 percent. Like some other new cars, in particular Lexus, the fender flares are edgy and extend farther than before, allowing the body itself to be narrower and offer less frontal area. The gap between the tires and flares has been tightened. Overall aerodynamics are improved from 0.33 to 0.31, thanks to many things as always, not least the more steeply sloped windshield.

The wheelbase has been shortened by nearly an inch, and the overall length cut by 2.5 inches, with shorter overhangs. The cowl was moved forward and rear glass rearward, which allowed for no overall decrease in cabin space. The beltline is low so there's more side glass, which adds to the roomy feeling.

The headlamps and taillamps appear almost exotic, certainly elaborate. The halogen headlamps are vertical irregular trapezoids with soft edges, called multi-parabola, which means their coverage is all over the place, with four bulbs inside for the high beam, low beam, turn signal and parking lamps. As for the taillamps, Nissan says they cost nearly as much as the headlamps (so don't back into anything!), and they definitely do look expensive. They're covered with clear plastic like the headlamps, and contain a silver ray-gun looking cylinder with the red lamp, plus a round white beam for the backup light and a big orange piece for the parking lamp and turn signal.