Faced with an onslaught of increasing SUV sales, models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have upped their game trying to lure buyers with sleek styling, good handling and strong performance.

Then there is the Nissan Altima; which is about as alluring as a bar of soap - sure it does the job, but you’ll promptly forget what job that was. Fortunately, Nissan are injecting some youth into their lineup, so let’s have a sneak peek at how the 2019 Altima will look like.

At a first glance, you could be fooled into thinking you’re looking at a shrunken Maxima, but no, it’s Nissan’s boldest adaptation of Vmotion-styling language to date. The front is dominated by a large V-shaped grille, dipping into the lower intake and flanked by a pair of chiseled LED headlamps. A sculptured crease runs from the front fenders, fading outwards to the rear door. Then a secondary crease sits below this and flows towards the taillights.

The side profile is very Maxima-like, with a fastback roofline and separated black section within the C-pillars. Rounding out the rear are Audi-esque tail lamps, twin exhausts and a high deck lid. Mirroring the overhauled exterior is a comprehensively redesigned and higher quality cabin. Nissan have joined many others in incorporating a tablet-style infotainment screen with two physical knobs and a row of buttons. The flat-bottomed steering wheel could almost be from a Mazda and the start-button is located in front of the gear lever.

It’s tipped that the Altima will remain on the D platform shared with the Maxima and Murano, with an increase in wheelbase to expand on the current car’s limited interior volume. Conjecture has the possibility of all-wheel-drive thrown into the mix, adding to the Japanese carmaker’s desire to increase dynamic appeal.

Nissan have been quiet on future powertrain technology for the Altima, but we expect the current crop of 2.5-litre and 3.5-litre mills to carryover, with CVT to aid improvements in fuel efficiency and performance. Although discontinued back in 2011, the hybrid model could make a reappearance, along with the possibility of a turbocharged four also joining the range.

It will also have the latest driver assistance technology under the ProPilot banner. Having debuted on the new Nissan Leaf, it’s able to help with steering, braking and acceleration on certain single-lane roads and highways.

The 2019 Altima will arrive amongst some freshly updated competition, including the likes of Honda’s new Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda6, Chevrolet Malibu, Kia Optima, Ford Fusion and Volkswagen Passat.

Expect it to debut early in the New Year, possibly at the Detroit Motor Show next month.