The timing is excellent for Nissan to join the gas/electric hybrid crowd by boosting the fuel mileage of its midsize Altima sedan.
There has been a sea change in buyers’ attitudes since gas prices went through the roof, and hybrid cars and trucks are getting more attention than ever, along with other fuel sippers. With Altima’s already solid reputation, a hybrid seems brilliant.
Besides getting mileage in the mid-30s, Altima Hybrid also shows some sporty performance. Acceleration is strong, helped out by the high-torque electric motor, and the continuously variable transmission feels agile and responsive, unlike others I could name.
Of course, you can’t be zooming around town and expect to get the best fuel mileage. That becomes a driving game in itself, using the smooth-driving techniques of the so-called hypermilers to maximize miles per gallon. With judicious driving, I was able to beat the 35 mpg for city driving, peaking at about 38.
The hybrid drive system – which uses the electric motor for initial acceleration and low speeds before easing on the gas engine for recharging and higher-speed cruising – works seamlessly with just the occasional surge or shudder when the system switches between gas and electric.
Importantly, the engine shuts off when at a red light or the takeout window. That saves gas that is otherwise wasted in idling. And unlike some other systems, the engine in the Altima shuts off even when the air-conditioning is running and the temperature is well into triple digits.
Altima hybrid faces some formidable competition from the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which uses the same system as the popular Prius and boasts an enviable record for reliability.
And both the Altima and Camry hybrids lack the unique styling that makes Prius as much a fashion statement as an environmental icon.
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Vehicle type: Five-passenger four-door sedan, front-wheel drive.
Engine: Hybrid drive, 105-kilowatt electric motor with a 2.5-liter inline-4, 158 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, 162 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm.
Transmission: Continuously variable.
Wheelbase: 109.3 inches.
Overall length: 189.2 inches.
Curb weight: 3,482 pounds.
EPA rating: 35 city, 32 highway.
Highs: Good gas mileage, sharp performance, attractive interior.
Lows: Pricey with options, poor trunk space, skimpy rear seat.
PERFORMANCE: A strong dose of torque sends Altima jumping from a standstill, powering it up to 60 in a flash. That’s not the way to drive a hybrid for maximum efficiency, so Altima also starts off gradually with just the electric motor in play. Other than sitting silently with the engine off at a stop, the hybrid system is relatively unnoticeable. A bar graph on the dashboard, or a display on the optional video screen, helps the driver moderate between gas and electric to achieve best mileage. A light touch on the throttle is key.
DRIVABILITY: Altima handles well, and the hybrid version shares that attribute. The electric power steering feels refined and connected, with none of the remoteness of some similar systems.
The four-wheel disc brakes are enhanced with antilock, panic-stop brake assist and electronic brake distribution. For safety, Altima comes with an electronic stability system, traction control and full side-curtain airbags.
STYLING: Other than hybrid labels on the trunk and front fenders, it looks like any Altima. That could be an issue for those who want to proclaim their greenness.
INTERIOR: Roomy and attractive, though rear-seat passengers may find the seat cushions are low, which compromises comfort and legroom.
Trunk space is also compromised by the hybrid batteries and other gear, leaving a fairly small space for groceries.
BOTTOM LINE: Is the extra cost of the hybrid over the standard four-cylinder Altima worth it? That’s for you to decide.
Base price: $25,070.
Price as tested: $30,375.
OPTIONS
Connection package, including leather seats and trim, Bose audio upgrade with satellite radio, HomeLink universal transceiver, Bluetooth phone system, rearview mirrors with integrated turn signals, compass and power moonroof, $4,400.
Aluminum kick plates, $170.
Floor mats, $110.
Shipping, $625.
