Why it Matters
The Altima Hybrid will mean something to car buyers in the Green States who want more choice when it comes to hybrid sedans. Up to now, hybrid sedan shoppers were given the option of a Toyota Camry or a Honda Civic Hybrid. Now, at least for awhile, and in select markets, they’ll also have the Altima to compare. That’s potentially big news, as the Altima Hybrid combines Toyota’s technology with Nissan’s new “D” platform, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and their new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), here’s hoping that the Altima Hybrid offers V6-like performance with four-cylinder fuel economy – and at a decent sticker price.
What's Under the Hood
The Altima brings together a Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery, an electric motor and regeneration system with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Expect a power rating of 198 horsepower, AT-PZEV emissions, and fuel economy expected to be 41 MPG city and 36 MPG highway. The four-cylinder engine nets 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,800-4,800 rpm with the electric motor getting 199 lb.-ft. at 0 – 1,500 rpm. Power will be controlled by a hybrid-specific version of a new Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT). Built on the “D” platform, Nissan says the new Altima has virtually no torque steer and improved body stiffness, offering a sportier ride and improved Noise, Vibrations and Harmonics (NVH). There’s also a new rack-and-pinion steering set up.
What it Looks Like
Except the funky green paint job you see here, the Nissan Altima Hybrid looks exactly like any new 2007 Altima. To our eye, that means more subdued and mainstream styling, with rounded shoulders, a forward A-pillar, wide back window and lower wheel arches. Our take: remove the wing on the back and the Altima looks decidedly less sporty, and certainly less aggressive than the out-going model.
What We Think
With Altima’s robust chassis and quality powertrains, an Altima hybrid could be something special. It may offer sedan buyers a legitimate alternative to the Toyota/Honda hybrid mind meld. Indeed, it could very well do what the Accord Hybrid intended: Give hybrid buyers the best of all worlds, with spirited performance, low emissions and great fuel economy. As with most hybrids, however, fuel economy ratings can be up 14 percent below the EPA’s published figure. Pricing was not announced, but like the Camry Hybrid, expect the Altima Hybrid to be a top trim sedan near the top of the sticker price ladder.
Photos courtesy of Nissan North America
