Basic cockpit
Inside, you won't find any colourful electronic displays that indicate what the hybrid powertrain is doing, although US-spec models includes one with an optional navigation package that is not offered to us Canadians. Instead of a tachometer, the instrument panel includes an electric output meter that doesn't mean much for those who want to see how efficiently they're driving.
The comfortable cabin features cloth seats with heated chairs up front. The dash is assembled with acceptable-quality materials; it's not as rich-looking as what you'll find in the Honda Accord, but it does the job nonetheless.
We just wish the wheel-mounted audio controls would be more closely gathered together; unless you have very long thumbs, you must let go of the wheel to use all the buttons, which auxiliary controls like these are supposed to prevent. And the inside door pull handles could be closer to the hinge, as they are a far reach when the doors are wide open.
As for interior space, the Altima boasts more front headroom and legroom than just about any other mid-size sedan. The back-seat area is a little smaller, though, but the real penalty for the Altima Hybrid is trunk space; it shrinks from 371 litres to 286 to make room for the battery pack.
Competition
The Altima Hybrid costs $32,998, which seems expensive compared to its rivals. The car has no available options, but comes with a power sunroof, a power driver's seat and a dual-zone climate control; most rivals offer these as options.
Here's a look at other mid-size hybrids with a similar level of equipment, and why not included the Jetta TDI while we're at it:
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, 164 hp, $29,835
Ford Fusion Hybrid (2010), 155 hp, $33,199
Saturn Aura Hybrid, 164 hp, $29,840
Toyota Camry Hybrid, 187 hp, $30,660
Volkswagen Jetta TDI Comfortline, 140 hp, $30,025
The Chevy and Saturn are less expensive, but their 'mild' hybrid powertrains don't offer the low fuel economy figures that the Nissan does. The Altima and Camry are pretty close, but Ford is announcing even greater fuel economy with the 2010 Fusion Hybrid. The Jetta TDI's numbers indicate that it's more efficient than the Nissan on the highway, but the price of diesel is often more expensive than regular unleaded.
Conclusion
Nissan learned the secret handshake and is now part of the Green Club. It's the company's first hybrid vehicle, but it won't be the last. So is it worth a look? We have to expect to pay more for a hybrid, but the price difference between this car and the Altima 2.5 S with as many features is $6,000. Is it worth it?
If you want to show off your greenness, and if you mostly drive around town or are frequently stuck in stop-and-go traffic, consider the hybrid Altima. If you don't and get the conventional 4-cylinder Altima instead, your carbon footprint will only be one size bigger.
photo:Michel Deslauriers
Inside, you won't find any colourful electronic displays that indicate what the hybrid powertrain is doing, although US-spec models includes one with an optional navigation package that is not offered to us Canadians. Instead of a tachometer, the instrument panel includes an electric output meter that doesn't mean much for those who want to see how efficiently they're driving.
The comfortable cabin features cloth seats with heated chairs up front. The dash is assembled with acceptable-quality materials; it's not as rich-looking as what you'll find in the Honda Accord, but it does the job nonetheless.
We just wish the wheel-mounted audio controls would be more closely gathered together; unless you have very long thumbs, you must let go of the wheel to use all the buttons, which auxiliary controls like these are supposed to prevent. And the inside door pull handles could be closer to the hinge, as they are a far reach when the doors are wide open.
As for interior space, the Altima boasts more front headroom and legroom than just about any other mid-size sedan. The back-seat area is a little smaller, though, but the real penalty for the Altima Hybrid is trunk space; it shrinks from 371 litres to 286 to make room for the battery pack.
 |
| The comfortable cabin features cloth seats with heated chairs up front. |
Competition
The Altima Hybrid costs $32,998, which seems expensive compared to its rivals. The car has no available options, but comes with a power sunroof, a power driver's seat and a dual-zone climate control; most rivals offer these as options.
Here's a look at other mid-size hybrids with a similar level of equipment, and why not included the Jetta TDI while we're at it:
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, 164 hp, $29,835
Ford Fusion Hybrid (2010), 155 hp, $33,199
Saturn Aura Hybrid, 164 hp, $29,840
Toyota Camry Hybrid, 187 hp, $30,660
Volkswagen Jetta TDI Comfortline, 140 hp, $30,025
The Chevy and Saturn are less expensive, but their 'mild' hybrid powertrains don't offer the low fuel economy figures that the Nissan does. The Altima and Camry are pretty close, but Ford is announcing even greater fuel economy with the 2010 Fusion Hybrid. The Jetta TDI's numbers indicate that it's more efficient than the Nissan on the highway, but the price of diesel is often more expensive than regular unleaded.
Conclusion
Nissan learned the secret handshake and is now part of the Green Club. It's the company's first hybrid vehicle, but it won't be the last. So is it worth a look? We have to expect to pay more for a hybrid, but the price difference between this car and the Altima 2.5 S with as many features is $6,000. Is it worth it?
If you want to show off your greenness, and if you mostly drive around town or are frequently stuck in stop-and-go traffic, consider the hybrid Altima. If you don't and get the conventional 4-cylinder Altima instead, your carbon footprint will only be one size bigger.
photo:Michel Deslauriers
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