Nissan Motors, a budding Japanese automaker, offers the auto industry a distinct hybrid that blends the automaker's style, performance and fuel economy. The hybrid reflects Nissan manufacturing tradition while adding updated auto features to set it apart from the traditional hybrid on the road.
The all-new Altima hybrid, Nissan's first entry in the hybrid electric vehicle market, flaunts distinctive styling, a sport-oriented suspension, powerful 4-cylinder engine and spacious interior. But the automaker did not stop its endeavor to improve the hybrid. "The Altima Hybrid offers all the style, convenience, comfort, quality feel and performance technology features and highlights of the next-generation 2007 Altima sedan, while offering the added benefits of improved fuel economy and reduced emissions," said Bill Bosley, the vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.
Nissan completes the hybrid's features by adding excellent fuel economy through a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain. The powertrain is mated to the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and Xtronicâ„? CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that allows the hybrid to increase fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions. The hybrid's EPA fuel economy is estimated at 42 mpg City and 36 mpg Highway. It is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) and emits almost no harmful emissions.
Bosley added, "Combined with Altima's standard 20-gallon fuel tank, Altima Hybrid has a projected driving range of up to 700 miles between fill-ups. More importantly, it drives just like any other Nissan - with smooth acceleration, responsive handling and a seamless delivery of power under almost all driving conditions."
The Nissan Altima Hybrid features sophisticated standard equipment that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, power windows/door locks, an Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition system, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with auxiliary audio input jack, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and dual-zone automatic temperature control. The hybrid is also equipped with electrically powered A/C that continues to supply cooling even when the gasoline engine is stopped. Other auto accessories like the , steps and door handles could be added to enhance style and efficiency of the car.
To boost safety, the automaker equipped the car with the Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection and front seat Active Head Restraints.
"The new Altima has been a tremendous success since it was launched in November, helping fuel record Altima sales of nearly 25,000 units in December 2006, marking an increase of nearly 40 percent over the previous year," noted Bosley. "The new Altima Hybrid expands the choices available for our buyers, keeping Altima at the forefront of the segment in terms of value, performance, quality, technology and selection."
Nissan Altima Hybrid's starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price is $24,400. It is on sale now in the eight states that have adopted California emissions regulations - California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. The hybrid sedan meets the requirements for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, thus qualifies for a tax credit of $2,350.
