With all the high gas prices out there, hybrid vehicles are continuing to become more popular among drivers. There are a few luxury hybrid choices out there, and the Nissan Altima Hybrid seems to be the most popular of those choices. Check out some of the features of the Nissan Altima hybrid and what sets itself apart from the other hybrids.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder DOHC engine that is equipped with a continuously variable transmission complete with unique front wheel drive. The clutch control is characteristic of Toyota's CVT. The steering is smooth and enjoyed by many drivers, although the suspension is a little stiffer compared to that of the original Altima.

Similar to other hybrid motors the Nissan Altima is not quick to gain momentum and lacks the power of other similar sized models. The technology to make hybrid cars perform in this way is still under development. However it is able to reach similar speeds of others in its class. The Nissan Altima Hybrid has a 158-horsepower petrol engine and a 40-horsepower electric motor. The internal combustion engine is located 162 feet from the gas engine and about 199 feet away from the electric motor. The change from electric motor to petrol engine is smooth and almost unnoticeable. The car has the capacity to accelerate from zero to sixty in just nine seconds.

Thanks to the input from Toyota the car also demonstrates a regenerative braking system enabling it to charge its own batteries. This is a convenient and useful feature. The process of acceleration and breaking produces electrical energy which is streamlined directly into the batteries. This conveniently ensures that the battery never has to be charged manually.

Gas Mileage and Environmental Information

Combustion engines burn gasoline and produce by-products in the form of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. These gases are identified as among the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. The Nissan Almita is one of the more environmentally friendly vehicles on the road. The shifts in electricity and gasoline significantly lower the overall fuel consumption making the combustion produced in the engines significantly lower.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates the fuel economy of the Nissan Hybrid to be about 42 miles per gallon when driven in the city, reducing to around 36 miles to the gallon driving on the highway. In addition the Nissan has been classified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle. (AT-PZEB). This is a result of the car releasing almost no evaporative emissions. It has exceeded in its ability to reach Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle standards.

Due to the vehicle's outstanding environmental and fuel efficiency levels, the Nissan Altima Hybrid has received certification from the US Internal Revenue Service for reaching the specified requirements imposed on Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. As a consequence the Nissan Altima Hybrid gains a tax credit of around $2,350. Making it even more of an attractive option when compared to similar models of its size and ability currently on the market.

Other Features

Safety is a main component of the car. The Nissan Altima Hybrid is equipped with standard airbags. These are situated in the driver and passenger seats and side headrests.

There are side door beams and panic button alarms to deter thieves, together with a series of locking features including a vehicle anti-locking device. If you are driving with your kids, do not worry about them accidentally opening the doors. Child safety locks throughout provide further reassurances as does the safety releasing device in the trunk.

Most of these added features can be found on the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Once again it comes up for comparison with its counterpart, ostensibly differing only in size and interior space.