2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid Review
More Green is Better
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short: An environmentally conscious mid-size sedan. |
The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is a distinctive counterpoint to the oft-uninspired class of fuel-efficient vehicles currently on the market. This attractive, dual-powered sedan, virtually unchanged from last year’s model and borrowing technology from Toyota's Camry Hybrid, refuses to sacrifice road performance and comfort for its exceptional fuel economy. Capable of up to 35 mpg in city driving conditions, this low-emission automobile exhibits a notably athletic style, complemented by nimble handling and responsive acceleration. Indeed, while driving, the hybrid Altima looks and feels like a conventional mid-size sedan, albeit one that’ll go for approximately 700 miles between fill-ups. Our test vehicle came standard with front bucket seats and a push button start. Optional features, of which there are many, are bundled in packages. We enjoyed the available eight-way power driver’s seat, wood-tone trim, leather-appointed seating (with heat for the front), a power moonroof, a rearview monitor and navigation system, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system and nine-speaker Bose AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/WMA playback capability and speed sensitive volume. The only real drawback to the car, aside from a cramped rear bench seat, is that the Altima Hybrid's availability is limited to the eight states that have adopted California’s emissions standards.
 Read
a review of the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid,
2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE and 2007
Nissan Altima 3.5 SE
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Warranty/Service:
3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage.
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SHEET |
Base Price: $26,650 / As tested: $34,705 |
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Technical
Specifications |
Vehicle type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Engine: 2.5-liter, 16-valve DOHC inline 4-cylinder; 650V electric motor; 244.8V NiMH battery
Horsepower: 158 hp @ 5,200-6,000 rpm (gas); 40 hp @ 0-1,500 rpm (electric); 198 hp (hybrid net)
Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 2,800-4,800 rpm (gas); 199 lb-ft @ 0-1,500 rpm (electric)
Transmission: electronically controlled continuously variable
Curb weight: 3,471 lbs
Wheelbase: 109.3 in
Length/Width/Height: 189.8/70.7/57.9 in
Turning circle: 36.1 ft
Brakes: all-wheel disc with regenerative braking, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist
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Suspension: independent strut with coil springs in front; independent multi-link in rear; stabilizer bars in front and rear
Traction: vehicle dynamic control and traction control systems
0-60 mph: 7.6 seconds
Top Speed: n/a
EPA City: 35 mpg
EPA Highway: 33 mpg
Safety: dual-stage front airbags; front seat-mounted side-impact airbags; roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags; tire pressure monitoring system; energy-absorbing steering column; front and rear crumple zones |
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Photography: AlphaMedia
| PSV082509 |
(Updated
04/19/12 NW) |
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