Test Drive - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid (HD)

What Edmunds.com says
The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is an excellent choice for drivers who want a little fun between point A and point B. Too bad it's only sold in the eight states that have adopted California's emissions standards.

Pros
Excellent fuel economy, sporty handling, precise steering, top-notch interior materials, high crash test scores.

Cons
Can only be obtained in eight states, options are only offered in expensive packages, so-so backseat comfort.

What's New for 2009
The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid remains unchanged from the previous year, except for standard automatic door locks and four more exterior color choices.

2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid Vehicle Overview
Introduction
Hybrids and other green cars, though known for being economical and earth-friendly, have a reputation for also being rather slow, odd-looking and uninspiring behind the wheel. Bucking the trend is the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid. Although it has the outward appearance and driving manners of a conventional sedan, the Altima Hybrid sips fuel while keeping harmful emissions to a minimum.

Borrowing heavily from rival Toyota's parts bin via a licensing agreement, the Nissan Altima Hybrid shares a fair amount of technology and components with the Toyota Camry Hybrid. It has a Nissan engine -- a revised version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the regular Altima and a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT). These improvements result in a more refined powertrain with better acceleration than the Camry Hybrid, while maintaining the same combined fuel economy.

On the subject of fuel economy, the Altima Hybrid excels, managing 35 mpg in the city and 33 in highway driving, according to EPA estimates. By comparison, the all-gas Altima four-cylinder gets only 23/31 mpg. While that's a hefty improvement for city driving, consider for a moment the Hybrid's higher price tag over the conventional Altima. It will take years of ownership to recoup the Hybrid's premium in fuel savings alone. At that rate, the Altima Hybrid would only appeal to those who plan on owning the car for quite a spell, or to the very eco-conscious.

Another drawback for the Altima, and indeed many of Nissan's models, is the structure and pricing for options. Unfortunately, options are not available individually, but bundled with other items into fairly large and expensive packages. Further complicating matters is that some packages are only available as supplements to supporting packages. This puts the Altima at a considerable price disadvantage compared to the Camry Hybrid.

Still, among the few green midsize sedans on the market, the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is our favorite, with its swift acceleration, sporty (for a hybrid) handling, miserly fuel consumption, comfort and practicality. Just make sure you live in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island or Vermont -- these are the only states where it is currently sold.

Driving Impressions
The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is a green car that doesn't compromise driving pleasure. While it certainly wouldn't be thought of as a canyon carver or a track-day candidate, this hybrid manages to retain much of the acceleration and road-holding prowess of the conventional four-cylinder Altima. Steering is notably precise, with ample feedback.

A BlackTree Media Production

Produced by Jamaal Finkley

Directed by Michael Melendy

On Camera Crystal Coney

Edit by Michael Melendy

Special Thanks to Joe Neuberger

http://www.blacktree.tv

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 2009
• Nissan
• Altima
• Hybrid
• Green
• Gas
• Conservation
• energy
• mpg
• blacktree
• media
• tv

[mkg00179504]

she should work in a zooo

[blacktreemedia]

@mkg00179504 I don't think she is trained to look after your mother.

[Myshu]

She's got no ideea on how to put a seatbelt. And she's wearing it wrong throughout the video.

[JRcuzicanbe]

Is it possible to get the packages added to this model although we're 5 yrs ahead @ this point in time?

[Enzo393]

@TheAndrey You'll have to drive a Nissan to see what she means. You get a lot of grunt for a smaller price.

[metlfan2003]

"gotta safe da urf, we gotta safe da urf"

lol "seatbelt! gotta stay safe!" (puts on seatbelt wrong)

[justinfroot]

@mkg00179504 Lol

[kngsunny]

i want to know the MPG..?

[maryoassyrian2007]

I liked this video. She showed the features of the car, she had a smile on her face, and she didn't make stuff up. For the people judging about the seatbelt, come one! You know half of you don't wear the seatbelt.

[BunderaKZT]

@everyone61 you should be in jail, jerk!!

[FlyingAero]

She must hate her ribs

[redcarsarasota]

Thumbs up for minivan dad and the air drums! ROFL!

[TheAndrey]

"first hybrid that drives like a nissan" -- what?