Topic: CTC Review: Nissan Altima Hybrid

[Autos_Editor]

Picture Gallery:  2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid Day 1: Click Image to Enlarge Well they are all the rage, or all the debate, depending on where you are.  Of course, I'm talking about hybrids, and it is about time I get myself behind the wheel of one these technological wonders to see what the fuss is all about.  More ...

[inco]

Using the Toyota system for it's underpinings will be a plus and bring in people who mike be looking at Camrays to compare. Will be interesting to so how sales go since it's outside the normal players.

[safristi]

..Just having a small trunk and no drop down rear seat,plus higher initial cost, would negate any small mileage increase advantage..it's supposed to be a flexible 4 seater.....now it's a BIG MINI.........

[UmroAyyar]

Hybrid System being the same.
How does it stack up against the Camry Hybrid?

1. Content
2. Driving Experience (Sportier?)
3. Safety equipment, knee airbag?

[carcrazed]

I wonder why they can't install the battery someplace else (ie. under the trunk like Escape) to allow the rear seats to fold down. Being able to fold down at least one side would be a start.

[mdxtasy]

I wonder why they can't install the battery someplace else (ie. under the trunk like Escape) to allow the rear seats to fold down. Being able to fold down at least one side would be a start.

How much of the trunk would be compromised if the trunk was only 7in deep now that they put the batteries underneath?  Or how low would the back end be? 

[Joe view]

Are hybrids the answer? What environmental saving is there if the process uses to manufacture the batteries spew 5 years worth pollution, equal to a small car in the air? Do we feel good about fooling ourselves?
I like to save fuel, diesel is a better solution as seen in Europe.

[1TSX]

Are hybrids the answer? What environmental saving is there if the process uses to manufacture the batteries spew 5 years worth pollution, equal to a small car in the air? Do we feel good about fooling ourselves?
I like to save fuel, diesel is a better solution as seen in Europe.

Yes, we know the arguments and issues of hybrid vehicles.

Anyways, the Altima Hybrid definitely looks better than the Camry Hybrid (IMO).

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Beside the Prius which I like a lot and would consider, this is probably the only other hybrid that would interest me.

[davidm]

Another trunk photo please.  Between shadows and the cargo net I can't really tell how big or small the trunk is.

[initial_D]

I wonder why they can't install the battery someplace else (ie. under the trunk like Escape) to allow the rear seats to fold down. Being able to fold down at least one side would be a start.

How much of the trunk would be compromised if the trunk was only 7in deep now that they put the batteries underneath?  Or how low would the back end be? 

That ... and the battery would have to sit in-between the two axles, not on or behind the rear axle, for weight distribution shakes.

Personally, I still cannot see the need/benefit of having a large hybrid vehicle yet.

[random006]

Anybody else having problems with the photo links?

[carcrazed]

They're working fine for me

[carcrazed]

I wonder why they can't install the battery someplace else (ie. under the trunk like Escape) to allow the rear seats to fold down. Being able to fold down at least one side would be a start.

How much of the trunk would be compromised if the trunk was only 7in deep now that they put the batteries underneath?  Or how low would the back end be? 

The battery application on the Escape didn't have to raise the floor much.  Of course, the battery wasn't a chunky one; it looked rather flat and wide on the Escape.  Maybe they could get rid of that donut spare and place the battery in its place.

[quadzilla]

Another trunk photo please.  Between shadows and the cargo net I can't really tell how big or small the trunk is.

Since I also wondered the size difference I found this on the Nissan site.

Cargo volume - L (cu. ft.)  286 (10.1) vs the regular car at 371 (13.1)

I also noticed this about fuel economy...

With Altima Hybrid's outstanding fuel efficiency - 5.6 L/100 km (50 mpg) City / 5.9 L/100 km (48 mpg) Hwy* - and a range of up to 1310 kilometres (800 miles) per tank, you’re not only getting a lot of fun for every litre of gas, you also get to go a long way.

The tank size is 76L. 

[wing]

The trunk is about the same size as the Mazda RX8 and as I type this I checked and voila, RX8 is 290L

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Feeling smug yet James?

[davidm]

The trunk is about the same size as the Mazda RX8 and as I type this I checked and voila, RX8 is 290L

Thanks for giving the number a tangible comparison.  Wow, that is small for a big sedan.  Wouldn't want to take the family and their luggage to the airport in that.  I like the RX8 a lot, but it's very small trunk was an issue (would need a different stroller )

[stodge]

Did you use the A/C at all? How did that affect things?

[wing]

It was 40C all week last week.  The A/C was running CONSTANTLY, it didn't seem to make a difference I believe it runs off of electricity and not off the engine.  Maybe I'm wrong but it worked when the engine was not turning.