Monday, October 1, 2007

2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid Review

The 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid, a mid-sized hybrid sedan, is the automaker's first outing in the hotly emerging hybrid class. Under the hood there's a 2.5-liter engine (four cylinders) producing 158 horsepower. That unit is connected to two electric motors boosting total horsepower output to 198, edging out the Toyota Camry hybrid by 11 hp. (The vehicle is also outfitted with continuously variable valve timing control.) Working together the engine and motors should give drivers 41 mpg in town and 36 on the road. According to the Nissan site, owners can expect a per tank range of 700 miles in the city.

Naturally the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid's major appeal lies in its green credentials for low emissions and its stellar gas performance, music to the ears of drivers weary of increasingly high fuel prices. Don't worry though. You won't be making any comfort compromises with this sedan. You can pick and choose from the standard range of Altima amenities. Expect the price tag to start at $24,990 and to go up from there depending on your choices. The price is roughly the same as a standard Altima 3.5 SE ($24,000) and approximately $5,000 above the base model ($19,800.)

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