2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid

Putting an exclamation point on its complete generational makeover for 2007, Nissan's best-selling sedan is taking one more step down the evolutionary highway with the introduction of the Altima Hybrid. With its own Hybrid Electric Vehicle system not due until 2010, Nissan licensed Toyota's already-proven technology for its initial foray into the enviro ranks. Our drive in a late preproduction example showed the resulting effort is quite credible.

The Hybrid's package uses a variation of Nissan's QR25 2.5-liter inline-four, but all HEV-related hardware-including the CVT automatic-is Toyota sourced. Delivering 158 from the gasoline side and 40 from the electric motor, the engine makes 162 pound-feet from 2800 to 4800 rpm while the motor develops 199 pound-feet from 0 to 1500 revs. Nissan expects the Hybrid, while 306 pounds heavier, to be slightly quicker than a gas-only Altima 2.5S I-4. That should put 0-to-60-mph times near 8.5 seconds. Its 41/36 mpg city/hwy EPA stats also top the 23/29 mpg of a standard autoshifted four, while a 20-gallon fuel tank bumps projected range to 700 miles.

"Hybrid" badging aside, this tech-rich Altima is a visual clone of its closest kin, a 2.5S with SL Package. Inside, a kilowatt meter replaces the tachometer, and a power-flow display graces vehicles fitted with the nav system. Mounting the auxiliary battery pack behind its rear seat trims trunk capacity from 17.9 cubic feet to 9.1, but leaves front/rear weight bias virtually unchanged.

Like a Prius or Camry, the Altima Hybrid starts with the push of a button and cruises silently in EV Mode until you press the throttle hard enough to fire the engine. The artificial feel of its electric power steering and regenerative brakes takes some getting used to, as do the subtle but perceptible moments that accompany normal regen/degen transitions. Despite using stouter Altima V-6 front-suspension bits, the Hybrid's chassis tuning still speaks more to responsibility than response.

Set for sale in the eight states that share California's more stringent emissions standards, the Hybrid will likely start around $29,000-some $4000 more than a comparable conventional Altima. Whether those extra dollars make any financial sense will depend on your motoring habits-and the price of gas. But anyone with a case of Green Line Fever should include it on the "drive-me" list.