Nissan Hybrids
The only Nissan hybrids in the car market today is the Nissan Altima hybrid, and we can discuss fuel efficiency, price, and overall quality. This is another addition to the line of Japanese hybrid cars and it is just as well made as all other models.
This Nissan hybrid is powered by a combination of gasoline and electric powered motors. Hybrid electric vehicles and their designs are well known to top engineer specialists in Japan. They use some very ingenious concepts to keep their hybrid vehicles at the top of the pack.
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Fans have long expected Nissan hybrids to enter the marketplace. One model alone is almost insignificant when compared to multiple hybrid models made by other major manufacturers. Nissan is new to the hybrid market though and they are just getting their feet wet. The Altima hybrid should make a significant impact in the industry soon. There are bound to be more Nissan hybrids becoming available in the very near future.
The Nissan Altima hybrid should prove to be a very popular selection because of the large, hard-core following of Nissan Altima fans. The millions of loyal customers who love the Altima in the current gas engine model are certainly going to enjoy its new hybrid look and feel. There has been a clamor by Nissan enthusiasts for several years who wanted Nissan hybrids and now they have them.
Economy/Engine
This hybrid car by Nissan is only offered as a front-wheel drive model at the present time, although this could change soon. It comes with a 2.5-liter engine that has a four-cylinder dual overhead cam and this design is remarkably powerful while maintaining great fuel efficiency . You can get about 200 horsepower from this monster with both the electric and gasoline motors in operation. The gasoline engine can deliver an impressive 170 horsepower without any assistance. The electric motor provides an additional 30 horsepower to pep the action up just a little bit more.
The engine is connected to a CVT transmission , this type of design is also known as a continuously variable transmission. This is a uniquely designed machine that is essentially gearless. A CVT has no gears but uses variable adjustments when in operation.
The fuel economy is phenomenal when compared to other hybrid vehicles such as the Camry hybrid . This Nissan hybrid is capable of 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. With a full tank of gas , the Altima hybrid car will take you about five hundred miles. The reason why this hybrid car gets better fuel economy during city driving is because the electric motor is the primary operational system at low city speeds.
In addition, this Japanese hybrid car is classified as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle , which makes the car even more marketable for the company. Currently, Nissan is looking into other hybrid technology to power this car such as a fuel cell (hydrogen power ) and they are even considering a natural gas for fuel. At present, these are concept ideas and remain only on the drawing board.
Price/Availability
This Nissan hybrid will only be available in the following states CA, CT, MA, ME, NJ, NY, OR, RI, and VT. Availability in these locales will still be tight. Drivers are going to be hard pressed to find even one hybrid Altima anywhere because of high consumer demand.
The base market price for the hybrid electric car by Nissan is twenty-six thousand dollars, however that does not include such fees as taxes, title etc. This hybrid model is only a few thousand dollars more than the standard gasoline model, which makes it an appealing option to many customers. The hybrid car cost can go up quickly depending on options and other additions.
Quality
Nissan builds quality cars but the standards with materials fall short of those used on Honda’s hybrid cars . The interior plastics used in the Nissan hybrids design are basic and do not hold up well over time. There are many unpadded areas found on the dash and surroundings. The quality of the radio and A/C are only fair. The sound system is actually better than most of the hybrid competitors.
On the plus side, the hybrid Altima battery packs seem to be of better quality than the Hondas and Toyotas . The exterior of the car is well made but not outstanding. This hybrid offers a roomy interior with good leg room and head clearance.