2008 Nissan Altima Coupe
FLY THE ALTIMA COUPE: Sleek and sporty Nissan is attractive on the outside and comfortable on the inside
August 9, 2007
BY MARK PHELAN
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST
Low-slung and lovely, the 2008 Nissan Altima coupe is the prettiest car penned by the brand's talented designers since the Murano and 350Z debuted in 2002.
It's also the latest model to attempt to take root in the hothouse environment that is the market for front-wheel drive sporty coupes.
Like exotic orchids, front-drive sport coupes are delicate and short-lived. The conventional wisdom is that a good one will sell well for two years. Then they wither on the vine as the newness wears off and sales plummet.
After four years, most are dried-out husks, ready to be pruned from the product line.
The coupe market is notoriously trendy, but the 2008 Altima is the freshest and one of the prettiest.
Prices for the Altima coupe start at $20,490 for a 2.5 S model with a six-speed manual transmission and 175-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The least expensive model with an automatic transmission uses Nissan's smooth continuously variable transmission and has a base price of $20,990.
The better-equipped 3.5 SE features Nissan's terrific 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. A 3.5 SE with a six-speed manual transmission has an attractive $24,890 base price. Adding a CVT raises the 3.5 SE's sticker to $25,390.
I tested a well-equipped 3.5 SE with a manual transmission and a $28,865 sticker price. All prices exclude destination charges.
The Altima coupe competes primarily with front-drive coupes like the Honda Accord, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Pontiac G6 and Toyota Solara. Buyers looking for hot performance as well as cool looks may also consider the rear-wheel drive Ford Mustang or Nissan's own 350Z two-seater.
The Altima's styling features a short hood, sloping roof, short front and rear overhangs and flared fenders to create a unique and elegant look.
The coupe's 105.3-inch wheelbase is 4 inches shorter than the Altima sedan, and the coupe's overall length of 182.5 inches is 7.1 inches less than the four-door. The coupe's 55.3-inch-high roof is 2.5 inches shorter than the sedan.
Despite the lower roof, front headroom is excellent, as are all dimensions in the roomy and comfortable front seat.
Rear legroom is minimal, but headroom is a more serious problem, making the rear seat virtually uninhabitable for anyone much taller than 5 feet 9 inches.
That's the price Nissan pays for the seductive shape that's likely to win the Altima coupe many buyers.
The Mustang, G6 and Solara all have more useful rear seats, and the Altima's 7.4 cubic-foot trunk is by a wide margin the smallest among the competitive coupes I've mentioned.
At 89.7 cubic feet the Altima's interior is smaller than the Mustang G6 or Solara, but roomier than the Eclipse.
The interior is well-equipped and trimmed in attractive materials, however, with large clear gauges and generous storage space from the Altima's big glovebox and a two-level storage bin in the center console.
The adjustment mechanism for the tilt and telescoping steering wheel, however, is downright balky. Its spring-loaded release lever and awkward telescope function essentially mean that you need two hands to hold the wheel steady as you adjust it, and a companion to reach between your knees to hold the release.
As the farm boy said when he sat on a splinter in the outhouse, that's when you find out who your real friends are.
The Altima's tidy dimensions -- 10 inches shorter than the Solara, 6.5 smaller than the G6, 5.1 smaller than a Mustang -- diminish interior space, but they contribute to the car's pleasant handling.
The car pulls smoothly through country curves, though its nose-heavy front-wheel drive layout creates a tendency to push in tight, fast turns. Torque steer, however, is minimal, a considerable achievement in a front-drive car featuring the Altima's powerful and free-revving 270-horsepower V6.
A recent drive in a V6 Mustang reminded me how responsive and enjoyable even a less-powerful, less-expensive rear-drive midsize coupe can feel, but the Altima's independent suspension was far more comfortable over bumpy roads than the Ford.
The Nissan's steering features well-tuned speed-sensitive power assist for a fine combination of light effort at low speeds and good on-center feel in highway cruising. Firm brakes stopped the coupe with assurance, though the pedals felt a little touchy to me.
The Altima coupe tops the competitors' fuel economy, achieving a 19 m.p.g. city/27 m.p.g. highway rating from the EPA. However, Nissan recommends premium fuel with the V6, while the slightly less fuel-efficient G6, V6 Mustang and Solara all recommend less-expensive regular gasoline.
Standard equipment includes front-seat side and curtain air bags, antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. Appealing options on the Altima coupe I tested included electronic stability control and a well-integrated Bluetooth hands-free connection for mobile phones.
The Altima's looks and attractive interior will satisfy just about everyone who buys it. It's a very comfortable and enjoyable car for in-town and highway driving with one or two occupants, but shoppers who put a premium on interior space or sporty handling might want to look elsewhere.
Contact MARK PHELAN at phelan@freepress.com.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2008 Nissan Altima coupe
Front-wheel drive four-passenger coupe
Rating: THREE STARS
(out of four stars)
**** Best in its class
*** Above average
** Competent
* Below average
Reasons to buy: Styling, ride, interior look and feel.
Shortcomings: Rear headroom, trunk room, premium fuel recommended.
Vehicle type: Front-wheel drive four-passenger coupe
Base price: $24,890 (excluding destination charges
As tested: $28,865
Standard equipment: Front-seat side and curtain air bags; antilock brakes; electronic brake force distribution and brake assist; 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels; twilight-sensing headlights; fog lights; 60/40 split rear seat; power windows, locks and sideview mirrors; remote entry; power sunroof.
Options: Electronic stability control; leather upholstery; heated front seats; XM satellite radio; Bose AM/FM/in-dash six-disc CD changer MP3-compatible stereo with nine speakers; speed-sensitive volume; radio-data system; illuminated console; metal-look interior trim; Xenon high-intensity discharge headlights; dual-zone automatic climate control; Homelink universal garage door opener; auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass.
SPECIFICATIONS AS TESTED
Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6
Power: 270 horsepower at 6,000 r.p.m., 258 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 r.p.m.
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel economy: 19 m.p.g. city/27 m.p.g. highway
Wheelbase: 105.3 inches
Length: 182.5 inches
Width: 70.7 inches
Height: 55.3 inches
Curb weight: 3,205 pounds
Where assembled: Smyrna, Tenn.
COMPARATIVE BASE PRICES
(not including destination charges; V6 manual-transmission models)
Ford Mustang V6 Premium: $20,480
Mitsubishi Eclipse GT: $23,499
Pontiac G6 GTP (available only with automatic transmission): $24,650
Toyota Solara Sport V6 (available only with automatic transmission): $24,530
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Print | posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 12:03 PM