Rebate & Credit Rundown
Yes, the hybrid costs about $4300 more, but look at what it can do. The regular ole Altima 2.5 (26 average mpg) can’t pull out and drive without running the engine. And that’s where the cut in fuel economy and enviro savings happens: Driving an average of 15,000 miles per year, greenhouse gas emissions for the hybrid tally up to 5.4 tons/year, where the regular Altima will spew out a higher 7.1 tons/year. Buy the Altima Hybrid and you’re qualified for a $2,350 federal tax credit and potential state credit—no can-do for the standard 2.5 version.
Couple this credit with the hybrid’s first year’s $419 fuel savings (compared to driving 15,000 miles in a conventional Altima), and cut the hybrid price premium to about $1500. Depending upon state credits (some are $500 or more), the hybrid package pays for itself in 3 years or less. Not to mention you get an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) that meets California emissions requirements, to boot. It is for sale in the eight states that have adopted the CA regulations: CA, CT, ME, MA, NJ, NY, RI and VT.
Details and Specs
Technical Features: 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, 198 hybrid system horsepower, Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), 4-wheel power disc brakes
Safety Features: Nissan Advanced Airbag System, driver and front-passenger side impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags, Lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH), tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle security system
Interior Features: Leather-appointed seats and door trim, driver and front-passenger heated seats, driver’s lumbar support, 8-way power driver’s seat, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, XM Satellite Radio, Bose AM/FM/6CD Changer with 9-speakers, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback capability, auto on/off headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio controls
Exterior Features: Dual chrome-tipped exhaust finishers, dual power sideview mirrors, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, P215/60R 16 all-season tires, halogen headlights, splash guards
Page One: Initial Impressions, Look & Feel, Fuel-ability & Enviro-meter