Since the first Altima appeared in 1993, Nissan’s smaller sedan has been just that. A Sedan. For the 2008 model year, Nissan took a page from Honda and Toyota and created a coupe version of their popular 4th generation Altima. If Accord and Camry coupes appealed to singles and couples, then so should an Altima Coupe. Sales must have responded as for 2010 the Coupe is still on the market and just underwent some massaging for the 2010 model.
Our tester was a 2010 Altima Coupe 3.5 SR in black with matching leather interior and the optional technology package. Power comes from Nissan’s award winning 3.5l VQ series 6 cylinder engine which in this platform is tuned to put out 270 horsepower. In our tester all those ponies made their way to the front wheels through Nissan’s proven CVT transmission. While the CVT wouldn’t be my choice, it is a perfect fit for the V6 powered Altima Coupe where the target consumer likely values smooth, comfortable power delivery over outright performance. Don’t let my bias towards shifting my own gears fool you though, as the Altima Coupe is plenty quick when it needs to be it just feels less aggressive than say a G37.
Government fuel ratings list the Altima Coupe with this drivetrain as achieving 10.2 l/100 km in the city and 7.3 on the highway. During our time with the car, we covered just under 600 km and all but 150 of that was city driving. Even with a rather heavy foot, we still managed a combined usage of 10.7 l/100 km, which is closer than most vehicles come to hitting the test numbers.
On the outside, the Coupe is nothing short of sexy, displaying far more sensual curves than the competition. Likewise on the inside, the curves are all in the right places. Front seat passenger’s curves are well coddled in the supple leather bucket seats, which are heated. On those early Spring mornings here in Ontario, we can still appreciate the bun warmers. Unlike many other coupes on the market, the Altima actually has 3 seat belts. One gripe we had is the driver’s seat back does not have a quick release to allow rear seat entry and the right side has a handle located on the inboard side of the seat that is tough to operate from either side of the car. Those rear seat passengers had best be small as our 3 kids were a bit cramped back there. You would be best advised not to attempt a drive to Florida with more than 2 of you.
Cargo area isn’t the strong suit of any coupe and the Altima is no different. 3 hockey bag test? Fuggedaboutit! That said, most buyers in this segment either don’t have kids yet or the kids have flown the coop. With the 60/40 split rear seats folded flat, there is more than enough space for a couple to go touring in style.
Nissan has a knack for doing in car techno toys well and the Altima does not disappoint here either. The technology package includes navigation with a 6.5″ display, am/fm radio with satellite radio, aux mp3 plugins, bluetooth audio and phone and a 9.3 gig onboard music server. If that weren’t enough, the traditionally difficult coupe rear view is eliminated with a rear view camera system.
For the consumer who wants a bit more style than a traditional sedan offers, but doesn’t want the all out performance of a car like the 370Z, a mid size coupe is a perfect solution. The Altima Coupe is arguably the most stylish car in the segment and with a starting price of $27,348 for the 4 cylinder, it is about $400 cheaper than the Accord. Our V6 tester was loaded up with goodies which brought the sticker to $39,148.
About Gary Grant
Another cool fact about the Altima is that it is Nissan’s first hybrid car. Currently Nissan is licensing Toyota’s hybrid technology – but they plan to start developing hybrid technology in-house.
Great Article!