2009 Nissan Altima

NEW FOR 2009:

- 3.5 SE sedan adds standard sunroof

- New wheel cover design on 2.5 S sedan

- Upgraded 18-inch alloy wheel on 3.5 SE coupe

- Auto-locking feature added to power door locks

- Exterior colours: Mystic Jade, Toasted Almond and Satin White added to Hybrid

For 2009, the Nissan Altima is virtually unchanged, save for trim changes including a new sunroof on the 3.5 SE sedan, and new wheel treatment for the 2.5 S sedan and 3.5 SE coupe. As well, all models now have an auto-locking feature on their power locks.

Offered as a coupe or sedan, the Altima uses a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder or a 3.5-litre V6, mated to a six-speed manual transmission or optional CVT (the CVT is the only transmission choice on the 3.5 S sedan). The sedan is also available as a hybrid, which uses the 2.5-litre mated to a hybrid system licensed from Toyota and used with the CVT. It's a full hybrid system that can run on its battery alone.

The sedan is offered as the 2.5 S, 3.5 S and 3.5 SE; the coupe as the 2.5 S and 3.5 SE; and the hybrid in a single trim line.

Features on the 2.5 S sedan include 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, automatic headlamps, heated mirrors, splash guards, tire pressure monitoring system, Intelligent Key with pushbutton ignition, power windows with driver's auto up/down, cruise control, trip computer, tilt and telescopic wheel, speed-sensitive variable intermittent wipers, six-way manual driver's seat adjustment, cloth seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, anti-theft system, and CD stereo with auxiliary input.

The 3.5 S sedan adds traction control, folding heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, and heated seats.

The 3.5 SE sedan adds 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, performance-tuned suspension, fog lights, power sunroof, front passenger auto down/up window, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, eight-way power driver's seat, and leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls.

Features on the 2.5 S coupe include 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, automatic headlamps, heated mirrors, power sunroof, splash guards, tire pressure monitoring system, Intelligent Key with pushbutton ignition, power windows with auto up/down, cruise control, trip computer, tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped wheel, speed-sensitive variable intermittent wipers, heated cloth seats with eight-way power driver's adjustment, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, anti-theft system, and CD stereo with wheel-mounted controls and auxiliary input.

The 3.5 SE coupe adds 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, performance-tuned suspension, traction control, fog lights, folding heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, power driver's lumbar support, and wood-tone trim.

Features on the Hybrid include 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, traction control, vehicle dynamic control, automatic headlamps, heated mirrors, power sunroof, rear spoiler, splash guards, tire pressure monitoring system, Intelligent Key with pushbutton start, power windows with front auto up/down, cruise control, tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped wheel, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, heated cloth seats with eight-way power driver's adjustment, CD stereo with auxiliary input and wheel-mounted controls, and anti-theft system.

Handsomely styled, the Altima bases with a peppy four-cylinder and smooth ride; the V6 with its performance suspension transmits more road imperfections to the cabin, but gives a sportier driving experience. On both engines, the optional CVT is quiet, smooth and works very well. The hybrid version continues the sedan's roominess and comfort, and is one of the better hybrids on the market for performance, handling and driving fun.