Leading the pack or behind the times?
Nothing makes sense anymore. While the Big Three have essentially stopped making midsize coupes (the last one standing is the Pontiac G6), Nissan has decided to start.
Did Nissan think that with the North American automakers' abandoning this niche, it had an opportunity? Maybe. But this new car, which was officially launched on June 1, will be competing with two Japanese rivals: the Toyota Solara and the upcoming Honda Accord Coupe. When the 2008 Accord Coupe Concept debuted in Detroit in January, it elicited a great deal of interest, but so did the Altima Coupe, unveiled at the last auto show in Los Angeles.
It took everyone by surprise, and with good reason. Nobody was expecting Nissan to come out with a car like this. This innovative Altima raised a lot of questions in the trade press, where everyone was wondering if there was room in the market for an entrant of this type. Particularly when you consider that the Altima coupe is being marketed only in North America.
I had three big questions myself. First, is Nissan trying to get onto the NASCAR circuit? Second, does Nissan think that aging baby-boomers will drop their versatile SUVs and sedans, and go back to more individualistic purchasing habits? Third, is this car a sort of transition, intended to pave the way for a convertible that will compete with the Sebring, Solara, G6, Eos and Mustang? I still don't have any answers -- Nissan executives either can't or won't say.
Only 200-300 units per month
One thing is clear: Nissan Canada doesn't have high hopes for this model. "We're aiming for sales of 200-300 units per month at best," says Nissan Canada's marketing director, Ian Forsyth.
These numbers seem a tad conservative to me. Admittedly, the two-door market can't compare with the market for midsize sedans, but the Altima's sleek lines will probably seduce more buyers than anticipated. Nissan has described the Altima coupe as a racy, sexy, stylish car, and warned drivers not to expect a sedan minus two doors. And with that I have to agree.
On the other hand, the interior is very similar to its sister sedan, at least as far as the dashboard is concerned. It is restrained and efficient, not revolutionary in any way. Available options include smooth wood and leather finishes that add to the ambiance and are a pleasure to touch.
Once behind the wheel, you immediately notice the seats are a far cry from what you get in the sedan. They are firmer and also offer more support, a definite advantage in a sports car. It would be nice, though, if the passenger seat could also be adjusted vertically, as its position seriously cramps headspace for taller passengers. A too-low roof in the back also means anyone over six feet tall will probably bang his head against the rear window: definitely not a pleasurable experience.
Two versions of the Altima are available in Canada: the 2.5S and the 3.5SE. These come equipped with a nice range of standard features such as sunroof, alloy wheels, heated front seats, audio steering controls and the Intelligent Key. The 2.5S doesn't offer the same standard features as the sedan but a variety of options are available, such as the bird's-eye view navigation system, leather seats, etc.
A world of difference
Naturally, whether you choose four or six cylinders will make a big difference in the vehicle's performance. The four-cylinder engine provides an excellent balanced drive, while the six delivers stand-out performance.
The 2.5S, equipped with Nissan's well-known 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine, offers 175 hp, more than enough power for a car of this size. This capable little engine is smooth and responsive, with good fuel efficiency (about 9.5 L/100 km) given its capacity.
The 3.5SE adds 95 horses to the herd for a superior power:weight ratio, but this is an advantage that will appeal to a limited audience. Nissan is aware of this: about 60% of the Altima Coupes will be of the 2.5S variety.
If you're interested a sportier two-door, the V6 is a must. It goes from 0-100 km/h in a little more than seven seconds and has a top speed of 225 km/h. Naturally, the manual six-speed option provides a more exciting driving experience. This transmission comes standard and is very pleasant to drive. No complaints here about the gear ratio. Shifting was also precise but Nissan has again opted for an overly long stick, reminiscent of something you'd find in a bus. Not a sporty feel, that's for sure.
Automatic is also available on both models but it's a continuously variable transmission (CVT), so it doesn't shift gears like an ordinary transmission. To give drivers some of the gear-shifting feeling, the engineers had the happy idea of offering an electronically simulated six-speed sequential mode, but it's not quite the same. However, this is a small price to pay for the comfort of the ride you get with CVT and the excellent fuel economy, better than with manual transmission.
An authentic sports car?
On the road, this car feels different from the sedan. Both are built on the rigid new "D" platform with the redesigned front suspension, so there are clear similarities, but the coupe's handling is somewhat less sterile: you feel the road a little bit more. The steering is precise and responsive to changes in speed. Firm shocks provide dynamic performance and the chassis is up to the job, as always. This is a well balanced vehicle with extremely reliable performance, something I always appreciate in a car of this size. And what's more, the Altima coupe is also extremely comfortable, even on long trips. For a lot of people out there, this car really will be the best of both worlds.
This is a well designed vehicle that should please its target audience. But I think true sports car fans will be a bit let down. It's not a discount 350Z, or even a G35 coupe. It's a high-performance car, lively and well-rounded, but it's not what you'd call the real deal as a sports car. If you want a car with a bit more style than a sedan that is also comfortable and a pleasure to drive, this new Altima may be the car for you. Another plus is that this vehicle offers a fair amount of luxury at a very competitive price. And please don't compare it to the dull-as-ditchwater Solara! That would be an insult to the brains behind this Altima.
Fact file
2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE
As tested (before tax): $39 598
Configuration: front-engine/FWD sport coupe
Engine/transmission: 3.5-litre V6/CVT
Horsepower: 270 at 5,800 rpm
Torque: 255 lb.-ft. at 4,400 rpm
Options: CVT Transmission ($1,200), Premium Package ($4,100), Navigation Package ($3,000)
Freight: $1,275
Fuel required: 76 litres regular unleaded
Fuel economy figures not yet available
Basic warranty: 3 years/60,000 km
MSRP range: $27,798 to $31,398
Competitors: Honda Accord Coupe, Pontiac G6 Coupe, Toyota Solara
Strengths: Pleasurable driving, extremely comfortable, reasonable fuel consumption, good selection of models
Weaknesses: Reduced rear space, efficient but dull CVT transmission
Find a dealer that sells the Nissan Altima coupe
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