Nissan Altima Coupe 2008

By Benjamin Cyr

You’d like a 350Z, but with a 2+2 configuration and you also find the nearly $50,000 price too steep. Now what? I would suggest trying the new Nissan Altima Coupe. I realize that we’re talking rear-wheel drive and not front-wheel drive, but it has usable rear seating and a starting price of $30,000.

Available in a 4 cylinder, 175hp version or in a V6, 3.5 litre, 270hp power pack, the Coupe gives you a blend of a traditional sports car and a comfort-minded sedan. We’re now evaluating a four cylinder. Although the factory transmission is a six-speed manual, ours moves to the beat of an automatic CTV, an option worth $1,200. We also have the luxury package, adding another $2,500 to the final tally. These features include leather seating, a nine speaker Bose satellite radio and automatic two-zone air conditioning. The base price of the 2.5 version stands at $27,798 while the V6 version, the 3.5 SE, will cost $31, 398. Remember, if you want one identical to ours, including options, you’ll pay $31,498.

The Coupe’s interior seems tasteful and well assembled. The materials are several cuts above what Nissan was installing several years ago; very impressive upgrades indeed. The controls are intuitive and user-friendly. The seating comfort level is good, even in the back. In fact, rear passengers will not grumble about available space but they will about difficult accessibility. With the trunk volume at only 210 litres, I just hope your passengers travel light.
The look of a vehicle is a matter of taste; however, if I’m to believe the comments of various people, this Coupe version looks good. I happen to agree! The front seems a little too conservative yet from the side and back, I find it above ordinary.

As to performance, do not expect the driving experience of a 350Z, though the comfort level has improved over its predecessor and driving pleasure can be had. If you opt for the V6 engine, performance rises and the sport suspension of this 3.5 SE version will keep things lively. Our tryout vehicle, running on 175hp, provides adequate accelerations, as witness, the 0-100km at slightly over 8 seconds. Nissan’s CVT transmission can only be described as excellent. This Japanese builder masters this technology like no one else; rapid and precise, it produces fine in gear acceleration. I would enjoy, if possible, having the sport suspension on the 2.5 S versions due to the limpness in high speed curbs and during slalom runs. Well, at least there’s comfort, even on our magnificent and well kept roads!