Altima Coupe 3.5 SE

If you were expecting the Altima Coupe to be nothing more than a two-door version of the Altima sedan, forget about it. Body panels save for the hood are unique, wheelbase is clipped by 4.0 inches and overall length by 7.1 inches. In the process of shedding two doors and gaining an attractive set of new clothes, the coupe has a unique personality as well. And equally important for a coupe, it's fun to drive.

The fact that the test car came with a CVT makes the last statement even more remarkable. I can count on one hand the number of vehicles with continuously variable transmissions I've driven and liked. Most were Nissans. (A six-speed stick is standard behind the base 2.4-liter, 175 hp four-cylinder and the V-6.)

In the Altima coupe, the CVT is set up to mimic the actions of a six-speed manumatic transmission - and it comes very close to succeeding. There's hardly a hint of the low-speed jerks and clunks common to most CVTs. It's possible to use the transmission much like a well-sorted-out Tiptronic: nudge the lever one way for upshifts, the other for downshifts. In either direction shifts take place almost instantly. On downshifts the revs take a spike upward, seamlessly matching road speed and not disrupting the chassis in corners. It's all very nice and tidy.

In the Altima Coupe 3.5 SE model the CVT is happy behind a gutsy 3.5-liter V-6 that pumps out 270 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It's quick. The test car hit 60 mph from rest in 6.4 seconds and cleared the quarter-mile in 15 sec. flat at 93 mph. Considering the power, it also returned a very reasonable 26.9 mpg at a 65 mph cruise and 21.8 mpg in mixed driving, both figures exceeding EPA estimates.

Suspension tuning is much more aggressive than in the sedan. Damping is noticeably firmer, as are the springs. On cratered roads it can become borderline harsh but overall, it's a creditable blend of ride and handling. The more buttoned-down suspension helps keep the meaty tires planted and the stability control system's threshold is set appropriately high, rarely intervening unless it's really required.

Steering feel is largely absent although effort rises with speed. But it's quite accurate and despite the handicap, placing the car accurately in corners is surprisingly easy. Final understeer is always on tap to protect the unwary and despite its pronounced 63/37 front weight bias, the Altima Coupe can carve up a twisting road with an eagerness similar to a VW Golf GTI. Better yet, it's happy in its work, responding to smooth control inputs by clipping apexes effortlessly and threading its way along canyon roads like a terrier chasing a mouse.

The new bodywork drew favorable reviews from onlookers and it's nearly as nice inside. Rear legroom is adequate for passengers of average height and headroom, despite the sunroof, is good both fore and aft. Some of the interior materials aren't terribly upscale but fit and finish are excellent. The driver's seat is power-adjustable in several different directions and proved both supportive and comfortable. The Altima Coupe 3.5 SE also has a very large, flat trunk, all of it usable.

Road noise is elevated over textured pavement although wind noise is very low. The V-6 is refined below 5,000 rpm but gets a bit hoarse in the upper speed ranges.

With no options the well-equipped test car, including destination charges, had a sticker of $26,780. Serious drivers won't go wrong taking a drive in this one before making a buying decision.