It feels a little strange to drive a car which is totally silent when stopped, stays almost silent at low speeds, and on the highway, without the motor increasing speed, literally zooms up to 70 mph. One soon gets used to the oddities of a hybrid. The 30 to 40 mpg fuel consumption is the reward for all these unnatural changes.

Although the new Nissan Altima Hybrid boasts a 42 city/ 36 highway miles per gallon, the EPA has just announced that its hybrid fuel consumption estimates may be as much as 20 percent better than one might experience in real life. That would reduce these estimates to 34 city/29 highway. Still very good city fuel consumption for this size of car. This road test, a mix of city and highway driving, delivered 30 mpg from a brand new car. Expect fuel consumption to improve over the first 5,000 miles.

Nissan Altima

The real story here is the bargain price for a very good hybrid. At $24,400 the hybrid has more standard equipment than the $20,300 4-cyl SE with CVT (constant velocity transmission), but less than the $24,500 V-6 SE with CVT, and offers performance close to that of the V-6.

In addition to the reasonable price, new owners can claim a credit of $2,350 from the IRS if they buy in 2007. Because this hybrid is a new model this is the maximum amount you can claim for any hybrid in 2007. Even the Toyota Prius has now sold so many cars the credit available from the IRS has just about disappeared in 2007.

The Altima is powered by a 2.5 liter, 158 hp, DOHC 4-cyl engine and a 40 hp electric motor. The real trick here is the torque available from this electric motor. When you add the 199 ft-lb from the electric motor to the 162 ft-lb from the 4-cyl engine, this thing can boogie. You can see the electric motor contribution on the kilowatt gauge in the instrument panel. Nissan uses the Toyota Synergy Drive hybrid system, all of the hybrid components except the electric motor are supplied by Toyota.

The electric and gas motors power the drive wheels through a CVT transmission. Nissan has some experience with CVT transmissions. It has equipped the Murano SUV with one since its introduction in 2003. A CVT has no shift points, it attempts to keep the engine at the same rpm regardless of the throttle position or the power output. The car just keeps going faster and faster.

The ride, like the other nonhybrid Altimas, is a little on the stiff side. It is not quite as smooth as the Honda Accord, however this car handles well on sharp curves and twisty roads. The 4- wheel disc ABS brakes are excellent, powerful, smooth and quiet.

The Altima has been mildly reshaped for 2007 and it seems like the “bulky” look at the rear has been toned down somewhat. The interior is well done, although a little bland. This car has a multiplicity of airbags with advanced features to keep everyone safe.

To start this car all you have to do is make sure the key is in your pocket or handbag, or anywhere in the car, and then put your foot on the brake pedal and push the start button. The only indication that you have actually started is provided by the instrument display — everything lights up. There is no engine sound. Now you can tool around the parking lot on the electric motor — but watch out, nobody can hear you coming.

Options for this car include a Technology Package for $7,250 that includes a moonroof, navigation system and a host of other features, too many to list here, a Connection Package for $5,250 that includes many stereo upgrades and either a Sirius or XM satellite radio package, a Convenience Package for $1,300, an alternative to the expensive Technology Package with a few of the improvements offered there.

Nissan CEO Carlos Goshn has noted he does not believe hybrids are the solution to fuel consumption and emission issues prevalent in normal gas engined vehicles. Maybe not, but he has produced an attractive one using Toyota's technology in this Altima.

The warranty is 36 months or 36,000 miles, 60 months or 60,000 miles for the drive train and 15 years or 150,000 miles for the hybrid components. This is a fun car, likeable and pleasant to drive. If you think you would like a hybrid, the test car was supplied by Mossy Nissan of Oceanside, and it will be happy to offer you a test drive.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 55 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at austin@sandiegometro.com.