This is a player’s car.
That’s the first thing one of the teenage boys in the neighborhood enthused when he ran over to admire the Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5 S I had just parked.
The 2010 model isn’t yet available to test — indeed only one early photo has been officially released by the automaker — but, really, who cares? This 2009 model is a beauty; it’s tough to imagine any sports-minded buyer not being enticed to sign on the dotted line.
The Altima Coupe is positioned as a midsize sedan but it has the looks of a more expensive sports car. The exterior features a T-shaped grille, a strong wedge character line, forward A-pillars, outside temperature gauge, fog lights and dual exhaust finishers.
Like most sports cars, this model is designed for the driver. This one has a trunk cancel switch, speed-sensitive variable intermittent windshield wipers, dual zone automatic temperature controls and a host of high-tech audiovisual features including a RearView Monitor and optional Bluetooth.
The instrument panel is easy to read and see. I also liked the extras including the all-important cup holders — a triple front cup holder design in the front and cup and bottle areas in the door panels.
Of course all these comforts don’t mean much if the car isn’t agile and aggressive. That’s certainly not a problem for the Altima Coupe, which rounds corners and moves in narrow lanes like the champ it is while keeping the ride silky smooth.
Nissan credits the advanced engine design and the front-wheel drive “D” platform for the steady ride. A low engine-mounting position with a six-point pendulum-type mounting system and the half-shafts set at equal angles and nearly parallel to the ground almost eliminate torque steer.
A rear multilink independent suspension design separates the rear shock absorbers and springs for minimized friction and the shocks are in line with the center of the rear wheels, providing excellent damping and almost no harshness.
But most drivers care more about creature comforts such as interior space. One of the downsides of many sports cars is the passenger space. Although drivers are generally given somewhat spacious accommodations, passengers — especially those in the rear — feel something akin to the proverbial sardines in a can. The Altima isn’t huge but it gives a healthy 37.2 cubic inches of headroom and 42.5 cubic inches of legroom in the front and 35.6 cubic inches of headroom and 34.4 cubic inches legroom in the rear.
The Nissan Altima may look and drive like a player’s car, but it’s got plenty for families to love, too.
