Nissan claims the Altima Hybrid is the “first hybrid that drives like a Nissan.” Come again? This is no 350Z. Sure, the Altima Hybrid is fun-to-drive, but there’s a nagging omission that Nissan is hiding here: they did not create the hybrid technology that’s responsible for making this car drive like a Nissan. Credit for that goes to Toyota and its Hybrid Synergy Drive from which Nissan borrowed the transaxle, inverter, lithium-ion battery and control unit. Nissan’s contribution is the158 hp, 2.5L 4-cyl. engine that’s mated to it.

Those marketing gurus should have claimed the Altima Hybrid to be the “first hybrid to handle like a Nissan” because, unlike most hybrids, the Altima has a sporting, confident feel. Those other hybrids, despite their highly rated fuel economy, are about as exciting – and appealing – as the skin on pudding. The Altima Hybrid doesn’t have this problem because it has the same suspension layout and tuning as the gasoline-powered model. Nothing has been softened to make this car acceptable to those who want to shout “green” and trumpet their piousness. Also, Nissan’s design staff did not mess with the exterior or interior solely as a way to differentiate the hybrid from the rest of the Altima lineup. The 35 city, 33 mpg highway mileage will have to do that all by itself.

While the handling may be up-to-snuff, two nagging issues cropped up during my week behind the wheel: a surging that was most prevalent during slow-speed driving, and noticeable driveline shudder when the electric drive system disengaged. Both of these concerns have been addressed in other hybrid vehicles, but Nissan’s engineering team apparently seems to think slapping the electric drivetrain onto an existing powertrain architecture is enough. It isn’t, especially in a vehicle carrying a nearly $7,000 premium compared to the base Altima.

Still, I have to give credit to Nissan for staying true to its branding message, providing cars that are reasonably affordable and fun-to-drive even when there are forces pulling in the other direction. However, if your idea of being green is to be boring and staid, skip the Nissan Altima Hybrid altogether and get a Prius instead.

Vehicle as Driven:

Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with electric hybrid system

Horsepower: 158 @ 5,200 rpm

Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm

Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission

Wheelbase: 109.3 in.

Overall length: 189.9 in.

Height: 58.1 in.

Width: 70.7 in.

Curb Weight: 3,482 lb.

Price: $31,325