All-new Sentra is easy to
like
First introduced to the North American market
in 1981 as a 1982 model-year vehicle, the all-new
2007 Nissan Sentra is the sixth generation
of the popular Japanese economy car.
While compact cars have never been box office
hits with Americans, last year's $3-per-gallon
gasoline prices have everyone paying a little
more attention to fuel economy ratings on the
window stickers when shopping for a new car.
In that department the new Sentra seems right
on target, with an EPA fuel economy rating
of 29 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on
the highway. Although, the best I could get
from my test car was 26 mpg. With less than
1500 miles on the test car, fuel economy should
improve as the engine logs more miles.
Sentra is no longer the entry-level Nissan,
having been displaced by the Versa. The new
Sentra is larger overall with a 5.9-inch increase
in wheelbase and 2.3-inches in overall length.
It's also higher and wider, affording
much improved interior space.
The front-wheel drive Sentra comes in a choice
of three models: the 2.0 ($14,750), 2.0S ($15,650)
and 2.0SL ($18,400). Standard equipment on
all models includes air conditioning, power
windows/door locks and steering, and AM/FM/CD
audio system. The S model adds power mirrors,
styled steel wheels, steering-wheel-mounted
audio controls, and keyless entry. SL adds
leather seats, cruise control, keyless ignition
and automatic Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT).
The larger Sentra is also more powerful, with
a 2.0-liter 140-horsepower four-cylinder engine
that powers all three Sentra models. A six-speed
manual transmission is standard on the base
and S models with an automatic CVT available
as an $800 option.
In March, Nissan will introduce the SE-R performance
version of the Sentra powered by a larger 2.5-liter
200-horsepower four-cylinder and a choice of
a six-speed manual transmission or automatic
CVT. The SE-R will feature a firmer suspension,
deeply bolstered sport bucket seats, aluminum
trimmed pedals, gauges, exterior badging and
upgraded wheels and tires. Pricing is not available
as of this review.
Most noticeable is the new exterior design
that now falls into line with the rest of the
Nissan family, appearing like a smaller version
of the Maxima and Altima with slab sides, short
yet high rear deck, sharply angled windshield,
large trapezoidal, stacked multi-element headlamps,
and now familiar Nissan grille and logo. The
new look certainly won't make a fashion
statement but it's pleasant.
The interior is blissfully larger than the
previous generation models and will accommodate
four adults with relative comfort. We liked
the look and feel of the cloth seats in our
S model. This tall driver could have used more
thigh support but appreciated the wide selection
of seat adjustments for leg and headroom.
Back seat passengers get another inch of legroom;
trunk space is up by 1.5 cubic feet. The rear
seat is split 60/40 and folds flat to open
space into the trunk, a nice feature for transporting
long objects like a bike or stroller.
Interior materials are up to snuff, plastics
look good, overall build quality, fit and finish
are up to par, dash is stylish, gauges and
controls functional and easy to use. The center
stack is trimmed in a brushed-aluminum. The
glove box is deep, can hold a laptop computer
and has a lock. Steering wheel tilts but doesn't
telescope.
Driving the Sentra won't convince you
it's an "enthusiast" car
by any means. But it handles well, doesn't
seem overly tippy in sharp cornering or curves
and returns a smooth mostly quiet ride.
We've never been huge fans of the CVT,
which are smooth revving, meaning they hold
the same engine rpm for runs up to highway
speeds without hearing or feeling the transmission
shift like traditional automatics. Likewise
you don't feel passing gears kick in
under full throttle. But this is the best CVT
we've driven and isn't nearly as
annoying as those we've driven in Honda
or Chrysler-Jeep products.
Safety gear includes standard dual-stage front
airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain
air bags and active front seat headrests. We
were disappointed that anti-lock brakes are
not standard; in fact, we even question the
omission of disc brakes on the rear in favor
of drum-style brakes. At least antilock brakes
are optional ($250 on base) part of a wheel
package on S, and standard on SL. We also think
it's a mistake that electronic stability
control is not available as either standard
or optional equipment.
The 2007 Sentra earned the highest five-star
rating in front and side impact crash tests
from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
and the second highest (Acceptable) rating
from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The new Sentra is built in Aguascaliente,
Mexico and comes with a three-year/36,000 mile
warranty.
The new Sentra, while not perfect, is an improvement
over the previous generation and as a daily
driver will please most owners. We don't
think there's enough evidence to
call it a clear leader among rivals like the
Honda Civic, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota
Corolla or Subaru Impreza, but it's pretty
impressive nonetheless.
