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By New Car Test Drive
Roomy and sophisticated.
Introduction
The Nissan Sentra was completely redesigned and re-engineered for the 2007 model year. Some think the second year of production is the sweet spot for a new car, and that's where the Sentra is now.
The Sentra may be classified as a compact, but it's not that small. The truly small cars are subcompacts: Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit. The Sentra is larger and roomier than those cars and competes with compacts such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Sentra comes only as a four-door sedan (no hatchback is offered) and all models are front-wheel drive.
This latest-generation Sentra was designed for American buyers. As a result, the cabin is spacious and it's finished like a more expensive car, with wonderfully supportive seats in cloth or leather. The 60/40 split rear seat folds flat, opening up the trunk space and creating a large flat cargo area. It's enough space for two to sleep back there, or haul long items.
High-performance Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V models have joined the lineup for 2008. The high-performance Sentra SE-R and the higher performance SE-R Spec V feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder tuned to 177 horsepower and 200 horsepower respectively. These SE-R models have suspension modifications for sharper handling. The SE-R models have more power and better handling, but they're easy to live with and offer all the advantages of the standard Sentra.
Sentra 2.0 models come with an aluminum 2.0-liter engine and a choice between a wonderful six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT continuously variable automatic transmission. These cars are good values. They're roomy inside, the engine is modern and competitive, and the chassis provides good handling and a comfortable ride. Sentras with the 2.0-liter engine are EPA rated at 25/33 mpg City/Highway with the CVT, 24/31 mpg with the six-speed manual. Nissan is a leader in CVT, or continuously variable transmission, design, and we've been happy with them.
For 2008, there are no significant changes to the Sentra 2.0-liter models.
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