2013 Nissan Sentra SR

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com

Nissan’s all-new 2013 Sentra focuses on class above design standards inside and out, as well as efficiency in engineering. The new Sentra is five percent lighter than the outgoing model, yet has slightly larger overall dimensions and more interior room.

Sentra’s all-new design is elegant, modern and refined, reflecting a professional character targeted at upwardly bound buyers who aspire to drive something more premium than some of the other designs in the segment. It adopts Nissan’s bold new signature trapezoid-shaped grille and large wraparound headlights with LED accents, the only sedan in the compact segment to offer them as standard equipment. In the rear, LED taillights are also standard, which complements the sophisticated styling.

Compared to the previous design, Sentra’s beltline has been lowered and a new character line has been added that runs from the front fenders, along the sides, and finishes at the sculpted taillights and trunk lid, giving the new Sentra a more aggressive stance and enhanced outward visibility for passengers. Other exterior features include chrome door handles and chrome window accents, available heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, and available sport front and rear fascias and rear spoiler.

Sentra’s sophisticated new look continues inside with a high quality interior design with materials not usually found in compact vehicles, including soft touch instrument panel and door armrests, available leather appointed seating and available Maple wood tone trim. Along with offering mid-size roominess in a compact-size exterior, the intuitive interior layout emphasizes driver control and outstanding seat comfort for all occupants. The instrument panel curves out towards the doors and features Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges that are backlit even in daylight, providing a high-quality look that is also easy to read.

The standard audio system is an AM/FM/CD system with four speakers. Other available systems include a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with 4.3-inch color display, USB connection for iPod and other compatible devices; and a Bose Premium audio system with eight speakers and an amplifier that has been specially tuned to either the cloth or leather interior for best performance.

2013 Sentra offers a major step forward in technology that helps owners stay connected. NissanConnect with Navigation is an all new system featuring a Hands Free Text Messaging Assistant that reads incoming text messages and allows drivers to reply without taking their hands off of the steering wheel.

The system also offers entertainment options such as Pandora radio capability, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth. Its large 5.8-inch touch-screen display helps make maps and other information easy to read, especially when paired with NavTraffic and NavWeather functions, along with POIs powered by Google and Google Send-to-Car functions. The Navigation’s map views now features warnings for curves and speed limit information.

As expected from a ground-up redesign, the new Sentra features an all new engine and CVT transmission. Now displacing 1.8-liters, Sentra’s advanced DOHC 4-cyinder engine offers a longer stroke than typical engines in its class, resulting in improved combustion speed and efficiency. The engine is equipped with a twin Continuously Variable Timing Control system which modulates both the intake and exhaust valve opening time similar to that used on the flagship Nissan Maxima.

The new engine is matched with a new-generation Xtronic CVT it features a host of enhancements that contribute to an improvement in fuel efficiency and lower vehicle weight. It also offers a wide gear ratio of 7.3:1 through use of a subplanetary gear and smaller pulleys, resulting in high-speed fuel efficiency at low rpm and responsive acceleration. Fuel economy is rated at 30 miles per gallon City, 39 miles per gallon Highway and a class-leading 34 miles per gallon combined with the CVT.

The 2013 Nissan Sentra is offered in a selection of six well-equipped trim levels: S, FE+ S, SV, FE+ SV, SR and SL. All trims come with standard Xtronic CVT, except the base Sentra S that is available with a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or CVT.

Sentra SR adds a sportier appearance, starting with 17-inch forked 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, sport front and rear fascias, sport front grille, lower body side sill extensions, rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light, fog lights and chrome exhaust tip finisher. Inside, the Sentra SR includes sport silver interior trim, premium sport cloth seats and driver’s seatback pocket.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $18,870.00, the one I drove included the SR Driver Package, Navigation Package, carpeted floor mats and trunk mat it came in at $21,650.00 including destination charge. mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Nissan.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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