By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
Nissan Sentra enters the 2014 model year with a number of additions and refinements, keeping it at the head of the segment in terms of style, premium design, connectivity and value. For example, Sentra’s available NissanConnect with Navigation now includes all-new NissanConnect Apps smartphone integration for iPhone and Android. It also has improved voice recognition and one-shot destination entry. In addition to the new app integration, the NissanConnect with Navigation systems capabilities now includes SiriusXM Travel Link.
Seat comfort has been improved with new seat frame spring tuning and revised foam density and shaping, additional lateral support and a feeling of seat plushness. In addition, a sliding front armrest is now standard on the SL grade. New front seat lower cushion storage pockets are standard on all models and an Auto Hazard Warning Signal is added for all models.
Sentra’s exterior design is elegant, modern and refined. It adopts Nissan’s bold signature trapezoid shaped grille and large wraparound headlights with standard LED accents. In the rear, LED taillights are also standard, which complement the sophisticated styling.
Compared to the previous generation design, Sentra’s beltline has been lowered and a character line has been added that runs from the front fenders, along the sides, and finishes at the sculpted taillights and trunklid, giving 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.
The high quality look and feel of the exterior continues inside with materials not usually found in compact vehicles, including a 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.
Like the 2014 Altima, Sentra offers a major step forward in technology that helps owners stay connected. NissanConnect with Navigation is an advanced 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 NissanConnect Apps and 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 SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link functions. The Navigation’s map views features warnings for curves and speed limit information. NissanConnect Apps include Online Search powered by Google, Pandora and Facebook.
As part of the redesign, Sentra features a new drivetrain anchored by an advanced 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cyinder engine offering 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.
The engine is matched with a new-generation Xtronic CVT (a 6-speed manual is available on the Sentra S model). The CVT features a host of enhancements that contribute to an improvement in fuel efficiency and lower vehicle weight. It offers a wide gear ratio range of 7.3:1 through use of a subplanetary gear and smaller pulleys, resulting in high-speed fuel efficiency and responsive acceleration.
The top of the line Sentra SL adds 17-inch split 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, Smart Auto Headlights, fog lights, heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, Nissan Intelligent Key, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, 6-speaker audio system with 4.3-inch display, USB connection port, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).
Additional Sentra SL equipment includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever knob, Maple wood-tone interior trim, sliding front armrest, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control and Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy Fill Tire Alert.
Fuel economy is rated at 30 miles per gallon City, 39 miles per gallon highway and 34 miles per gallon combined with the CVT. The manufacturer’s suggested retail base price starts at $19,590.00, the one I drove included the Navigation, Premium and Leather Packages, carpeted floor mats, Trunk mat, and it came in at $23,450.00 including destination charges. mlezcano@carsntravel.com
