Nissan's nifty Sentra compact sedan has been given a mild restyling and some enhancements for 2010, but it's also getting some prices cuts, as well.
The No. 2 Japanese automaker said this week that prices for the 2010 Sentra will begin at $15,420 for the base 2.0 model with six-speed manual transmission, which is up $70 from 2009.
But the 2.0 model with a continuously variable (automatic) transmission lists for $16,600, down $130 from 2009.
Price cuts are steeper on the rest of the line, including $600 below 2009 for the 2.0 S with the CVT and the 2.0 SR, both of which now list for $17,160.
The 2.0 SL model gets an even bigger cut — $1,100 — to a new price of $18,560.
And the high-performance SE-R and SE-R Spec V models, which did not get styling changes for 2010, now cost $1,080 less than their 2009 prices. The SE-R lists for $19,580, and the Spec V version is now $20,080.
Sentra competes directly with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus; these are the top four best-selling models in the compact-sedan class.
For the first time, Nissan will offer a navigation system for the Sentra, beginning in January. Available on the 2.0 SL, SE-R and Spec V models, this system has a 5-inch color screen and XM NavTraffic real-time traffic information. It will cost $400.
Also available with the navigation system is a rear-view monitor, another first for the Sentra.
Exterior styling changes include revised headlights and taillights for all models, along with a new grille and front fascia for the 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL models, Nissan said.
Inside, there are new interior fabrics on all Sentras, and leather is now available on the 2.0 SL.
The 2.0 SL gets a standard 4.3-inch color display for its audio system, and there are both iPod and Bluetooth controls.
A Convenience Package will be optional on the 2.0 SR model, and the 2.0 SL model now will come with electronic stability and traction control.
The wheel designs also have been updated, and there is a variety to choose among.
New exterior colors for 2010 will include Anodized Orange, Espresso Black and Aspen White.
Also available is Nissan's Intelligent Key system, which allows the driver to keep the key fob in a pocket or purse while entering and driving the vehicle. This is a feature usually reserved for luxury vehicles, but it's increasingly being offered on lower-end models such as the Sentra.
While the 2010 model has some changes, it's really just a continuation of the sixth-generation Sentra, introduced for 2007. With the remake that year, the Sentra became somewhat larger, more powerful and much roomier.
But even with the extra room and boost in power, the Sentra is just as economical as before. EPA fuel-economy ratings run as high as 25 mpg city/33 highway with the CVT.
The Sentra, which arrived in the United States in 1982 and is Nissan's second-best-selling model (behind the midsize Altima), racked up 3.8 million sales in its first quarter-century.
And while in the past the car was designed for an international market and sold worldwide, the newest generation is for North America only.
The car is built on Renault-Nissan's global C-class car platform, which was first used for the Renault Megane sedan in Europe and other world markets.
The newest Sentra is built in Aguascalientes, Mexico, along with the Platina, a similar model that is sold in Central and South America. That plant also builds the Nissan Versa subcompact, as well as the Renault Clio, a subcompact that is not offered in the United States.
Even at the base price, the Sentra comes well equipped. Among standard features are power windows/door locks, air conditioning, front seat-mounted side air bags, and side-curtain air bags for both rows of seats.
Some innovative comfort and convenience features are included, such as a panel that creates a hidden trunk storage compartment for valuables. The removable divider, which can be stored out of the way on the trunk floor when not in use, can be raised into a vertical position to create separate trunk compartments.
Also standard is a 60/40 double-folding rear seat with a fold-flat seat back to help extend the trunk into the passenger area for bulky cargo.
The base engine is a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine rated at 140 horsepower and 147 foot-pounds of torque.
SE-R models come with a 177-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, while the Spec V model has a 200-horsepower version of that engine.
A Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with six-disc CD changer, eight-channel amplifier and eight speakers is optional.
Although classified a compact, the car is almost midsize, judging by interior volume. It has 9.2 cubic feet more interior space than the previous generation.
Other interior features include an eight-disc CD holder over the driver's sun visor, storage pockets on the rear of the front seats for rear passengers' cell phones and MP3 players, a center rear armrest with cup holders that can hold 32-ounce drink cups, instrument-panel storage next to the driver's door, and a lighted, locking glove box that is large enough to hold a notebook computer or a large map book.
source: blog.seattlepi
