It’s been a long time since we’ve heard the name ‘Nissan Sentra’, too long in fact, when we conjure fond memories of the 200 STI model. Thankfully the world is talking about the new 2013 Nissan Sentra, which will be launched in North America before filtering down to other markets, including those with right-hand drive vehicles.
Nissan says the new compact sedan will offer class-leading combined cycle fuel economy and rear-seat legroom. Notable highlights include a prominent grille, LED-infused headlights and soft curves. A sportier version, dubbed the ‘SR’ in the U.S., has deeper bumpers, extended side skirts and a rear spoiler. Overall, the sedan measures 4 625 mm long and has a wheelbase that spans 2 700 mm. As a point of reference, the Volkswagen Jetta is 4 644 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2 651 mm.
According to Nissan North America’s Vice President and General Manager, Al Castignetti, “The fine-tuning of its dimensions has created not only extremely well-balanced exterior proportions but enhanced rear seat legroom and created a larger, more usable trunk space.” The Sentra offers a 427-litre boot, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats in a conventional 60:40 split configuration.
Standard interior features include: a 6-way manual driver’s seat; 4-way manual front passenger’s seat; air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter; power windows with driver’s one-touch auto up/down; power door locks with auto-locking feature; an AM/FM/CD system with four speakers and remote keyless entry. Higher-spec variants offer leather upholstery, faux Maple wood trim and a Bose audio system. An optional extra is a new Nissan Connect SM infotainment system, which includes satellite-navigation and hands-free text messaging assistant, which “reads incoming text messages and allows drivers to reply without taking their hands off of the steering wheel.”
The 2013 Nissan Sentra will be powered by an all-new 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with 97 kW of power and 174 Nm of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, while a new ‘Xtronic’ continuously variable transmission (CVT) will be optional and should return slightly better fuel economy, which is rated at 6.9 L/100km in the US.
Pricing for the new Nissan Sentra will be announced for the U.S. in the coming weeks, but we’re more interested to hear what Nissan South Africa has to say about the new car. The Sentra sedan is likely to replace the Nissan Tiida, while a hatchback is rumoured to be in the works too. Could the we see the revival of the ‘STI’ nameplate, or even the hallowed ‘SSS’ in hatchback form? We’ll keep you updated as soon more news becomes available.
