Nissan unveiled the all-new 2013 Sentra; a lighter, roomier, more fuel-efficient incarnation of the previous generation.
The Sentra is 150 pounds - or five percent - lighter, but is 2.6 inches longer and has increased interior room. With an EPA rating of 34 mpg combined, it is 13 percent more fuel efficient, thanks to a new 1.8-liter engine and the next generation Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with sub-planetary gear. The Sentra FE+ achieves 40 mpg on the highway, while all other Sentras are capable of 39 mpg.
The Sentra now has LED lights, the only compact sedan to have this feature as standard. It also has a 0.6-inch longer wheelbase (106.3 inches), a shorter front overhang, and a longer rear overhang. It is 0.6 inches lower in height, and 1.2 inches narrower; again without sacrificing interior space. The design is intended to make it more aerodynamic.
"Sentra has long been known as one of the roomiest sedans in class and the latest iteration is no exception," Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager of the Nissan Division of Nissan North America, said in a statement. "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 model is offered in six trim levels: S, FE+ S, SV, FE+ SV, SR and SL trim levels. All come with the Xtronic CVT standard, except for the base Sentra S, which has a choice of CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission.
The standard audio system is an AM/FM/CD system with four speakers. Buyers also have the option of a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with a 4.3-inch color display, a USB connection for iPods and other devices; and an 8-speaker Bose Premium system that features an amplifier specially tuned for best performance according to whether the car has a cloth or leather interior.
A SiriusXM Satellite Radio system and a Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System are also options.
The Sentra has available an updated version of the Nissan navigation system. NissanConnect with navigation includes 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 Pandora radio capability, streaming audio via Bluetooth, a 5.8-inch touch-screen display, NavTraffic and NavWeather functions (with SiriusXM subscription), and POIs powered by Google and Google Send-to-Car functions. The navigation system's map now includes curve warnings and speed limit information.
Other available options are a rear view monitor, a push-button ignition switch, and a tire pressure alert system.
"Nowhere is the new Sentra's 'class-above' style more evident than in the interior. You notice it the minute you sit in the roomy, comfortable seats and when you touch the high quality materials. And when driving you notice the extra attention paid to isolating noise, vibration and harshness from entering the cabin," said Castignetti. "And that's before you even get into the various advanced technology features that you usually don't expect in a compact sedan segment vehicle."
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