The Nissan Sentra, which was completely redesigned and re-engineered for the 2007 model year, continues into 2009 with only minimal changes. Among those things which are new for 2009: A slightly restyled trunk lid, new cloth seat selections, automatic door locks are made standard, MP3 capability on the 2.0 S and 2.0 SL trim levels, a new Premium Plus Package for the 2.0 SL, and three new exterior colors.
The Sentra may be thought of as a compact, but it's not that small. The truly small cars are subcompacts: Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, and Honda Fit. The Sentra is larger and roomier than those cars and competes with compacts such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Sentra comes only as a four-door sedan (no hatchback is offered) and all models are front-wheel drive.
This latest-generation Sentra was designed for American buyers. As a result, the cabin is spacious and it's finished like a more expensive car, with wonderfully supportive seats in cloth or leather. The 60/40 split rear seat folds flat, opening up the trunk space and creating a large flat cargo area. It's enough space for two to sleep back there, or to haul long items.
The high-performance Sentra SE-R and the higher performance SE-R Spec V feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder tuned to 177 horsepower and 200 horsepower respectively. These SE-R models have suspension modifications for sharper handling. The SE-R models have more power and better handling, but they're easy to live with and offer all the advantages of the standard Sentra. For 2009, SE-R models have a new Premium Audio Package and two new exterior colors.
Sentra 2.0 models come with an aluminum 2.0-liter engine and a choice of a wonderful six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT continuously variable automatic transmission. These cars are good values. They're roomy inside, the engine is modern and competitive, and the chassis provides good handling and a comfortable ride. Sentras with the 2.0-liter engine are EPA rated at 25/33 mpg City/Highway with the CVT, 24/31 mpg with the six-speed manual. Nissan is a leader in CVT, or continuously variable transmission, design, and we've been happy with them.
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