First Drive: 2007 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL
10/06/2006
Shahed Hussain
Since its last major redesign in 2000, the compact sedan marketplace has experienced major changes. So the 2007 Sentra comes out just in time to do battle with the superb new Civic and ever popular Corolla. The Sentra has traditionally lagged behind these segment leaders in sales, so this is Nissan's opportunity to catch up.
We drove the Sentra 2.0 SL, which is the top trim level. Two other models are available: the base Sentra 2.0 and the midlevel 2.0 S. A new 140-bhp 2.0L inline-4 is the sole engine on all variants. Nissan offers a standard 6-speed manual on the Sentra 2.0 and 2.0 S; while the Xtronic(TM) CVT automatic equips the 2.0 SL (the CVT is optional on other models). Choose the frugal CVT for superior fuel economy (29/36 city/hwy.) compared to the 6-speed manual (28/34 city/hwy.). Pricing ranges from $14,750 (Sentra 2.0 with 6-speed manual) to $18,400 (Sentra 2.0 SL with CVT). The midrange Sentra 2.0 S, with the 6-speed manual, starts at $15,650. All models have standard A/C, 6 airbags, and power windows & locks. Available options include ABS, leather seats, keyless entry, a powerful 6-CD Rockford Fosgate audio system, and Bluetooth phone system.
A quick look at the Sentra, and one sees a resemblance to a 7/8 scale Altima. Depending on what you think of the Altima, the Sentra's styling is either attractive or overly derivative. We are not convinced that the downsized Altima look works quite as well in the smaller Sentra. Despite the polished 16-inch alloy wheels and 205/55HR-16 tires, they seem undersized compared to the tall slab-sided body. Nonetheless, with its clearly evident Altima parentage, no one will mistake this sedan as anything but a Nissan.
Nissan designed a brand new powerplant in the 2007 Sentra. This DOHC 2.0L inline-4, called the MR20DE, is an all-aluminum engine, which replaces the cast-iron block 1.8L QG18DE in the outgoing Sentra. The long stroke MR20DE puts out 140-bhp @ 5,100 RPM, with a 147 lb.-ft. torque peak at a relatively high 4,800 RPM. Like most inline-four engines, the MR20DE gets buzzy and noisy above 5,000 RPM, but is no worse than competitive engines from other manufacturers.
The 2007 Sentra is significantly larger and heavier than the outgoing 2006 model, which weighed from 2,513 to 2,761 lbs, while its replacement weighs between 2,853 to 2,991 lbs. Highway fuel economy remains the same at 34 mpg for the 2006 vs. 2007 automatic transmission models. The EPA classifies the new Sentra as a midsize car (110.8 cu. ft. total interior volume), whereas its predecessor was in the compact class (100.1 cu. ft. total interior volume).
The extra room in the new generation car does not go unnoticed, because the new Sentra feels more spacious, with ample leg and shoulder room in the front and rear. Taller customers may wish to avoid the optional sunroof, which conspires with the downward sloped roofline to cut rear headroom significantly. With the sunroof, rear seat occupants taller than 5'-9" will brush their heads against the headliner. Front passengers are treated to comfortable seats with supportive bolsters. Our tested 2.0 SL model was equipped with the optional orange-brown dyed leather seats. Other luxury touches include a simulated blonde wood strip across the dash. Slightly fuzzy fabric covers the upper door panels, in contrast to the hard plastic rear door and dashboard trim. Between the tachometer and speedometer is a digital temperature and fuel gauge. Nissan positioned the CVT shift lever above the center console for easy access. A standard keyless entry system (Intelligent Key) allows the driver to start the car and drive off without using the key. While this is certainly a cool feature, Intelligent Key is only available on CVT-equipped models. Despite the few jarring examples of cost control, the 2007 Sentra interior is a stylish upgrade from the previous generation vehicle.
All Sentra models are equipped with a front disc/rear drum brake setup. We were disappointed to find that rear discs brakes are not available on the top level Sentra (unlike the more expensive Honda Civic EX, which has standard ABS and rear disc brakes). Our 2.0 SL was equipped with optional ABS, which also includes EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) for better brake balance and shorter stops. Brake feel is acceptable, but the Sentra has the slightly spongy pedal typical for cars in its class.
Because the Sentra 2.0 SL is tuned for a comfortable, quiet ride, sharp handling is not part of its repertoire. The suspension soaks up bumps easily, but doesn't encourage the driver to attack a curvy road. Road textures are clearly telegraphed through the fat leather-wrapped steering wheel, which has just the right amount of power assist. Some bump steer is noticeable, but not enough to be a distraction. The Sentra feels tall and tippy due to its 59.5-inch overall height (vs. 55.5 inches for the 2006 model). Although front and rear anti-roll bars are standard, their effects are largely counteracted by the high center of gravity. Like the previous generation car, the new Sentra carries over a MacPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion beam rear axle. The unsophisticated rear suspension remains unnoticed except over speed bumps and rippled road surfaces, where the driver can feel the rear end hopping around slightly. Stiffer rear springs and dampers might improve rear axle control, but at the expense of ride comfort.
Out on the highway at 70-80 mph, the Sentra cruises serenely, with minimal road, tire, or engine noise. We didn't have a chance to go much faster, but we suspect that the target buyer probably won't either. Boot the gas pedal to pass a slower vehicle, and the revs (and engine buzz) immediately rise to 5,000-6,000 RPM as the CVT aims for maximum acceleration. Lay off the throttle, and the engine settles down to a more comfortable tempo, and all that is left to hear is subdued tire and wind noise. This sedan will comfortably cruise all day at typical American highway speeds, without causing undue fatigue to its occupants. Frankly, one really can't ask for much more.
Nissan's redesign for the Sentra could not have come at a better time, as the small sedan market in the US really heats up. With its mini-Altima exterior design, and extensive standard and optional features, the 2007 Sentra is a great value in its segment. Whether it can approach the sales of the popular Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic remains to be seen, but the Sentra certainly offers a viable alternative to these tough competitors.