2010 Nissan Sentra Features Revised Styling, Interior Enhancements and New Available Technology

08/12/2009

Nissan

The Nissan Sentra continues to hone its reputation as a stylish, roomy, fun-to-drive compact sedan with a number of enhancements for the 2010 model year, including revised styling, new interior treatments, refined trim and option package content and newly available technology features such as an advanced Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic(R) Real-Time Traffic Information (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately).

For 2010, Sentra is offered in six trim levels - 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR (with sporty exterior styling features), 2.0 SL and two performance-oriented models, SE-R and SE-R Spec V (please see separate 2010 Sentra SE-R press materials for information on these models). Sentra 2.0 models feature a standard 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a fuel-efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT(TM) (Continuously Variable Transmission) on all models except the Sentra 2.0, which is offered in a choice of CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission.

All 2010 Sentras receive revised headlights and taillights, while the 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL feature new grille and front fascia designs. Three new exterior colors are also offered - Anodized Orange, Espresso Black and Aspen White. Inside, Sentra offers revised seat cloth and door trim and the instrument panel accents and illumination have been revised.

Other major changes include the separation of leather seating into an optional package on the Sentra 2.0 SL model and the addition of new Technology and Navigation Packages for the SL model. In addition, the Convenience Package is added as an option for the 2.0 SR model and the Sentra 2.0 SL adds standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS). Wheel designs have also been revised for 2010, with new 16-inch wheel covers (2.0 S) and new 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (2.0 SL).

Sentra is again available with a range of unexpected amenities - ranging from the luxury of leather-appointed seating to the convenience of Nissan's Intelligent Key(TM) keyless entry system.

"Buyers in the compact sedan segment expect a car with good fuel economy, durability, safety, reliability and affordability and Sentra meets and exceeds these expectations," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "But Sentra doesn't stop there; it goes above-and-beyond and offers a completely unexpected level of style, roominess, responsiveness and versatility - attributes that set Sentra apart in the segment."

A Stylish Sedan Designed for Active Lifestyles

Built on Nissan's global "C" platform, Sentra's exterior reflects Nissan design language and offers styling cues found on other distinctive Nissan products. The profile includes a long wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs, crisp character lines and large door openings, while in the rear the high deck accentuates the roomy cabin and cargo area.

For 2010, all models offer revised headlight and taillight designs, while Sentra 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL models also receive a new, refined front fascia and grille. The 2.0 S and 2.0 SL also feature new fog light covers and new body side moldings with chrome inserts and a new chrome trunk finisher.

The Sentra 2.0 SR, which was introduced in the mid-2009 model year, continues with its new sporty appearance package - which includes a sport grille, unique front and rear sport fascias, side sill spoilers, rear decklid spoiler with integrated brake light, smoked headlights and taillights, driving lights, exhaust finisher and "SR" badging on the rear deck.

"With the enhancements to the Sentra 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL, along with the dynamic, sporty look of the new 2.0 SR, Sentra maintains it fresh, eye-catching and high-quality appearance," said Castignetti. "Like every Nissan, Sentra beautifully blends stylish design with other important attributes such as performance, roominess, comfort and utility."

Inside, the interior continues the sporty, functional theme of the exterior, with the use of high quality materials, large gauges and a spacious, flexible center console. For 2010, all Sentra 2.0 models receive new cloth seat trim, with upgraded cloth on 2.0 S, 2.0 SR and 2.0 SL. The instrument panel has been revised with new accent trim, chrome HVAC knob accents and a new instrument panel coin holder. The instrument illumination has been changed to a new reddish orange color, and all models feature new audio head units, with a 4.3-inch color display on Sentra 2.0 SL.

Sentra's interior is designed to accommodate five full-size adults in comfort, with an ample passenger volume of 97.7 cubic feet. Along with the roomy, social space of the interior, Sentra's trunk provides 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space and is designed to accommodate long, bulky and "unexpected" items through the use of an oversized pass-through opening. Combined with the 60/40 split double-fold rear seat (the cushion folds forward, allowing the seat back to fold down), Sentra offers exceptional cargo flexibility for carrying snowboards, hockey sticks and even bikes.

Other storage solutions include a rear seat armrest with cupholders that can accommodate a 20-ounce bottle and 32-ounce drink cup, extra instrument panel storage next to the driver's door, and a large glove compartment that can fit a 8x11-inch writing tablet or a large-sized map book. The center console offers multiple storage options, including an adjustable cup holder design and cell phone space.

Along with ample roominess, Sentra is offered a wide array of premium equipment, including available leather-appointed seating, Nissan Intelligent Key(TM) keyless entry system, Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System and premium Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with 8-channel amplifier and 8 speakers. New for 2010, Sentra adds standard Interface System for iPod(R) (except 2.0).

Responsive and Fun-to-Drive

Sentra's powerful 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine designed to combine responsive acceleration with good fuel economy and efficient operation. It is mated to a standard Xtronic CVT(TM) or 6-speed manual (Sentra 2.0 only).

The advanced 2.0-liter Nissan MR20DE aluminum block engine is designed to offer an exceptional balance of responsive acceleration, excellent low and mid-range torque and increased thermal efficiency. The engine is rated at 140 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. Up to 90 percent of the torque is achieved by 2,400 rpm - providing comfortable driving and excellent fuel consumption in real world driving when mated to the Xtronic CVT.

Fuel economy is rated at 34/26 miles per gallon City/Highway with the CVT and 31/24 miles per gallon with the 6-speed manual transmission (Sentra 2.0 only).

The 2010 Sentra again offers responsive handling. The front suspension is an independent strut design with coil springs and stabilizer bar. The rear features a torsion beam with integral stabilizer bar, with the rear shock absorbers mounted below the trunk floor for improved trunk roominess. Sentra's ride comfort has been enhanced through use of special "ripple control" shock absorbers, an insulated front cradle-type subframe with pendulum engine mount system, roller-type front strut bearings and large, tuned rear beam isolators.

Standard safety features for the Sentra include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; and front seat Active Head Restraints. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are added as standard equipment on the 2.0 SL (optional on all other models).

Four Well-Equipped Models

The 2010 Sentra 2.0 is offered in four well-equipped models, starting with the Sentra 2.0 with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Xtronic CVT(TM) or 6-speed manual transmission. Standard features include electric power-assisted steering, 15-inch wheels and tires, suede-like cloth interior, oversized glove compartment, power windows and door locks, rear folding seat, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input and much more.

Sentra 2.0 S adds 16-inch wheels, P205/55HR16 tires, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD RDS audio system with MP3 playback capability, Interface System for iPod(R), upgraded cloth, Vehicle Security System, trip computer, cruise control, Remote Keyless Entry, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and more.

The 2.0 SR takes its sporty styling cues from the high-performance Sentra SE-R, adding a unique exterior treatment including sport grille, driving lights and rear spoiler. It also offers 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

The top-of-the-line Sentra 2.0 SL is available with standard cloth seats or optional leather-appointed seats. Standard SL equipment includes 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key(TM) with power trunk release, Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System, XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately), leather-wrapped steering wheel, 4.3-inch color audio head unit with iPod(R) and Bluetooth(R) controls, driving lights, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS) and "SL" badging on the rear decklid.

Available options and packages include Convenience Package (2.0 S, 2.0 SR models), ABS and VDC Package (2.0), VDC Package (2.0 S, 2.0 SR), and four packages exclusive to the 2.0 SL - Navigation Package, 2.0 SL Premium Package, 2.0 SL Premium Package Plus and 2.0 SL Tech Package.