A Step Up - Meet The 2013 Nissan Sentra |
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| Topics: Nissan Sentra
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Lisa Jane Foreman
June 11, 2013
Nissan has always been among the top car manufacturers in the world. With the 2013 Nissan Sentra, the company has another strong contender, particularly in the compact sedan market. So what can prospective car buyers expect from the latest Nissan Sentra?
For all intents and purposes, the 2013 Sentra is a major overhaul from its 2007 iteration. In keeping pace with the times and the major upgrades other car manufacturers integrated with their latest offerings, Nissan made sure that the new Sentra will be on top of the list of those who are eyeing to buy a small sedan.
Many automotive experts and reviewers are raving about this redesign. For one, the latest Sentra is two inches longer than its predecessor. This translates to a roomier trunk and backseat. However, despite this increase, the latest model is considerably lighter than the 2007 model -- 150 pounds lighter, to be exact.
Consumers will also notice the major revamp on the car's exterior, with Nissan putting emphasis on getting a clean and luxurious look. This is particularly evident in the grille, head and tail lights and the overall silhouette of the vehicle. This attention to detail even extends to the interiors where Nissan has thoughtfully integrated the use of high-quality materials and careful design to come up with a luxurious vibe.
Under the hood, the new Sentra is ably powered by a 1.8 liter engine. Some reviewers have noted this as a sizeable downgrade from the 2 liter engine that powered Nissan's previous offering. However, the logic behind this is to achieve greater fuel efficiency.
Another major plus for the 2013 Sentra is its emphasis on safety. Among crash tests conducted on the sedan, it has consistently made top marks, particularly when it comes to front and side impact protection. Safety features like anti-lock brakes, airbags, head restraints and stability control are all standard offerings from the 2013 line up. Some models offer rear drum brakes while in some, this feature is optional.
In total, the 2013 Sentra comes in six models for buyers to choose from: the S, FE+S, SV, FE+SV, SR and SL. Note that the FE+ label indicates the particular model's emphasis on fuel economy. Both FE+ models also boast of the use of features that enhance efficiency.
The S model is the basic offering from this range and comes with features like power accessories, trip computer and a driver seat that is six-way manually adjustable. The SV, on the other hand, offers add-ons like cruise control and more luxurious interiors and sound system. The SR is geared for those who are eyeing a sportier car. The model achieves this through the use of a rear spoiler and skirting. The SL is similar to its sibling, the SV; the difference comes from its use of features like climate control, fog lights and heated side mirrors. Nissan also offers upgrades like sun-roofs, a navigation system, NissanConnect and rear disc brakes.