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The 2013 Nissan Sentra will hit the streets this fall, and the compact sedan has received a major makeover. The seventh-generation car is longer, lower and, like the also-new 2013 Nissan Altima, promises class-leading fuel economy thanks to a new engine and a lower curb weight.
According to the manufacturer, the 2013 Nissan Sentra has gone on a diet, and now weighs some 150 pounds less than the outgoing 2012 model. The car is also more aerodynamic, with a coefficient of drag of 0.29 (down from 0.34).
The Sentra bears a strong resemblance to the bigger Altima, with styling that includes LED daytime running lights and taillights, a trapezoid-shaped grille and flowing character lines that run along the whole length of the car. The SR trim also gets sporty front and rear fascias, side skirts and a rear spoiler. The new look can best be described as mature and elegant.
A new engine finds its way in the Sentra; a 1.8L 4-cylinder that develops 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Sentra will be among the least powerful of the compact sedans, but also one of the lightest. A 6-speed manual transmission will be standard, while a new-generation continuously variable automatic (CVT) is also offered and will no doubt be the more popular choice.
The 2013 Sentra will feature an independent front, and torsion beam rear suspension, front disc and rear drum brakes as well as speed-sensitive electric power steering. Wheel sizes include 16-inchers with wheel covers on the S and SV trims, while 17” alloys will grace the upscale SL and sporty SR trims.
Fuel economy has improved over the previous-gen Sentra. Nissan states the 2013 Sentra S with the CVT gearbox will achieve up to 4.9L/100km on the highway, with a combined rating of 5.8L/100km. The most efficient 2012 Sentra boasted ratings of 7.6/5.7L/100km.
Note: The performance-oriented SE-R and SE-R Spec V are history.
Despite a lower roofline and a reduced width, the new Sentra's cockpit has about the same interior volume as the old car. Trunk space is up by 57 litres, for a total of 428.
Interior fit and finish will benefit from a welcome improvement in quality and design, with soft-touch instrument panel and door armrests as well as maple woodgrain trim. Leather upholstery will again be offered in the Sentra SL.
Standard features will include air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a 60/40 split folding rear seatback with fold-down armrest, a tilt and telescopic steering column, power windows, and keyless entry. Climate control, sound system upgrades, Bluetooth connectivity, NissanConnect, a navigation system, heated front seats, a power sunroof, a rearview camera and an intelligent key system will also be available on uplevel trims.
Pricing will be announced closer to the 2013 Nissan Sentra's sale date. Look for our driving impressions in late October.
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According to the manufacturer, the 2013 Nissan Sentra has gone on a diet, and now weighs some 150 pounds less than the outgoing 2012 model. The car is also more aerodynamic, with a coefficient of drag of 0.29 (down from 0.34).
The Sentra bears a strong resemblance to the bigger Altima, with styling that includes LED daytime running lights and taillights, a trapezoid-shaped grille and flowing character lines that run along the whole length of the car. The SR trim also gets sporty front and rear fascias, side skirts and a rear spoiler. The new look can best be described as mature and elegant.
A new engine finds its way in the Sentra; a 1.8L 4-cylinder that develops 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Sentra will be among the least powerful of the compact sedans, but also one of the lightest. A 6-speed manual transmission will be standard, while a new-generation continuously variable automatic (CVT) is also offered and will no doubt be the more popular choice.
 |
| A new engine finds its way in the Sentra; a 1.8L 4-cylinder that develops 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Nissan) |
The 2013 Sentra will feature an independent front, and torsion beam rear suspension, front disc and rear drum brakes as well as speed-sensitive electric power steering. Wheel sizes include 16-inchers with wheel covers on the S and SV trims, while 17” alloys will grace the upscale SL and sporty SR trims.
Fuel economy has improved over the previous-gen Sentra. Nissan states the 2013 Sentra S with the CVT gearbox will achieve up to 4.9L/100km on the highway, with a combined rating of 5.8L/100km. The most efficient 2012 Sentra boasted ratings of 7.6/5.7L/100km.
Note: The performance-oriented SE-R and SE-R Spec V are history.
Despite a lower roofline and a reduced width, the new Sentra's cockpit has about the same interior volume as the old car. Trunk space is up by 57 litres, for a total of 428.
Interior fit and finish will benefit from a welcome improvement in quality and design, with soft-touch instrument panel and door armrests as well as maple woodgrain trim. Leather upholstery will again be offered in the Sentra SL.
 |
| Interior fit and finish will benefit from a welcome improvement in quality and design. (Photo: Nissan) |
Standard features will include air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a 60/40 split folding rear seatback with fold-down armrest, a tilt and telescopic steering column, power windows, and keyless entry. Climate control, sound system upgrades, Bluetooth connectivity, NissanConnect, a navigation system, heated front seats, a power sunroof, a rearview camera and an intelligent key system will also be available on uplevel trims.
Pricing will be announced closer to the 2013 Nissan Sentra's sale date. Look for our driving impressions in late October.