Road Test: 2010 Nissan Sentra
Heading into the 2010 model year, automakers from the United States and Europe are looking to offer smaller, more fuel-efficient models, but the Japanese automakers have already got this vehicle design down to a science. While Honda and Toyota have made a name for themselves in the small car market, Nissan has consistently designed its cars with a focus on sportiness and performance starting with the original 240Z. Although it's not the GT-R, Maxima or Z, I was able to test out the 2010 Nissan Sentra SR which exudes its own sporty flair without skimping on the fuel economy expected from a compact car. Up until the North American introduction of the Nissan Versa in 2006, the Sentra has been Nissan's entry-level model since 1982.
Competing against cars such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, the Nissan Sentra is available in six trim levels ranging from the base Sentra 2.0 up to the sport-tuned Sentra SE-R Spec V with prices starting at $15,420. This model tested was the midlevel Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR which comes with a base MSRP of $17,160, but a handful of options were added on as well for an as-tested price of $19,350 including destination. While the Sentra was previously assembled at Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee assembly plant, the compact sedan is now assembled in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
2010 Nissan Sentra Exterior
The current design of the Nissan Sentra has been around since 2007, so Nissan gave the sedan a slightly fresher styling for the 2010 model year. All models receive the latest version of Nissan's corporate grille, new front fascia, revised headlamps and taillights and the addition of three new exterior colors including Anodized Orange which came on this test vehicle. Other interesting aspects about the SR trim level (which was added halfway through the 2009 model year) is that it features a body kit that is practically identical to the high-performance Sentra SE-R variants. The most noticeable difference between the SR and the lower Sentra trim levels are the smoked headlamps and taillights as well as the aggressive body kit that includes a lower front fascia with a chin spoiler and larger fog lamp inserts, rocker panel side skirts, a standard decklid spoiler and a revised rear fascia. The optional ($140) splash guards this vehicle was equipped with are body colored to help give the car a wider looking stance. The whole package is finished off with 16-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels and a chrome-tipped exhaust outlet.
2010 Nissan Sentra Interior
Like the exterior, modest updates were also made to the 2010 Sentra's cabin as well including changes to the center stack and the instrument cluster. One of the most notable additions on certain 2010 Sentra models (SL, SE-R and SE-R Spec V) is an optional Navigation Package for just $400 although this particular Sentra was not so equipped. The new audio system includes a revised head unit and it comes standard with an auxiliary jack and iPod connector (mounted in the center console). There aren't many options available on the new Sentra SR including the color of the interior fabric which is limited to Charcoal Gray Cloth. This test vehicle was equipped with the optional ($850) Convenience Package that added keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth connectivity and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
After a long interstate drive, it was easy to see that despite the Sentra's economy car roots, the comfort afforded to the occupants is impressive. The materials used on the seats (Nissan calls Suede cloth), door panels and arm rest aren't what would normally be expected from an affordable compact sedan, and the driver's comfort is also aided by the manual six-way adjustable seat and the tilt steering column. All vehicle controls are easily accessible to the driver in terms of reach and ergonomics, and the steering wheel features redundant controls for the audio and Bluetooth system.
The spacious cabin is comfortable enough to accommodate five adult passengers, while the trunk offers enough room for their luggage. With 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space and a 60/40 split folding rear seats, the Nissan Sentra should be able to carry just about anything a small family or college student might need. Inside, there are also plenty of storage compartments including the center console and the large cubby hole above the stereo.
2010 Nissan Sentra Performance & Handling
Except for the sporty Sentra SE-R, the Sentra's main engine is a 2.0-liter inline-4 that produces 140 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. The base Sentra 2.0 comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while all other non-SE-R models are only available with Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). As the midlevel Sentra 2.0 SR, the model I reviewed had the CVT and returned EPA fuel economy estimates of 26 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
While the CVT does return a respectable gain in fuel economy compared to the manual transmission, it results in a rather numb shifting sensation that is common among CVTs. Offsetting the CVT, though, the Sentra blends a decent chassis setup and steering system with a relatively low curb weight of 2,973 pounds making the car feel much faster and more nimble than one could expect from such a small car. The Sentra's front independent and rear torsion bar suspension setup is nothing groundbreaking, but the speed-sensitive, electric power assist steering gives the car unique and precise steering abilities at both highway speeds and during low-speed parking maneuvers. Like most of its competitors, the 2010 Nissan Sentra comes standard with a front disc and rear drum brake setup, but the SE-R models are upgraded to rear disc brakes.
2010 Nissan Sentra Safety
The 2010 Nissan Sentra was tested by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and it received decent, but not perfect, scores from each organization. While the Sentra received all Good ratings for frontal-, side- and rear-impact protection from the IIHS, it was not named as a 2010 Top Safety Pick presumably for not being tested for roof strength. As for the NHTSA ratings, the Sentra received five stars for driver and passenger frontal-impact protection and five stars for front seat side-impact protection, but the rear seat side-impact protection and rollover avoidance both received four-star ratings. All 2010 Nissan Sentra models come standard with six airbags, active front head restraints, anti-lock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution and tire pressure monitoring system, and this particular test vehicle added the optional ($370) VDC Package that includes vehicle dynamic control and traction control.
Summary
It is a common misconception that compact cars have to sacrifice styling and sportiness for their small size and fuel efficiency, and the 2010 Nissan Sentra SR is one car that helps to dispel this myth. When looking for a new compact car, all of the big names offer about the same fuel economy, so Nissan seems to putting their money on offering superior looks and handling abilities to attract consumers. After a week in the 2010 Nissan Sentra SR, it appears that the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla all have a bit of heat on their tails.
Select photos by Jeffrey N. Ross
Nissan provided a vehicle for this review.