2013 Nissan Sentra Road Test and Review: Features and Controls
What’s New:
- Optional NissanConnect navigation and infotainment system
- Optional dual-zone automatic climate control system
With clean, clear, electroluminscent gauges and a simple, logical control layout, the 2013 Nissan Sentra provides little reason to complain about its features and controls. The only suggestion I have for improvement pertains to the location of the transmission’s “Eco” and “Sport” driving mode buttons, which are located on the lower left portion of the dashboard, tucked out of sight and angled in a way that I found difficult to operate. They ought to be located, oh, say, by the transmission selector.
My test car the optional Navigation Package and, at just $650, the NissanConnect technology makes a strong argument in favor of itself. The 5.8-inch color touchscreen display offers simple graphics and resists glare. The system includes Bluetooth streaming audio capability, Pandora Internet radio streaming, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant. As is true of many Bluetooth systems, pairing a device to the Sentra is easy.
Also, like most touchscreen displays, sensitivity to input is hit and miss, and the screen requires more attention to operate than is advisable for a driver. Gratefully, traditional knobs control stereo power, volume, and tuning, and the climate controls are completely separated from NissanConnect.