Entry-level sedan adopts the family look while dropping weight
Nissan is ready to introduce another new model into its vehicle lineup. This time, it's the compact Nissan Sentra that's getting the update treatment. The four-door fuel-efficient sedan receives a slew of upgrades that range from the exterior lines, all the way into the upgraded interior and reworked powertrain. On the outside, the Sentra receives a makeover that brings it in line with its larger Altima and Maxima siblings. Inside, Nissan has created what it's referring to as a premium, class-above interior. Essentially, this means you'll find soft-touch materials used throughout the cabin, while features such as optional leather seating and upmarket tech can find their way on to the order sheet.
The 2013 Sentra isn't just about improved interior and exterior lines though, because Nissan has fitted the car with a brand-new 1.8-liter engine. This inline-four-cylinder motor is a dual-overhead cam unit that benefits from variable valve timing and reduced internal friction. It's rated to produce 130 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. When paired with the latest-generation CVT (Countinously Variable Transmission), the Sentra is rated to produce an EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon in the city and 39 miles per gallon on the highway. FE+ trim models can expect to hit 40 miles per gallon thanks to a few addiotional tweaks. Additionally, all Sentra models should perform well not just because of the engine and transmission package, but because Nissan was able to reduce the car's curb weight by 150 pounds.