| The 2008 Nissan Sentra stands out for its interior appointments,
space-efficient design, and frugal performance of its I4 engines and CVT
automatic, while the sporty SE-R Spec V sets a new standard for interior
appointments among compact sedan performance models. The base 2.0 model
represents a strong value with quite a few standard features for less than
$16,000, while the SE-R Spec V performance model offers 200 horsepower and has a
base price slightly over $20,000. |
| The 2008 Nissan Sentra is available in three models: a bargain-priced base
2.0 model, a better-equipped 2.0S, and the more luxurious 2.0SL. The base model
includes standard power door locks and windows, air conditioning, and a CD sound
system. S models step up to power mirrors, keyless entry, a sound-system
upgrade, fog lights, cruise control, and anti-lock brakes with electronic
brakeforce distribution, while top SL models include 16-inch aluminum alloy
wheels, an Intelligent Key system, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. The CVT
automatic is standard on the SL. These Sentra models get a 2.0L aluminum
four-cylinder engine that makes 140 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. The base
2.0 and the uplevel 2.0SL are equipped solely with Nissan's Xtronic CVT
automatic transmission. The CVT system offers improved acceleration versus a
standard automatic transmission, and returns better fuel economy ratings than
the manual transmission. A six-speed manual is offered on the 2.0S. The sportier
SE-R model gets a larger, 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 177 horsepower
and is mated to the CVT. It comes with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to
provide more control during spirited driving. At the top of the range is the
high-performance SE-R Spec V model, which gives the engine 200 horsepower and
180 lb-ft of torque, and matches it to the six-speed manual transmission. A
helical limited-slip differential is available on Spec V models. In addition to
the aforementioned upgrades, both SE-R models add standard 17-inch alloy wheels,
four-wheel disc brakes, and various performance cues inside and out. SE-Rs come
with special sport bucket front seats, while Spec V models add red seatbelts,
aluminum pads, more leather trim, and an extra gauge cluster. The Sentra's
interior is terrifically practical. For starters, the center console has
multiple storage bins. There is also an overhead, integrated compact disc holder
built into the sun visor, and the glovebox is designed to fit a large notebook
or map book. The Divide-N-Hide trunk system, optional on the 2.0SL, gives a
false floor to the trunk and provides a private storage area beneath. The Sentra
has more optional premium equipment available than ever before. Some of the new
options include leather seating, a Bluetooth hand-free system, and a Rockford
Fosgate audio system with eight speakers, an eight-channel amplifier, and a
six-disc CD changer. Nissan protects the Sentra's occupants with standard front
seat-mounted air bags as well as roof-mounted side-impact curtain bags. Active
head restraints are also standard on the front bucket seats. |
| The Nissan Sentra, completely new for 2007, enters 2008 with a longer list
of standard equipment. The 2.0S model now includes anti-lock brakes with
electronic brakeforce distribution, a security system, front fog lights, and
cruise control. The 2.0SL enjoys the addition of standard XM satellite radio,
while Sirius is no longer an available alternative. The manual six-speed
transmission has been discontinued on the base sedan, which makes the CVT the
entry-level shifter. The 2.0S's Convenience Package sees the addition of remote
keyless entry, and the Divide-N-Hide trunk system moves from the standards
column to the options column on this trim. |
