Oh cool, a CVT, the exact transmission enthusiasts yearn for.
The new-for-2020 Nissan Sentra is all about stance. How do we know that? The media release mentions the word three times in just two short paragraphs.
What else is new? How about a new 2.0-liter, inline-four engine and multi-link independent rear suspension? No more twist beam. Just the Xtronic CVT transmission is offered.
The lineup has been simplified, too--and sadly, no, that doesn’t mean a return of the SE-R or really anything aimed at the enthusiast market. We tested the SR model, and while that designation is two-thirds of the way to the famed SE-R badge, it’s basically the loaded model: LED lamps, Bose audio and 18-inch alloys, along with the opportunity to add some more options, like an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Where the Sentra line starts at $19,090, an SR model can be purchased for $21,430. With options, including the $2170 Premium Package, our test car stickered at $25,825 after destination.
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Hello, Sentra, it’s been a while. Back in 1992 I took advantage of a fantastic lease offer on a then-new Sentra. I was able to drive home with a brand-new Sentra–yes, the high-output SE-R model–for less than $200 per month and with very little money down.
Mine just had a single option: a/c. Instead of a radio, I got a blank-off plate. No cruise, either.
Not only did I have a new, reliable car, but I had a new, reliable autocross car. Just needed to add some magnetic numbers, take-off Yokohama A008 tires, and a SuperTrapp. I was set.
The latest Sentra doesn’t remind me too much about my old one. It’s a grown-up family car, not a stripped-down econobox fitted with a healthy engine and a limited-slip diff.
But this latest Sentra has moved upmarket. The interior doesn’t look or feel like an econobox. The touchpoints feel soft. The stitching looks rich.
The controls have a nice heft to them. Ditto the buttons. This represents a big, big step up from Nissans of late.
Even though the screen juts out from the dash, it works. It’s right where you’d want it, and the fact that it doesn’t retract doesn’t bug me.
The owner's manual isn’t needed in order to change the radio station. You can easily set the a/c. On some cars, sadly, this isn’t so easy.
Do we need fake carbon-fiber interior accents and a D-shaped steering wheel on a car that will never see the track? Maybe not but, for whatever reason, they also didn’t bother me. The wheel has a good feel to it. The fake carbon adds some textured accents to the interior. You get real gauges, too.
The new Sentra looks good, too, especially with the black roof. Nissan’s exterior designs have been spot-on lately.
Nissan’s Xtronic CVT box keeps evolving, and it likely won’t bother most Sentra shoppers. The shift action feels more like a traditional box than past CVTs, but it’s still not in the same league as today’s traditional automatics. It feels like Nissan bet on the wrong horse and is going to just stick with that decision. Honda uses CVTs, too, so maybe it’s par for the course.
Power is also fine for the class. No, it’s not a race car. The engine doesn’t sing. But, for most shoppers, it’s perfectly on target.
What’s separates this one from the rest of the class? I think it’s going to come down to styling and price–the Sentra undercuts the Civic by a grand or so and it looks pretty good.
Oh cool, a CVT, the exact transmission enthusiasts yearn for.
Nissan’s old slogan was “Driven.” It’s new one should be “Good enough, I guess.”
I haven't driven or even sat in one of these, so it's not first hand knowledge. But from what I've seen and read about them, I wouldn't say I'd walk up with total dread if a Sentra SR was waiting for me in the rental car lot. They seem to be a quantum leap forward from recent Sentras of the past. Damn shame they're still sticking with CVT though. Just give up and put a 6 speed auto in there, heaven knows they're easy enough to source... or gasp...a manual.
Looks like a mini Altima. I iz a sad that no more manual. 
Only Nissans with manual left are base Versa and 370z.
penultimeta said:Nissan’s old slogan was “Driven.” It’s new one should be “Good enough, I guess.”
This can't be emphasized enough. Nissan really is squeezing everything they can out of dated platforms. I remember when Nissan was kind of cool, I remember when they had the hype train rolling in 09 when they introduced the GT-R to the states, 11 years later they are the epitome of "meh."
penultimeta said:Nissan’s old slogan was “Driven.” It’s new one should be “Financed”
DirtyBird222 said:I remember when Nissan was kind of cool
yeah, me too. I'm convinced the Koreans are stepping into this spot.
Someday's I think about becoming VelosterNGuy.
I stopped reading when I got to CVT. All other details are rendered irrelevant
irish44j (Forum Supporter) said:I stopped reading when I got to CVT. All other details are rendered irrelevant
nuff' said!
irish44j (Forum Supporter) said:I stopped reading when I got to CVT. All other details are rendered irrelevant
So.... you're not interested in the stance? Because it has a very powerful stance. Stance.
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