2013 Nissan Sentra debuts with improved CVT, 40 MPG

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-...photo-5247935/

If this big reveal of the 2013 Nissan Sentra feels a bit anticlimactic to you, know that you aren't alone. Not only have we seen the new Nissan compact do its slow striptease on the spy shot circuit, the car already debuted for the Chinese market as the Sylphy during this year's Beijing Motor Show. Still, that doesn't make it any less of a big deal.

The 2013 Sentra follows in the footsteps of Nissan's larger Altima sedan, and not just in terms of design. We already knew this new C-segment car was going to look a lot like its big brother, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It may not be as aggressive as a Ford Focus or Dodge Dart, but it's a conservatively handsome little thing nonetheless, offering premium touches like LED running lamps, attractive 17-inch wheels and LED taillamps out back. A close focus on weight savings has been applied to this seventh-generation Sentra, and the new model is roughly 150 pounds lighter than the car it replaces.

Under the hood, the outgoing Sentra's 2.0-liter inline-four has been ditched in favor of a smaller and oddly less powerful 1.8-liter unit. This engine produces 130 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque – losses of 10 and 19, respectively – and is mated to the company's next-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission. Only the base Sentra S is available with a six-speed manual 'box. Much like in the larger Altima, this new CVT means fuel economy is vastly improved, with the majority of Sentra models rated at 30/39/34 miles per gallon (city/highway/combined). Adding the extra-efficient FE+ trim package will even net you a full 40 mpg on the highway with the CVT.


In addition to the S, S FE+, SV, SV FE+ and SL, Nissan will offer an SR trim (pictured above) that adds unique five-spoke 17-inch alloys, sport front and rear fascias, a sport front grille, lower body side sill extensions, fog lights, a rear spoiler and a chrome exhaust tip. Sadly, no suspension or powertrain upgrades are included with the "sporty" SR, but inside, silver trim is mixed in with unique cloth seats.

The remaining Sentra models offer what Nissan says is a "class-above" premium feel inside, with improved overall interior dimensions versus the outgoing model. Both cloth and leather upholstery are available, as is the automaker's fancy new NissanConnect infotainment system that combines things like NavTraffic, NavWeather, as well as Bluetooth and Pandora streaming audio.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/31/2...ed-cvt-40-mpg/

 

Well geez that's a bummer

 

Nissan offically joined "one sausage, different length" club!

 

I think the styling works better here than on the Altima........as much as I tried to like it, there's just something about it that I just don't like.

 

i like it... it is very simple design inside out and it should work good in USA... i dont know how they manage to make those leds look like yellow bulbs... are they actually leds?

 

LOoks like a minI Altima, which looks like The Infiniti m37/56. It's all grown up now. Hp is a little low and LEDs look tacked on but it offers them.

Will sell well. Why no coupe? SE-r??

 

Quite handsome, I think. Should do very well, especially considering the current wallflower Sentra still sells reasonably well. Not Civic or Corolla well but in good volume. This should take a bigger slice of the market for Nissan.

 

They could make SL-R version or something...............but generally, this new generation of the Sentra (known as either Sylphy, Sunny or Pulsar in other territories) is relatively solid.

It's not meant to awe audiences but it should sell relatively well and provide good feedback to its buyers

 

Agreed, think it will do well and seems like a LEAP over the current gen.

 

the now last gen is extremely refined and well finished. this one looks even better. would definitely take this over a corolla or accent/elantra.

 

i wish they kept the same engine..the car is lighter.. but it's still almost 3000lbs...

probably SE-R will pop out with the new altima engine...

 

A very good looking small car. I don't like the current Sentra's styling, but I have to say the interior is one of the better in this segment. The materials are definitely better than the Corolla.

 

looks really good. There are so many choices now, I would choose this and the elantra over the corolla

 

The new Corolla is around the corner!

 

This new car does nothing to standout, breakout, or lead. It's just another sedan for the masses. I guess that's okay for now, but it's not what Nissan once was. I'm disappointed.