Nissan Sentra Spec V on 2040-cars

The 2010 Nissan Sentra sees only minor updates. Fuel economy has been slightly improved while safety has been enhanced, as anti lock brakes and stability control are now standard across the board. A spoiler in the style of the SE-R is available for the 2.0 (with CVT), 2.0 S and 2.0 SL.

Introduction:

The 2010 Nissan Sentra makes its case as a reasonable choice for a shopper in the market for a small sedan. Thanks to high fuel economy, spacious seating and plenty of features, the Sentra gets high marks in the areas that matter to most people. Nissan also offers the SE-R and SE-R Spec V trim levels for those seeking bigger thrills.

Under the hood, the Sentra is pretty competitive. Most Sentra models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 140 horsepower while still getting up to 34 mpg on the highway. The high-performance SE-R model offers 177 hp from a larger 2.5-liter engine, while the SE-R Spec V takes this engine's output right up to 200 hp.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options:

The 2010 Nissan Sentra is offered in six different trim levels: four variants based on the 2.0-liter engine (base, S, SR and SL) and two high-performance versions (SE-R and SE-R Spec V).

The base-model Sentra starts with 15-inch steel wheels, power windows and locks, air-conditioning, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, 60/40-split-folding rear seats and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Sentra 2.0 S adds 16-inch steel wheels, a height-adjustable driver seat, cruise control, keyless entry and a six-speaker audio system with an iPod interface.

The SE-R Spec V further enhances the SE-R's sporting nature by adding higher-performance tires, an even firmer suspension with a lower ride height, larger front brakes and sportier interior trim

Powertrains and Performance:

Nissan Sentra 2.0 models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 140 hp and 147 pound-feet torque. The Sentra SE-R has a 2.5-liter engine that produces 177 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque; the Spec V bumps this to 200 hp and 180 lb-ft. In our testing, the Spec V sprinted to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, a quick time for its class.

The 2.0 Sentra base model features a six-speed manual transmission standard, with an option to upgrade to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT comes standard on the 2.0 S, 2.0 SR, 2.0 SL and SE-R, with the SE-R offering shift paddles. The Spec V is only offered with a close-ratio six-speed manual.

The 2.0 Sentra models with CVT are notably frugal, achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 30 mpg in combined driving; the manual transmission drops fuel economy noticeably to 24/31/27 mpg. The SE-R isn't too far behind, though, at 24/30/26. The Spec V checks in with a still respectable 21/28/24 mpg.

Safety:

The 2010 Nissan Sentra comes standard with antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The higher-performing SE-R models come with four-wheel disc brakes, while the others have rear drums.

In government crash testing, the Nissan Sentra earned a perfect five-star rating for front passenger protection in frontal and side-impact crashes. Four stars were given for rear-seat side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Sentra its highest score of "Good" for both frontal-offset and side impacts.

Interior Design and Special Features:

Inside, the Sentra is recognizably a Nissan product, with the company's trademark orange backlighting for the instruments, sporty gauges and slick-looking but easy-to-use controls. Materials quality is decent, with a 5-inch screen, there is also an optional navigation system.

The front seats are surprisingly spacious, comfortably accommodating taller adults. Smaller drivers, however, might feel confined due to the Sentra's high dashboard and belt line.

The Sentra 2.0 models offer 60/40-split rear seating and 13.1 cubic feet of cargo room. The SE-R, however, uses a brace behind the rear seats as a chassis-strengthening measure, limiting the usefulness of its fold-down configuration.

Driving Impression:

The SE-R Spec V does indeed have sharper handling, and its 200 hp is not inadequate performance by all means compared to other sport compacts in its class, the Spec V is especially fun to drive.

I have this car advertized locally and reserve the right to end this sale at my discretion!