Nissan's most affordable car
received a through re-design in 2000 after a few years as an ugly ducking
in the late 90s. The new exterior was designed primarily by Nissan Design
American (formerly Nissan Design International) and the interior by Nissan
Design Europe. We think the relatively new Sentra is a sharp looking
economy sedan inside and out.
The Sentra comes in quite a few flavors; the XE (base), GXE (middle-of-the
road), CA (ultra low emissions), SE (sportier), and more recently added
SE-R (sportiest). Something to remember; the SE-R will replace the SE
model in 2002. The XE and GXE share a new 126-horsepower DOHC 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine
called the QR18DE. The CA model employs the same engine but with a few
enhancements to make it one of the world's cleanest burning cars with a
tad less power at at 122 horsepower. (Editor's Note: the CA model
will be dropped for 2003 model year as all 1.8L engine cars will now be
SULEV certified.)
The soon to retire SE employs the high regarded but getting old in the
tooth SR20DE engine good for 145 horsepower. The hot rod SE-R makes 165
bhp in base SE-R trim. It doesn't end there...the even hotter SE-R Spec V
makes a blistering 175 bhp with an enhanced exhaust system. These SE-R
models employ a higher displacement and specially tuned version of the QR
engine known as the QR25DE (2.5 liters versus 1.8). Certain aftermarket
tuners have complained that the new QR25DE has less tuning potential than
the previous SR20DE but remember it's a new engine so give it a few years
and the QR25DE will be making more horsepower than they think.
All Sentra models with the exception of the SE-R Spec V can be had with
either a 4 speed automatic or 5 speed manual. The SE-R Spec V only comes
with a 6 speed manual for maximum performance.
The Sentra also employs an independent front strut suspension along with a
controversial rear suspension known as the multi-link beam with a section lateral link
(according to Nissan, increases stability by minimizing camber change during cornering
and improved noise isolation). While it's not as high tech as a fully
independent double wishbone suspension, the suspension works surprising
well. And of course the SE and SE-R models receive stiffer suspension
parts as well as a thicker stabilizer bar for sportier handling.
Sentra XE, GXE, and CA models receive a front disc and rear drum brake
setup while SE and SE-R models receive performance four wheel disc brakes
(SE-R models receive beefy 11 inch front discs).
The Sentra is coded as the B15 and is part of a new
world platform also employed in cars in Japan and Europe. The Sentra is
assembled in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
Sentra at a
glance
Configuration:
Four door compact sedan
Front wheel drive
Models:
XE, GXE, SE-R, Ltd. Edition (2003)
Engines:
122-175 bhp
Base pricing:
$11,799 - $16,999
Changes for 2003
· New
Ltd. edition model with
165 bhp engine
·
Updated 6 speed manual
on SE-R
· SE-R
gets silver seat inserts
instead of red color
· Updated
steering ratio on
XE, GXE
· XE
and GXE 1.8L engines are
SULEV certified
