LA Auto Show 2019
Nissan redesigns Sentra as a mini Maxima (and it looks really good)
The car comes with many features that add tremendous value to the low-cost sedan.
Nissan completed their long-awaited redesign of their sedan lineup today with the unveiling of the 2019 Nissan Sentra. The fresh model take a lot of design inspiration from the Nissan Maxima and Altima, which is to be expected.
The compact car is built on a new platform for the 2019 model year. It is two inches lower and wider in its new iteration than in the previous generation. At the front is Nissan's signature V-motion grille, thin headlamps, and a floating roof. Sharp hood creases lead to muscular fender flares.
The car's floating roof is reminiscent of other Nissan models.Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
Available LED projector headlamps feature Nissan's signature LED daytime running lights. LED fog lamps are also available. Intelligent Headlights and high beam assist are standard on all new Sentras.
Sentra will come in eight paint colors for the 2020 model year: Blue Metallic, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Aspen White TriCoat, Fresh Powder, Roswood Metallic, and Scarlet Ember TriCoat. A two-tone paint scheme is available in Super Black/Gun Metallic, Super Black/Aspen White TriCoat and Super Black/Monarch Orange Metallic combinations.
Every Sentra is powered by Nissan's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 149 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, a 20- and 16-percent increase, respectively. Nissan projects that the new engine is more fuel efficient than its predecessor which got 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
At its rear, the Sentra features encompassing taillights.Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
Nissan says it has improved the level of noise permeating the cabin by adding more soft acoustic material and improved sealants in the 2020 Sentra.
The company has also worked to improve the handling and responsiveness of the vehicle with a series of notable equipment additions and calibrations.
Inside, the Sentra is much improved though its looks and equipment are clearly from the Nissan parts bin. That's not a bad thing. Nissan delivers some of the best interiors in the business, especially when you consider the vehicle's value proposition. There are satin chrome aluminum accents, contrast seat stitching, and a standard D-shaped steering wheel that give the vehicle an up-market look. The wheel is smooth to the touch and there's available leather-appointed seats. Nissan has given the Sentra their heralded Zero Gravity front seats.
Contrast stitching and a standard D-shaped steering wheel make the Sentra sportier.Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
In front of the driver is a 4.2-inch information display and each Sentra comes standard with at least a 7-inch infotainment touch screen. Sentra SV and higher grades get a standard 8-inch touch screen. Bluetooth, hands-free calling, hands-free text messaging, Siri Eyes Free, and Google Assistant are also standard. Cars with the 8-inch screen get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard.
Heated front seats and outside mirrors, and remote engine start are available as are adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree view monitor.
Nissan has given the Sentra features that are found throughout the automaker's lineup.Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
The Sentra comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of six driver-assist systems that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, rear automatic braking. Rear door alert is also standard.
The 2020 Nissan Sentra will come in three trim levels: S, SV, and SR. Only two packages are available. Sentra S includes 16-inch steel wheels with full covers, remote keyless entry with push button start, and center console with storage in addition to other features.
Sentra SV adds, most notably, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires, NissanConnect, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded cloth interior.
The front of the car features Nissan's signature boomerang grille.Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
On the Sentra SR there are 18-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires, a dark chrome V-motion grille, LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, chrome exhaust finisher, a sport cloth interior with orange stitching, rear spoiler, and lower body side sill extensions.
The 2020 Nissan Sentra will go on sale in the U.S. in January. Pricing will be announced in a few weeks.
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