REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Weak and timid

I must admit that looking at a Sentra is just about as exciting as looking at a toaster. The very self-important Jerry Hirscheberg, head of the California corporation’s design department, had promised that the new Sentra would have a decidedly stronger personality. Was the promise kept? The Sentra rests on a wheelbase that is identical to the previous generation’s, but its platform does have something new to offer. Known by the code name HS, this is the first modular platform for Nissan. In other words, it can be adapted to other types of vehicles sold by Nissan across the world.Three trims are available (XE, GXE and SE-R). Its standard version, the economical XE, has no radio, no intermittent windshield wipers, no tachometer, and no vanity mirrors. The situation can be partially remedied by choosing the "Plus" group of options, but users will still pine for a number of features. As far as I’m concerned, the most logical solution is the GXE, which has more accessories likely to make life easier (power windshield wipers, cruise control, etc.). What about the SE-R? Sportier - this version has a leather-covered steering wheel and gear shift lever and even more importantly, it has a much more energetic powertrain, a firmer suspension, and rear disc brakes.

Completely fresh and new, the interior layout is a very positive contrast compared to the dull and austere design sported by the previous generation. Ever optimistic, the Sentra’s designers claim that five people can travel on this model. How about keeping it down to four! All seats provide adequate support and for users who need extra cargo space, the rear bench seat folds down in a split configuration, a handy feature. Classical and well styled, the dashboard boasts clear instrumentation, though it is a tad deficient on the base version. On the up side, all Sentras have adjustable steering columns and height-adjustable front seat belts and several storage spaces that are ingeniously positioned.The powertrain has an output of 126 hp, thanks to an advanced design (variable valve timing). The engine output has changed little (11 horses over the one it replaces), but it reaches its peak at a level than is 1,600 rpms lower than it used to be and likewise, torque has increased. However, any improvements are overshadowed by the fact that this revamping has lead to an appreciable weight gain. Depending on the trim and the resulting accessories, on average the Sentra is some 40 pounds heavier than a 2000 model.

The Sentra has gained nothing in terms of agility and despite the improvements brought to its chassis it fails to offer the same kind of handling as a Protegй or a Civic, for example.

Still, this particular Nissan is more comfortable than either of the aforementioned rivals. Although this sedan’s size has been gauged with comfort in mind, the body shows less sway and is more stable (tire diameters have been increased on all trims) when cornering. The new braking system (disc/drums on the XE and GXE) seems to be more effective than the earlier version and leads to a shorter stopping distance. A detail to keep in mind: antilock brakes are available solely on the GXE and SE-R.

On the road the 1.8-litre four-cylinder is relatively smooth and when pushed hard, any noise is quickly muffled by effective soundproofing material. Ordinary with the automatic transmission, performance levels are just a bit better with the manual alternative. Shifting is precise on the manual, but the gear ratio is designed more with fuel consumption than performance in mind.

Though the Sentra is better from just about every viewpoint, it still lags behind the competition in terms of driveability and personality, both of which remain so-so. On the other hand, the Sentra is a faithful travel companion that very rarely lets you down, which would explain why, according to a CAA survey, close to 90% of Sentra owners indicate that they would buy the same model the next time out.

PROS
Roomy interior
Sturdiness and reliability
Powerful sport versions

CONS
Very ordinary styling
Sluggish steering system

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: no data

New trims: SE-R and Spec V

2004 Mexico

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