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horses and modest torque rating of 128 pound-feet that the base 1.8-litre four-cylinder puts out.
The punchy 1.6 works wonders between the flanks of the Juke and is a big reason for the little hatchback’s popularity. Based on reputation and performance, the forced-induction 1.6 should does wonders for the SR Turbo’s street cred.
As with the Juke, the powerplant can be hitched to a sixspeed manual transmission or available continuously variable unit (CVT). Although enthusiasts will probably select the manual, it’s mighty considerate of Nissan to provide the SR Turbo without a clutch pedal for buyers who can’t, or prefer not to, shift for themselves.
Fuel economy is pegged at 8.9 l/100 km in the city and 7.3 on the highway for CVT-equipped versions. The manual-gearbox models are pegged at 9.1/7.3.
Stepping into a base manualtransmission 2017 SR Turbo takes $23,200, or $24,500 if equipped with the CVT. That gets you most bottom-tier basics plus heated front seats and a power moonroof.
Prepare to pay extra for leather seat coverings, six-way powered driver’s seat, navigation, Bose audio package and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Note that the SR Turbo’s range of dynamic safety options is limited to blind-spot warning and backup cross-traffic alert. That’s surprising when more complete groupings are standard or optional for other vehicles in the Sentra’s bracket.
Note also that for an extra $4,000 you can move up to the Sentra NISMO, which is short for Nissan Motorsports. It comes with its own specially tuned suspension and steering settings, aero body kit, larger 18-inch wheels and fancier faux suede seat trim. The turbo engine remains untouched.
The SR Turbo is nowhere near the street or track hooligan that other compacts can be, such as the Ford Focus RS. It does, however, provide more genteel drivers with a livelier, betterbalanced sedan that should have you breaking into smiles without breaking your wallet.