NISSAN SENTRA ALL NEWFOR 2020
I like what Nissan has done to the Sentra for 2020. Not only has the body taken on the look of the Altima and Maxima, but is has a brand-new chassis and an upgraded suspension.
If that is not enough changes for you, how about a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine? Itmakes 149 hp and 145 ft-lbs. of torque. All this power flows to the front wheels through a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), a manual transmission is no longer available. Do you want more? Fuel economy has improved to 29 city/39 highway for a combined total of 33 MPG. There are even “Active Grille Shutters,” that add to the improved fuel economy
As nice as all of these changes are, it is the Sentra’s redesigned interior that really struck me. The design and quality of the materials seems to be two or three steps up from my last Sentra tester. The Nissan Zero Gravity seats are very comfortable, andmy top-ofthe-line Rosewood Metal 2020 Sentra 2.0 SV started at $20,270 and went out the door for a very reasonable $24,800.
The $2,400 SV PremiumPackage is what made me go wow. The quilted leather seats and their color made the Sentra look more like a $30,000 car than a $20,000 one. The $500 Lighting Package adds color adjustable ambient lights, and a pair of “puddle lights” that eases your entry when boarding at night.
Prices start at $20,015 for the Sentra S. It comes with blind-spot monitoring and lanedeparture warning, automated emergency braking, a seven-inch touch-screen display and remote keyless entry with push button ignition.
Move up to the $21,195 SV and you are upgraded to an eight-inch touchscreen, two data-capable USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a USB charging port in the back seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, keyless access, and 17-inch aluminumwheels.
The $22,355 SV adds such goodies as 18” aluminum-alloy wheels, LED headlights with LED signature daytime running lights, and a rear spoiler.
I enjoyed driving my Sentra, and was surprised that Car and Driver only clocked a
0-60 mph time of 9.2 seconds. It seemed faster to me. The CVT did a reasonable job of pretending to shift gears when called upon. I could tell right away that the new underpinnings make for a much more solid Sentra. The car seemed to be tunedmore for smooth ride then sharp handling. But the Sentra’s steering response was still quite good. I suspect a set of summer tires would transform the Sentra into a decent corner carver.
If you are in the market for a roomyenough four-door sedan with good fuel economy, be sure to check out the new Nissan Sentra.