2016 Nissan Sentra – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Spec

Small Scale, Big Features

Given the choice between a small scale city zipper, or a conventional-sized all-around cruiser, the default and most intuitive choice has always leaned towards the latter. Perhaps it’s the sense of safety and cultural adoption that has driven the status quo towards existence of the Nissan Sentra up to this day. Regardless of reason, the Nissan Sentra sales numbers continues to grow within its fleet – totaling 1,494 units sold for just the month of July alone for 2016.

This year’s iteration upgrades its exterior looks along with  a host of added safety features and improved driving dynamics. Starting price comes in the form of the Sentra S model at $16,700 while the higher SV model equipped with Driver Assist Package, NissanConnect digital infotainment system, and safety features is still priced under $20,000.

Stylish Looks

It’s not a bad looking car at all. Styling has been refreshed this year with its front honeycomb shaped grille, sharpened LED headlamps and larger 17″ alloy rims available as purchase option to up its game in the looks category. Looks has always been a bit on the chubby side, but measures has been taken with this year’s design to streamline its rooftop silhouette to offer a more modern and sporty look.

Decked Out Amenities Inside Out

While priced in at the lower spectrum, the Sentra is surprisingly decked out with a full suit of premium amenities, but that’s only if you commit yourself into the highest SL league.

For its price at the sub $26,000, its quality really does not disappoint. Configured leather seats are stitched with quality material that are both well cushioned and comfortable. General interior ergonomics and panel contours have good looks and feel; though there are few areas of cheap plastic evident primarily around the center console area.

I’m not too big of a fan of the NissanConnect system capable of reading incoming texts from your phone, and pulingl up the latest social media news – I find its features ubiquitous to its smartphone itself; though I do find its navigation search features powered by Google helpful.

The Drive

Engine design is kept simple with a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine mated to Nissan’s in-house Xtronic with sub-planetary gear. A 6-speed manual transmission is also available as a purchase option in the S model. Total power generates 130 horsepower and 128 lb.ft of torque.

Equipped on our Sentral SL is the Xtronic CVT transmission that was relatively well behaved in both form and function. In the early days of CVT transmission, many customers complained about the numb driving experience of keeping the engine RPM relatively constant throughout its speed range along with the obnoxious sound it generates. To resolve this issue, engineers mimicked a conventional automatic transmission using a CVT to address customer complaints in the expense of slightly degraded fuel efficiency of what a true CVT had to offer.

6-speed manual transmission would’ve been great, but that also compromises fuel efficiency.  The Xtronic CVT transmission EPA ratings scores in at just 6.1/8.0 l/100km while its 6-speed manual degrades its score at 6.6/8.9 l/100km in the city and highway.  It’s not too big of a price to pay for, but the shallow horsepower output and absence of sports handling takes a second guess as to whether the 6-speed manual would really be a contributing value towards drive excitement.

Ride height feels a bit high and therefore, decreases a bit of stability around hard cornering, but that’s also due to lower tier suspension setup. Acceleration is swift and capable despite its lower horsepower output, and that’s thanked by its light weight chassis with an overall curb weight of 2886 pounds.

Our tester comes priced in at $27,733 with all said and done. A bit more for the budget conscious, but the quality of its amenities does show for its price tag. With that said, the Nissan Sentra isn’t the only player in the game for a 4-door sedan. Throw in the Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, or Ford Fusion into the equation will definitely reveal questions in terms of what’s out there for the same price point. Still, the Sentra has a distinctive advantage for a simple, lightweight and overall easy car to drive with no gimmicks involved.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2016 Nissan Sentra
• Model : Nissan Sentra SL
• Price as Tested : $27,733
• Vehicle Type : Sedan
• Seating Capacity : 2 + 3
• Powertrain Configuration : FWD
• Engine : 1.8L V4
• Transmission : Xtronic CVT
• Fuel Economy:6.1 / 8.0 l/100km city/highway

Pros

• Modern Looks
• Quality finish in interior
• Excellent fuel economy
• Easy car to drive

Cons

• Lacks performance handling capability.