2012 Nissan Sentra Offers Versatile Space to Spare, Amenities Including Navigation and RearView Monitor

For 2012, the stylish, roomy, fun-to-drive Nissan Sentra sedan remains a versatile performer for people with busy weekday, weekend and around-the-clock lives. And, with six well-equipped models and available equipment ranging from the Bluetooth? Hands-free Phone System to the Nissan Navigation System and RearView Monitor, Sentra has the perfect combination to match any need or budget.

Nissan's popular compact sedan is again offered in a range of models – Sentra 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR, 2.0 SL and the performance-oriented Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V (please see separate 2012 Sentra SE-R press materials for information on these models). Sentra 2.0 models feature a standard 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or fuel-efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT®. Sentra SE-R is equipped with a 177-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with Xtronic CVT® and SE-R Spec V offers a potent 200-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and a 6-speed manual transmission (for full information on the 2012 Sentra SE-R please see the separate press materials, available at NissanNews.com).

Enhancements for 2012 include a new Technology Package, which is offered with the Sentra 2.0 S. In addition, three packages that were introduced late in the 2011 model year for the Sentra 2.0 SR continue into 2012 – the Moonroof Package, Technology Package and Special Edition Package. The Special Edition package combines all of the features of the Moonroof Package, Technology Package and Convenience Package at a substantial savings over what those packages would cost individually. In addition, one new exterior color is offered, Red Alert (replaces Lava Red).

Sentra is again available with a variety of unexpected amenities – ranging from the luxury of leather-appointed seating to the convenience of Nissan's Intelligent Key® keyless entry and ignition system and Nissan Navigation System with 5.0-inch color screen and XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

'Sentra once again meets and exceeds all the expectations buyers in the compact sedan segment have – good fuel economy, durability, safety, reliability and affordability,' said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. 'Sentra, however, goes far beyond that with a completely unexpected level of style, roominess, responsiveness and versatility – attributes that set Sentra apart in the segment.'

Designed for Active Lifestyles

Built on Nissan's global 'C' platform, Sentra's exterior reflects Nissan design language and offers styling cues found on other distinctive Nissan products. The profile includes a long wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs, crisp character lines and large door openings, while in the rear the high deck accentuates the roomy cabin and cargo area.

The Sentra 2.0 SR adds a sporty appearance with a unique grille, front and rear sport fascias, side sill spoilers, rear decklid spoiler with integrated brake light, sport headlights and taillights, driving lights, exhaust finisher, and SE-R style rear decklid spoiler with integrated LED high–mounted stop light.

Nine exterior colors are available: Metallic Blue, Blue Onyx, Espresso Black, Red Alert, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Gray, Super Black, Red Brick and Aspen White.

Inside, the interior continues the sporty, functional theme of the exterior, with the use of high quality materials, large gauges and a spacious, flexible center console. All Sentra models receive cloth seat trim with available leather-appointed seating and heated front seats on 2.0 SL.

The instrument panel offers chrome HVAC knob accents, coin holder, reddish orange illumination color. A 4.3-inch color display is standard on Sentra 2.0 SL.

Sentra's interior is designed to comfortably accommodate five full-size adults, with an ample passenger volume of 97.7 cubic feet. Along with the roomy, social space of the interior, Sentra's trunk provides 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space. With the 60/40-split double-fold rear seat (the bottom cushion folds forward, allowing the seat back to fold down flat), Sentra offers exceptional cargo flexibility for carrying long, bulky items such as snowboards, hockey sticks and even bikes.

Other storage solutions include a rear seat armrest with cupholders that can accommodate a 20-ounce bottle and 32-ounce drink cup, extra instrument panel storage next to the driver's door, and a large glove compartment that can fit a 8x11-inch writing tablet or a large-sized map book. The center console offers multiple storage options, including an adjustable cup holder design and cell phone space.

Along with ample roominess, Sentra is offered a wide array of premium equipment, including available Nissan Intelligent Key® keyless entry and ignition system, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and premium Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with 8 speakers. An Interface System for iPod® is standard on all Sentra models except Sentra 2.0.

Responsive, Fun-to-Drive Performance

Sentra's powerful 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine designed to combine responsive acceleration with good fuel economy and efficient operation. It is mated to a standard Xtronic CVT® or 6-speed manual transmission (Sentra 2.0 only).

The advanced 2.0-liter Nissan MR20DE engine has an aluminum block and is designed to offer an exceptional balance of responsive acceleration, excellent low and mid-range torque and increased thermal efficiency. The engine is rated at 140 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. Up to 90 percent of the torque is achieved by 2,400 rpm – providing comfortable driving and excellent fuel consumption in real world driving.

Fuel economy is rated at 27/34 miles per gallon City/Highway with the CVT and 24/31 City/Highway miles per gallon with the 6-speed manual transmission (Sentra 2.0 only).

The 2012 Sentra also offers responsive handling. The front suspension is an independent strut design with coil springs and stabilizer bar. The rear features a torsion beam with integral stabilizer bar, with the rear shock absorbers mounted below the trunk floor for improved trunk roominess. Sentra's ride comfort is enhanced through use of special 'ripple control' shock absorbers, an insulated front cradle-type subframe with pendulum engine mount system, roller-type front strut bearings and large, tuned rear beam isolators.

All Sentra models feature standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), along with standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

Other standard safety features for the Sentra include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; and front-seat Active Head Restraints.

Four Well-Equipped Models

The 2012 Sentra 2.0 is offered in four well-equipped models, starting with the Sentra 2.0 with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Xtronic CVT® or 6-speed manual transmission. Standard features include electric power-assisted steering, 15-inch wheels and tires, cloth interior, oversized glove compartment, power windows and door locks, 60/40-split folding rear seat, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input and much more.

Sentra 2.0 S adds 16-inch wheels, P205/55HR16 tires, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 CD playback capability, Interface System for iPod®, Vehicle Security System (VSS), trip computer, cruise control, Remote Keyless Entry, and more.

The 2.0 SR takes its sporty styling cues from the high-performance Sentra SE-R, adding a unique exterior treatment including sport front and rear fascias, sport side sills, fog lights, rear spoiler and 16-inch 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels.

The top-of-the-line Sentra 2.0 SL is available with standard cloth seats or optional leather-appointed seats. Standard SL equipment includes fog lights, 16-inch 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key® with remote trunk release, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 4.3-inch color screen.

Available options and packages for 2.0 S and 2.0 SR models include the Convenience Package with Nissan Intelligent Key® keyless entry and ignition system with remote trunk release, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cargo net and hooks; and the Technology Package with Nissan Navigation System with 5-inch color touch-screen display, XM NavTraffic, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), and USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices. A Moonroof Package is also available on the 2.0 SR model.

Another package offered exclusively on the Sentra 2.0 SR is the Special Edition Package. It combines all of the features of the Moonroof Package, Technology Package and Convenience Package at a substantial saving over what those packages would cost individually. The package also features a unique Special Edition wheel finish and Special Edition badge on the rear deck.

Sentra 2.0 SL options include the Leather Package with leather-appointed seats and heated front seats; and the Special Value Package with power sliding glass moonroof with tilt, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, cargo net and hooks, Nissan Navigation System with 5.0-inch screen and RearView Monitor; and Audio Package with 8-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system.

The 2012 Nissan Sentra is assembled by Nissan Mexicana SA de CV (NMEX-DF), Aguascalientes, Mexico.

by Nissan

A compact vehicle made by Nissan Motors, the Sentra is a re-badged export version of the Japanese Nissan Sunny. This model line was available with 1.3 and 1.5 petrol engines, and a five-door wagon version was also available. In Japan, the Sentra vehicle is renamed the Bluebird Sylphy. The U.S. Sentra ranges in price from $15,000 to $21,000 for the most supped-up version. The original Sentra vehicles were subcompact vehicles, but over the year the vehicle has grown and the Versa replaced the Sentra in the entry-level market. The Sentra was rated by the EPA as a mid-size vehicle due to its interior volume. Numerous countries including Mexico and Brazil continue to sell their versions of the Sunny as the Sentra.

Since 1982 the Nissan Sentra has been a popular vehicle that economy-car shoppers have been volleying for years. The Sentra has been one of the best choices available for periods of time, though the Sentra has lagged behind the segment leaders in terms of image and overall refinement.

The first generation was introduced in 1982 and was the replacement of the Datsun 210. Earlier Sunnys had been rear-wheel drive beginning with the B11, but now they featured the sported front-wheel drive FF layout. The A series (OHV) engine was replaced with the E15 SOHC engine from the Datsun 310 and became the first vehicle in the U.S. to feature the Nissan name solely. All Nissan Sentras in 1983 had the E16 as the only option with 4-speed manual standard with a 3-speed automatic. A few years later a 5-speed manual was also featured as an option.

From 1984 through 1987 a 1.7-liter CD17 diesel was also featured. This version was produced in very small numbers which eventually made it a popular collector item. All Sentra models featured 4-wheel independent suspension and front disc brakes. The B11 featured several models, including the Honeybee which was a holdover from the 210 and was capable of 35 mph, and the Deluxe which featured air conditioning, dual side mirrors and a Clarion tape deck.

From 1986 through 1990 the second generation of the B12-Sentra was unveiled. A variety of body styles were introduced for this generation that included station wagons, 3-door hatchback, 2 and 4-door sedans and the Sport Coupe. All Sentra models except the Sport Coupe in 1987 came standard with the E16 with 69 hp and a 5-speed manual transmission. The following year, all Sentras had the 70 hp which was featured with throttle body injection.

The E-series continued on in the B12 chassis in various parts of the world, meanwhile, some received the multi-point fuel injection E16E engine. Some models even received diesel engines, but these models were very rare and only offered in exclusive areas of the world. The only engine option from 1989 through 1990 was the 90 hp, GA16i, a 12-valve SOHC version of the later GA16DE. While 4-wheel disc brakes were an option in some parts of the world, the B12 carried over a radically modified 4-wheel independent suspension from the B11. Though not all classes were available every year, this was the beginning of the model classes which became standard through the 2003 model year. The 'E' was the low-level economy model, the 'XE' was the base model, and the 'GXE' was the top level 4 door sedan, the 'SE' was the sport coupe while the 'SE-R' was the top of the line performance model.

From 1987 through 2003 the GXE was featured with a body-colored bumper, manual remote control, aero side mirrors, tachometer, standard 13' 175/70/R13 alloy wheels with AC and variable intermittent wipers. The only thing the GXE didn't feature was a standard cassette deck or power windows, locks or mirrors. The SE model featured dual mirrors, AC, tachometer, power door locks and windows in various markets, along with electronic fuel injection in several markets. At the time, back seats only came with lap safety belts while shoulder belts didn't exist until much later models.

The final chassis to feature a station wagon model, the B12 model was sold as the 'California' in various Asian markets. The four-wheel-drive versions of the station wagon were even rarer and were available as an option in both 1988 and 1989. These four-wheel-drive versions featured an electrically activated 4WD single-range transfer case to drive the independently suspended rear wheels. The Nissan logo had previously been placed on the ride-hand side of the front grille was moved to the center in 1988.

A sportier version of the Sentra was the sport coupe, a model that shared only few of the body panels with the standard model. The Sport coupe was only available with the E16i or GA16i, it didn't receive Nissan's CA18DE that was featured in the Sunny ZX Coupe. All Sport Coupe models featured dual sway bars, a tachometer next to the speedometer, and dual remote-adjust mirrors, while the SE model featured AC and rear speakers.

The B12 models have always been known for their great fuel economy and for the reliable nature. They are considered by many fans to be fantastic low-budget project cars due to the ability of their parts to be easily interchangeable with other Nissan models. Another version, the Sentra Classic, a four-door sedan was introduced in Canada until 1993. The Sentra Classic replaced the Nissan Micra 3/5-door hatchbacks, which at the time were discontinued and were sold only in Canada.

Produced from 1991 through 1994, the B13 Nissan Sentra Coupe was also called the Nissan Sunny and the Nissan Tsuru. The B13 was the original vehicle to offer Nissan's exclusive then-new SR20DE engine in the sporty two-door SE-R model. The Sentra SE-R model was set various subcompact speed records for the time with 140 hp at 6400 rpm and 132 lb•ft of torque at 4800 rpm. The Sentra SE-R could reach 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds and could also reach the quarter-mile in 15.8 seconds. This vehicle came with 4-wheel disc brakes along with a MacPherson strut independent suspension. The Sentra SE-R also featured improved handling with a viscous limited-slip differential which was standard equipment.

The fuel-injected 110 hp 1.6 L GA16DE engine came standard on the Nissan sedan, and was available on the base model, E, XE, GXE, SE, SE-R and the Limited Edition. Both the GXE and Limited Edition featured power packages such a power windows, locks and mirrors, while the XE, SE and SE-R were featured with standard or optional sunroof and alloy wheels. The four-door Nissan models came with front motorized shoulder seatbelts.

The fourth generation of the Nissan Sentra was called the B14. The independent rear loss was deleted for 1995 and therefore caused several steps backward for the Sentra. For this year all engines in the B14 lineup came with timing chains.

In this same year, the two-door Sentra was renamed the 200SX and brought the sporty SE-R model along with it. The Nissan sedan received all of the performance parts in 1998 with the Sentra SE. The SE-R and the SE sedan both came with the same 2.0 liter SR20DE engine.

Several trim variations were offered for the fourth general B14, the Base, XE, GXE, GLE, SE and also a few SE Limited Base and XE that came with 13' steel wheels and hubcaps. Before 1998 several GXE models also featured 13' wheels. The GXE upgraded to 14' alloy wheels in 1998 and GLE models came with 14' alloy rims. The GXE also received rear seat trunk access, rear headrests, additional fabric on doors and seats instead of vinyl, a grip-assist on the passenger side, power windows, locks and mirrors.

Several packages were included on the GLE, SE, and the Special Edition that featured leather, rear spoiler, moonroof and keyless entry packages. Every other trim besides the SE and SE-R featured the GA16DE that offered 1.6L, 114 hp, while the SE and SE-R received the SR20DE. Less powerful than the SR20DE, the GA16DE engine was quite impressive in comparison. Until 1997, the 200SX SE-R arrived featuring a leather-wrapped steering wheel along with a shift knob and Limited-Slip-Differential. Not offered to other Sentras of this generation, the 200SX also featured the option of a telescoping steering wheel.

A slight update was featured for the 1998 model year that redesigned the rear light assembly, mostly the reverse indicator lights. In this same year, the front grille was updated from horizontal bars to a large plastic mesh. The following year the grille was updated yet again and transformed into an oval hole between the headlights. A Limited slip differential was not offered again for the 1998 200SX SE-R. The fourth-generation was the last year built in Smyrna, Tennessee.

The fifth generation of the Sentra was produced from 2000 through 2006 and the model finally made its leap into the 'compact' class for 2000, the class that had been originally dominated by the Altima. In 2001 the Altima moved to the mid-size class while its wheelbase remained unchanged from the prior generation.

The B15 Sentra emerged into the market very different from its earlier siblings that were constructed very similar to their Japan-market B-series Nissan Sunny twins. Since production was no longer done at Smyrna, Tennessee, construction moved to Aguascalientes, Mexico while the Smyrna production line was retooled to build the Nissan Xterra. The top of the line Sentra was dominated by the '00-'01 Sentra SE which featured the SR20DE with 145 hp and 136 lb•ft of torque. The Sentra SE remained in this spot until the SE-R rejoined the lineup in 2002.

The 1.8 L QG18DE QG18DE replaced the 1.6 L GA16DE. The new generation was completely upgraded from the prior generation and showed more bells and whistles than previous models. The fifth-generation showcased a brand new interior with much better quality plastics and more comfortable seats. New body-side moldings and clear headlights were also added to the exterior.

A brand new Nissan SE-R was introduced in 2002. This new model got rid of its SR20DE and replaced its 2002 model with the Altima's more torque-like but lower-revving QR25DE. The Nissan SE-R was available in either a base model with a 5-speed manual transmission or the optional 4-speed automatic. The 175 hp SE-R Spec V came with a 6-speed manual transmission with a helical Torsen limited-slip differential.

Unfortunately, the Spec V suffers a relatively slow 7.4 second 0-60 mph time due to extra-short gearing that made 60 mph unattainable in second gear, but it was capable of a 15.4-second quarter-mile. Both the Spec V and the SE-R received sportier-looking headlights with black that surrounded the silver reflectors along with standard fog-lights.

For 2004 the Sentra received a small facelift. The 2003-2006 SE-R Spec V received new gearing that allowed it to reach the quarter-mile in a time of 15.2. From 2004 to 2006 the SE-R came only in automatic transmission and was able to reach the quarter-mile in only 16.0 seconds. The Spec-V and the SE-R kept the updated headlights and also received 'smoke-out' break lights. 1.8 L models lost their front stabilizer bar as Nissan was attempting to cut costs.

The B15 Sentra featured the SE-R, the SE-R Spec V trims, the 2003 Sentra 2.5LE and the 2004 Sentra 2.5S with the QR25DE. The exterior and interior of the lower trims were very similar to the GXE, 1.8S and now included transparent head lamps, lighter-colored taillights, beige-shaded interior cloth and a softer suspension than the SE-R's. The 2.0L and 1.8L automatic from 2000 through 2006 used the RE4F03B transmission. The RE4F03A transmission was used in the 2.5L 2.5S, SE-R automatics.

In January of 2006, Nissan unveiled the sixth generation of the 2007 Sentra at the 2006 North American International Auto show. The EPA now classified this generation as a mid-size sedan and the Sentra was now larger than the B15 model. The Nissan Versa stepped into the entry-level role that was originally filled by the Sentra.

For the 2007 model year, Nissan introduced the SE-R to the North American market. Unveiled with two versions, the SE-R came in base model and SE-R Spec V. Both models received four-wheel disc brakes instead of the standard Sentra's disc/drum setup, 17' alloy wheels and very unique interior and exterior trim. The base model and SE-R Spec V were both powered by the 2.5-liter QR25DE engine. While the base model was rated at 177 hp at 6000 rpm and 172 lb•ft (233 N•m) at 2800 rpm and came with Nissan's exclusive X-CVT continuously variable transmission and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Rated at 200 hp at 6600 rpm and 180 lb•ft (244 N•m) at 5200 rpm, the SE-R Spec V came with a 6-speed manual and optional limited-slip differential. The SE-R Spec V was capable of 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, and could reach the ¼ mile by 14.9 seconds. The Nissan Spec V also received red front seat belts, larger front brakes and a stiffer suspension. The base model was priced at $19,400 and the SE-R Spec V was listed at $19,900.

Today the Nissan Sentra is facing a harder struggle than when it originally was introduced as many automakers now offer specialized performance models that compete directly with the SE-R. Thankfully though, the Sentra remains a solid choice due to its high fuel efficiency, performance variants and low upkeep costs.

by Jessican Donaldson

Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing for 2012 Sentra and Sentra SE-R

2012 Nissan Sentra Offers Versatile Space to Spare, Amenities Including Navigation and RearView Monitor