In 1982 Nissan launched Sentra as a subcompact car. However, 18 years after the debut, the Japanese automaker reclassified it as a compact car. During the history, it has got many different names, such as Sunny, Sylphy, Tsuru, and Pulsar. Each nameplate is a different market. The latest generation was launched four years ago in Beijing. It is the seventh generation of this car that has become a four-door sedan. It is based on the Nissan V platform and shares lots of features with Maxima and Altima. Nissan announced 2017 Nissan Sentra should be released sometime this year and we’re anxiously waiting for its debut.
Under the Hood
The base engine of the 2017 Nissan Sentra is a little bit disappointing for most of the people. A 1.8l DOHC inline-4 will be placed under the hood of the new model. It generates 130 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. With this powertrain, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in around nine seconds. The automatic transmission is available for all trim levels, while manual gearbox comes only with Sentra S trim. If you are dissatisfied with the power this unit, there is a turbocharged variant of this engine.
The turbocharged 1.8-liter offers two times more power and torque as the non-turbocharged variant. With 256 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, it should meet everyone’s demands. And it’s not just power and that is great, but fuel economy as well. EPA rating is estimated at 30 mpg on the highway which is way more than we expected for this turbocharged engine. A six-speed manual is just the perfect choice for this engine. Thanks to this powertrain and the right transmission it will go from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. Nissan should really be proud of this unit, we just need to see how reliable it is.
2017 Nissan Sentra Nismo
Many believe that Sentra is coming with a Nismo nameplate this year. This is just a rumor and, although the release date is approaching, Nissan still didn’t make any comment on these allegations. However, it’s time for a sports sedan to get a Nismo package. Nissan upgraded Juke, GT-R, and 370Z and we believe it is time for a car such as Sentra. It is certain that this will happen sooner or later, we just don’t know whether it will happen this year or sometime in the future.
Design
The 2017 Nissan Sentra is coming with a V-shaped front grille with a Nissan badge placed in the center. Both headlights and taillights are boomerang-shaped which we couldn’t see in the previous generation. New Sentra has a premium look and the SR trim goes even further. It looks sporty with a rear spoiler, Red Alert paint, and 17-inch wheelbase. But what happens if we get Sentra Nismo? We must take a look at the concept presented in 2013. Carbon fiber touches can be seen everywhere, in door knobs, side-view mirrors, lower fascia, etc. The color is Blue Pearl White with red and black accents. Brakes would be oversized. Potential Sentra Nismo should be faster thanks to better aerodynamics. LED technology will be implemented even in side-view mirrors.
Alcantara seats provide extra comfort and steering wheel will be wrapped in leather. Even door panel and some parts of rear seats are going to be equipped with Alcantara. Seats will come in either gray or black color. Technology won’t be top-notch which impacts the price.
Price and Release Date
At this point, we cannot tell when the 2017 Nissan Sentra will be released. First, we’re waiting for the announcement about the Nismo and then we can discuss the release date. Since the prices were announced a few days ago, release date can’t be too far away, so we will stay put and wait for an announcement. If you are looking for a base Sentra model you will have to pay $17.825 and that will give you a 1.8liter four-cylinder engine with 124hp and 125lb-pf of torque. The additional costs of $1.000 come with Xtronic transmission.
Other models in the lineup like SV, SR, and SL all come with Xtronic as standard equipment.
More performance comes with more money, like always, so if you are looking to buy a 2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo you will have to pay $22.825. SR Turbo features 1.6liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that has 188hp and 177lb-ft of torque. It comes with a six –speed transmission. Both manual and automatic are included in the offer.