With a redesign that makes it akin to a "Mini-Me" version of the newly updated Altima, Nissan might want to consider hiring actor Verne Troyer from the Austin Powers movie series to promote its updated 2016 Sentra.
Fittingly, just like the scaled down version of the fictional Dr. Evil, the 2016 Sentra isn't as dramatic, dynamic or powerful as its bigger namesake, but it doesn't have to be.
Instead, Nissan spent three times more than usual for a mid-cycle refresh of the Sentra – there are more than 500 new parts – to deliver an improved and more appealing entry level model that boasts plenty of standard features.
The more slippery, sporty styling, some subtle changes to the interior and newly available six-way power driver's seat on the SR model tested delivered good marks before the Sentra's engine turned over on a half-day excursion through Southern California's Orange County.
Once the car pulled away from the curb, the first improvement of the update became apparent with one turn of the wheel. The power assist on the 2015 Sentra that robbed the car of road feel is gone, replaced by one with 23 per cent more torsional stiffness combined with new steering controller mapping. Add re-tuned front struts and rear shocks along with 10 per cent higher spring rates, stiffer rear bushings, and more grippy standard tires, and the result is improved feedback and better driver control.
Get up to speed on the highway and another new feature of the Sentra is plain to see – or not hear in this case: Road, engine and wind noise seeping into the cabin has been reduced substantially through a combination of sound-reduction technologies. Changes to the engine mounting, a beefed up barrier in the dash,and sound absorbing material in the doors stop engine and wind noise entering the cabin while the third-generation Xtronic transmission also helps out by keeping the revs lower. On top of it all, an acoustic film between the layers of glass reflects much of the noise created by the windshield.
The Sentra test covered four-lane highways, two-lane open roads, stop-and-go city streets and even a maximum 25 km/h mixed-use path that had pedestrians, bikers and cars sharing the asphalt. Over all, the updated Sentra performed markedly better than the 2015 model on all roads.
Despite its value-for-money and redesign, it's unlikely this car will get anywhere near the sales numbers put up by its class-leading competitors: the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3. Then again, it will likely continue to gain ground with buyers who want to spend less than $20,000 on a solid car loaded with extras.
You'll like this car if ... You're a value-conscious buyer who wants a roomy vehicle that performs well.
TECH SPECS
- Base price: $15,898
- Engine: 1.8-litre DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder
- Transmission: Variable Xtronic
- Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 8.0 city; 6.1 highway; 7.2 combined
- Drive: Front-wheel drive
- Alternatives: Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf.
RATINGS
- Looks: Nissan’s “energetic flow” design saw the Sentra’s front end rethought with a new bumper, fenders, headlights and hood, as well as the addition of the V-grill. It’s better but it won’t win any beauty contests.
- Interior: The roomy interior gets some style for 2016, including available leather seats. The less bulky steering wheel controls are easy to use and give it a sleek, sporty look.
- Performance: The upgrade didn’t include the engine, which remains unchanged since 2013, and often struggles to find power for quick entries into traffic.
- Technology: Sentra SVs and up come with many standard bells and whistles such as five-inch colour audio display, heated front seats, in dash LCD information screen, Nissan intelligent key and rear-view camera.
- Cargo: The ample trunk ensures Sentra owners lots of space to carry home groceries and its fold down rear seats offer more room to accommodate bigger items.
The verdict
8.0
The Sentra isn't the best in class when it comes to looks or performance but it gets full marks for value in a highly competitive segment.
The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.
Jeff Pappone