All-new Sentra is easy to like

First introduced to the North American market in 1981 as a 1982 model-year vehicle, the all-new 2007 Nissan Sentra is the sixth generation of the popular Japanese economy car.

While compact cars have never been box office hits with Americans, last year’s $3-per-gallon gasoline prices have everyone paying a little more attention to fuel economy ratings on the window stickers when shopping for a new car. In that department the new Sentra seems right on target, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 29 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway. Although, the best I could get from my test car was 26 mpg. With less than 1500 miles on the test car, fuel economy should improve as the engine logs more miles.

Sentra is no longer the entry-level Nissan, having been displaced by the Versa. The new Sentra is larger overall with a 5.9-inch increase in wheelbase and 2.3-inches in overall length. It’s also higher and wider, affording much improved interior space.

The front-wheel drive Sentra comes in a choice of three models: the 2.0 ($14,750), 2.0S ($15,650) and 2.0SL ($18,400). Standard equipment on all models includes air conditioning, power windows/door locks and steering, and AM/FM/CD audio system. The S model adds power mirrors, styled steel wheels, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and keyless entry. SL adds leather seats, cruise control, keyless ignition and automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The larger Sentra is also more powerful, with a 2.0-liter 140-horsepower four-cylinder engine that powers all three Sentra models. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the base and S models with an automatic CVT available as an $800 option.

In March, Nissan will introduce the SE-R performance version of the Sentra powered by a larger 2.5-liter 200-horsepower four-cylinder and a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or automatic CVT. The SE-R will feature a firmer suspension, deeply bolstered sport bucket seats, aluminum trimmed pedals, gauges, exterior badging and upgraded wheels and tires. Pricing is not available as of this review.

Most noticeable is the new exterior design that now falls into line with the rest of the Nissan family, appearing like a smaller version of the Maxima and Altima with slab sides, short yet high rear deck, sharply angled windshield, large trapezoidal, stacked multi-element headlamps, and now familiar Nissan grille and logo. The new look certainly won’t make a fashion statement but it’s pleasant.

The interior is blissfully larger than the previous generation models and will accommodate four adults with relative comfort. We liked the look and feel of the cloth seats in our S model. This tall driver could have used more thigh support but appreciated the wide selection of seat adjustments for leg and headroom.

Back seat passengers get another inch of legroom; trunk space is up by 1.5 cubic feet. The rear seat is split 60/40 and folds flat to open space into the trunk, a nice feature for transporting long objects like a bike or stroller.

Interior materials are up to snuff, plastics look good, overall build quality, fit and finish are up to par, dash is stylish, gauges and controls functional and easy to use. The center stack is trimmed in a brushed-aluminum. The glove box is deep, can hold a laptop computer and has a lock. Steering wheel tilts but doesn’t telescope.

Driving the Sentra won’t convince you it’s an “enthusiast” car by any means. But it handles well, doesn’t seem overly tippy in sharp cornering or curves and returns a smooth mostly quiet ride.

We’ve never been huge fans of the CVT, which are smooth revving, meaning they hold the same engine rpm for runs up to highway speeds without hearing or feeling the transmission shift like traditional automatics. Likewise you don’t feel passing gears kick in under full throttle. But this is the best CVT we’ve driven and isn’t nearly as annoying as those we’ve driven in Honda or Chrysler-Jeep products.

Safety gear includes standard dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain air bags and active front seat headrests. We were disappointed that anti-lock brakes are not standard; in fact, we even question the omission of disc brakes on the rear in favor of drum-style brakes. At least antilock brakes are optional ($250 on base) part of a wheel package on S, and standard on SL. We also think it’s a mistake that electronic stability control is not available as either standard or optional equipment.

The 2007 Sentra earned the highest five-star rating in front and side impact crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the second highest (Acceptable) rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The new Sentra is built in Aguascaliente, Mexico and comes with a three-year/36,000 mile warranty.

The new Sentra, while not perfect, is an improvement over the previous generation and as a daily driver will please most owners. We don’t think there’s  enough evidence to call it a clear leader among rivals like the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla or Subaru Impreza, but it’s pretty impressive nonetheless.