NISSAN CANADA - The latest generation Sentra represents an exhilarating breakthrough for Nissan's popular compact sedan – with eye-catching styling, a comprehensive suite of intelligent driving technologies including standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360, advanced connectivity and confident performance provided by a new platform and a new engine.
Sentra's powerful new design that shares muscular, sporty elements from models like Maxima and GT-R. It also features a refined, premium interior that sets new standards for quality and comfort.
In its second year of the eighth generation, the Canadian Sentra offers a compelling proposition for the base model - Sentra S 6MT - with heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors now fitted as standard. Those looking for a more connected drive have the option of a six-speed manual transmission on the sporty Sentra SR model, previously only available on the Sentra S.
Additional enhancements for the 2021 model year include the addition of standard Apple CarPlay® integration and Android Auto™ and NissanConnect® on all grades (previously available only on SV and SR grades), and a new two-tone paint combination – Electric Blue Metallic with Black roof for the SR grade.
Head-turning style
It all starts with the fundamentals. The new-generation Sentra is built on a new platform that provides greatly improved proportions and stance. The body is about two inches lower and two inches wider than the previous generation, giving it a more powerful stance. The premium presence of the exterior is highlighted by Nissan's signature V- motion grille, available thin LED headlamps and floating roof.
In front, the 2021 Sentra's striking look is created through use of sharp creases that blend into the muscular body sides. The rear has a lower roofline and wider shoulders, with wheels flush to the body enhancing the strong stance.
The available thin LED projector headlamps are matched with signature LED daytime running lights and rear combination lamp design. LED fog lights are also available. In addition, Intelligent Auto Headlights and High Beam Assist are standard on all Sentra grade levels.
Sentra SR provides a more athletic appearance with a sport-style rear spoiler; black- painted side mirrors with integrated turn signals; lower body side sill extensions; 18- inch black aluminum-alloy wheels; dark chrome V-motion grille and chrome exhaust finisher.
Other exterior features include: heated outside mirrors with available integrated LED turn signals; body colour door handles and an available power sliding glass moonroof with tilt feature.
The slate of available exterior colours includes six single colours: Electric Blue Metallic; Gun Metallic; Super Black; Aspen White TriCoat (premium colour); Fresh Powder; and Scarlet Ember TriCoat (premium colour).
Like Nissan LEAF and Kicks and Rogue, the 2021 Sentra also offers a number of two-tone exterior paint combinations: Super Black/Gun Metallic; Super Black/Aspen White TriCoat (premium colour); Super Black/Monarch Orange Metallic (premium colour) and new Super Black/Electric Blue Metallic available on Sentra SR.
Refinement and attention to detail
The 2021 Sentra interior is more refined and more luxurious (than the previous generation) – creating a high-quality experience for driver and passengers unexpected in the compact sedan segment. Attention to detail and craftsmanship can be found throughout the interior, with satin chrome aluminum accents, the intuitive placement of controls, contrast seat stitching and a standard D-shaped steering wheel. They combine to give the interior a premium, refined feel added to what is expected to be among the quietest cabins in its class.
Extra care was taken on driver touch points like the feel of the steering wheel in the driver's hand, the smooth operation of the dials and switches. The combined effect is an impression of premium quality well beyond expectations for the segment.
Standard features include Nissan's renowned Zero Gravity front seats, which help optimize posture positioning for enhanced comfort during long distance driving. A 6- way manual driver's seat and 4-way manual front passenger's seat are standard, with a 6-way power driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support also available. The rear seat is a 60/40 split fold-down design. Heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors are standard, and a heated steering wheel is available – part of Sentra's unexpected premium content.
Seating materials range from standard or upgraded cloth to Prima-Tex™ leatherette and sport cloth with orange stitching (SR grade).
Other interior features include: front and rear door pockets; front centre console with padded armrest and cupholders; rear seat armrest with cupholders; tilt and telescopic steering column; power windows with driver's one-touch auto up/down with auto reverse; power door locks with auto-locking feature; remote keyless entry with push button start; RearView Monitor and Rear Door Alert.
Also available are dual zone automatic temperature control, Nissan Intelligent Key® and remote engine start.
Enhanced convenience and connectivity
The new-generation Sentra was designed to make owners feel in control and safely connected to the world around them. At the heart of that connectivity, is a 4.2-inch digital multi-information driver's display and a standard 7.0-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Apple CarPlay® integration and Android Auto™.
There is also an available 7.0-inch digital Advanced Drive-Assist Display paired to a floating 8.0-inch NissanConnect touchscreen centre display. Sentra also offers driver assist technologies like available Intelligent Cruise Control and class-exclusive available Intelligent Around View® Monitor for a more confident drive.
The standard Sentra audio system is an AM/FM system with four speakers and USB connection port (Type A) for iPod® and other compatible devices. Sentra SV and SR grades add two front USB ports (1 Type A, 1 Type C) and one charge-only USB port (Type A) at the rear of the centre console. Other available audio systems include a 6-speaker AM/FM system and an 8-speaker Bose® Premium Audio system. Also available is SiriusXM® Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately).
A confident driving experience
The 2021 Sentra also stands apart from the previous generation with use of a larger and more powerful engine and key suspension enhancements.
The fuel-efficient 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine replaces the previous generation 1.8-litre design. Horsepower is rated at 149 hp, an increase of 20 per cent over the previous model. The powerplant's 146 lb.-ft of torque represents a 17 per cent increase.
All 2021 Sentra models come equipped with the latest generation Xtronic transmission. The Sentra's acceleration feel is enhanced with a D-mode step shift program that simulates shifts, giving a more natural acceleration feeling without holding a high rpm constant, letting rpms build as speed builds. The D-step logic control helps provide enhanced drivability with a stable, natural and crisp shift feel.
Sentra is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission on the base “S” and sporty “SR” models.
Fuel economy3 is rated at 9.3 L/100 km city, 6.3 L/100km highway and 8.0 L/100 km combined for the S MT and 8.0 L/100km city, 6.0L/100 km highway and 7.1 L/100 km combined for the S and SV Xtronic models.
Fuel economy for the Sentra SR models is as follows: 9.4 L/100 km city. 6.5 L/100 km highway, and 8.1 L/100 km highway for the SR 6MT. The Sentra SR Xtronic's fuel economy is rated at 8.2 L/100km city, 6.2 L/100 km highway and 7.3 L/100 km combined.
Other key areas of improvement include: enhanced body control; steering response; engine response and torque feel; and even wind noise and seat holding (versus the previous generation). Sentra's top-level driving dynamics start with the new independent rear suspension, which is matched to a MacPherson strut front suspension. Twin-tube shock absorbers are utilized on every corner.
In addition, the centre of gravity has been lowered, in part, through use of the 2.4- inch wider track and 2.2-inch lower overall height. Lateral grip has been increased by four percent and the driver's seat hip point is also lower. Traffic and wind noise have been reduced through improved door and window sealing, body sealing and expanded use of soft acoustic materials.
A dual pinion rack electric power steering system, a first for use on Sentra, aids steering feel and maneuverability. Sentra SV and SR grades include 4-wheel disc brakes.
Every 2021 Sentra also includes Nissan's advanced Intelligent Trace Control system. The system uses intelligent control logic and high-response brake actuators to lightly brake the inside front wheels during cornering (as required) to increase yaw-moment. The cumulative of all these changes is enhanced handling, stability and ride comfort, providing a greater sense of driver confidence and control.
Several stylish wheel and tire combinations are offered, starting with 16-inch wheels with 205/60R16 all-season tires with 205/60R16 all-season tires on S grade and 16- inch aluminum-alloy wheels 205/6R16 all-season tires on SV grade. Standard on the Sentra SR grade are 18-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/45R18 all- season tires.
Standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360
Advanced safety and driver assist technologies are now widely available on Nissan sedans and Sentra is no exception. Sentra offers the most standard safety features in its class, including Nissan Safety Shield® 360, a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems.
Nissan Safety Shield® 360 is comprised of the following six features: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection; Blind Spot Warning; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Lane Departure Warning; High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking.
In addition, Sentra's list of standard safety and security features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags; rear passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags; and driver and front passenger knee supplemental air bags.
Also standard are 3-point front and rear seatbelts, front seat belts with pre- tensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors; and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).
Sentra also offers child safety rear door locks; zone body construction featuring front and rear crumple zones and occupant zone; Nissan Immobilizer system and anti- theft alarm system; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System with position monitoring and Easy-Fill Tire Alert system. Also standard is Intelligent Driver Alertness.
Three well-equipped models
For 2021, the Sentra grade walk includes S, SV and SR grades.
Sentra S includes heated front seats; heated exterior mirrors; cruise control; 16-inch steel wheels with full covers; remote keyless entry with push button start; Apple CarPlay® integration and Android Auto™; Nissan Safety Shield 360 and much more.
Sentra SV offers 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 205/60R16 all-season tires; NissanConnect with an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen display; remote engine start; 6-speaker audio system; Dual Zone Auto Climate Control; Intelligent Cruise Control; upgraded cloth interior and more. The Sentra SV is also available with a power sliding glass moonroof with tilt feature.
The sporty Sentra SR includes heated steering wheel; 18-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/45R18 all- season tires; dark chrome V-motion grille; LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights; LED fog lights; sport cloth interior with orange stitching; rear spoiler and lower body side sill extensions.
The SR Premium features thin projector LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights; Prima-Tex™ leatherette-appointed seats (front and rear), 6-way power driver's seat with 2-way power lumbar, 8-speaker Bose® Premium Audio System, Intelligent Around View® Monitor, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors.