2011 2012 Nissan Auto Cars Reviews

or those with a thirst for driving excitement but a limited budget, there are several compact sedans and hatchbacks on the market with tuned suspensions, performance tires, and extra power under the hood, many of them starting under $25,000.

Well-known examples include the Toyota Corolla XRS ($22,550), Mazda3 GT ($22,995) Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport ($24,695), Honda Civic Si sedan ($26,880) and Volkswagen GTI ($29,675), but one that’s often forgotten is the Nissan Sentra SE-R ($21,798), and SE-R Spec V ($23,198). These zippy Sentras have a bigger, more powerful 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that replaces the Sentra’s standard 140-hp 2.0-litre powerplant; the SE-R has 177 horsepower and a CVT with paddle shifters, while the SE-R Spec V has 200 hp and a six-speed manual transmission.

Both these sporty Sentras feature 17-inch low profile tires, sport tuned suspensions, and nicely-equipped interiors with front sport seats and special instrumentation. New this year is standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (stability control) and traction control.

SE-R and Spec V Sentras can be identified by their smoked headlight and taillight surrounds, front air dam, black honeycomb ‘sport’ grille, front fog lights, side sills, rear trunk spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels and tires, chrome exhaust tip, and SE-R/Spec V badges on the trunk. Still, this is not an aggressive looking car.

The SE-R Spec V model includes a few upgrades over the standard SE-R: W-rated 17-inch summer performance tires, larger front brake rotors, stiffer shocks and struts, a 20-mm lower ride height, larger front stabilizer bar, reinforced upper cowl, trunk-mounted V-brace, and the aforementioned six-speed manual transmission.

Our Spec V test car included the optional Sport Package with a helical limited slip front differential, power glass moonroof, Rockford Fosgate audio system with eight speakers and XM satellite radio, and illuminated vanity mirrors; as well as the Tech Package, with navigation system, five-inch colour screen, and rear-view camera; and metallic pearl paint.

With options, Freight and A/C tax, the as-tested price of this Sentra SE-R Spec V came to $25,524, a very reasonable price for this much stuff.

Article Source: canadiandriver.com

Tags: 2010 nissan sentra reviews

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