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2013 Nissan Sentra SL Review

2013 Nissan Sentra SL
Photo: Mike Goetz
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Mike Goetz
2013 Nissan Sentra grows in size, maturity, and comfort
As a compact, Nissan Sentra competes in the largest passenger car segment in Canada, and head-to-head against monster sellers like Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra and Mazda3.

Nissan Sentra has got a long road ahead of it, to become as well known as those nameplates. It also has to contend with rising stars like Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus.

But judging by our week with a Sentra SL in Amethyst Gray, the new-for-2013 remake of the model will make up huge ground on the compact-car scene.

Because this new Sentra version feels very much like a junior Nissan Altima, with all of the larger sedan’s civility and manners, yet with wallet-stretching, top-of-class fuel efficiency. An automatic transmission-equipped Sentra, like our tester, has L/100 km ratings of 6.6 City, 4.9 Highway, and 5.8 Combined. Awesome.

Price as Tested
Sentra S models hit the ground running at $14,999. But most Canadians will surely opt for the $17,548 Sentra SV model, the first level you can get stuff like heated seats, and can partake of the many desirable things on the option list (which we'll get to later).

Our tester, the top-of-the-heap SL model, starts at $21,698. The (automatic) CVT adds $1,300. Metallic paint adds another $135. Net Result: A pre-tax, pre-PDI total of $23,133.

There is also a SR model, which is similarly equipped to a SV model, but with sporty cosmetic bits, like spoilers, lower body extensions, and silver sport interior trim.

What We Liked
We really liked the powertrain. Not so much for its power output, which is average at best, but for its drivability, especially around town. Unlike other newer powerplants, the all-new 1.8-litre “four,” good for 130 horses and 128 lb-ft of torque, does not feature “direct injection.” It’s also hooked up to a CVT, which can’t give you the “running through the gears” feel of a regular automatic transmission. But the package just feels right and drives right. No glitches. Just smooth delivery of adequate power in all situations.

Good steering and handling as well. Nice weight. Goes where it is pointed with little fuss. I guess we can put some of that down to the new architecture, which is both lighter and stiffer than the outgoing one.

The ride is decent too. Overall, it has a pleasant unruffled feel. It will ease your mind. If you’re looking to expand your mind with sporty fun, look elsewhere (maybe even to a hopefully upcoming SE-R model).

We also really liked the roominess and upscale feel of the new interior. The previous-generation was the first Sentra to really offer good room, and this new one furthers the theme. For its class, it has a huge trunk and copious rear-seat legroom. And the folding 60/40 rear seat with pass-through adds more utility.

Up front, it feels like a slightly smaller Altima. Same nice appointments, such as leather and woodgrain, and same modern interface. Sentra’s gauge package is particularly appealing — it’s stylish and very easy to read. It’s even backlit during the day.

Lots of Goodies
All Sentra models come equipped with headlights with LED accents, LED taillights, 16-inch wheels, heated mirrors, variable wipers, keyless entry, Bluetooth, and the like.

But the SL trim really gives the Sentra the aura of a small luxury car, with a new 5.8-inch touch-screen with NissanConnect with Navigation, multi-speaker stereo, 17-inch wheels, leather steering wheel, dual-zone HVAC, and “maple wood-tone” interior trim.

NissanConnect can read incoming text messages, and allow drivers to make some replies without taking their hands of the wheel. (Or you could just get off the communication grid for a few seconds and enjoy the ride!)

What We Didn’t Like
All touch-screen interfaces are a work-in-progress at this juncture in automotive evolution. I find Nissan’s too hard to change radio stations on a whim. But maybe that’s just me.

Seat heaters are slow to warm up and not all that toasty.

I think it looks a bit too much like Altima — needs to be its own man.

The right armrest doesn’t extend far enough forward — doesn’t line up with the left.

Concluding Remarks
Overall, the Nissan Sentra SL is a vehicle that would be very easy to live with. It is an efficient, pleasant, comfortable, uncomplaining accomplice that will nail all your daily driving needs.

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    2013 Nissan Sentra 1.8 SV
    nissan sentra 2013
    2013 Nissan Sentra 1.8 SV
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    Mike Goetz
    Mike Goetz
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