Nissan presents the Sentra SE-R Spec V as an inexpensive, economical sports sedan targeted at those who are wise with their money yet yearning for a little performance when they turn the key. I suspect that there’s a pretty significant market for this sort of vehicle. It bridges the gap between the performance desires of a young “tuner” and the realities that tuner will face upon starting a family.
Honda’s clearly gunning for the same market with their newly introduced CRZ Hybrid Coupe and Mazda’s been after the same crowd for a few years with their MazdaSpeed3. Despite the heated competition, the Sentra SE-R has earned a solid reputation over the years, and the Spec V iteration builds upon that foundation.
Family protection comes first
Along with traction control and antilock brakes, family purchasers will certainly take into consideration vehicle control and occupant protection provisions when examining a potential purchase. They will undoubtedly be reassured by the Spec V’s list of standard content, which includes a Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) program accompanied by a full suite of airbags, inclusive of side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for all outside seating positions.
With safety and protection covered, the “tuner turned parent” can focus on the fun stuff.
Delivering power and performance without sacrificing economy
200 horsepower breathes life into the Spec V, giving it a “punchy” sports car feel that’s not dissimilar to what most tuners strive for at great cost—both in dollars and scraped knuckles. The high-output 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine utilizes variable valve timing as part of its modus operandi in achieving 23 more horsepower than found in the conventional SE-R’s stable.
The engine is hooked to either a 6-speed manual stick or a 5-speed automatic transmission. My guess is that most Spec V buyers will opt for rowing their own, which makes sense given the vehicle’s performance persona. My tester was so equipped, which added a modicum of credibility to the car’s front and rear sport fascias and rear spoiler.
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| Nissan presents the Sentra SE-R Spec V as an inexpensive and economical sports sedan. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Honda’s clearly gunning for the same market with their newly introduced CRZ Hybrid Coupe and Mazda’s been after the same crowd for a few years with their MazdaSpeed3. Despite the heated competition, the Sentra SE-R has earned a solid reputation over the years, and the Spec V iteration builds upon that foundation.
Family protection comes first
Along with traction control and antilock brakes, family purchasers will certainly take into consideration vehicle control and occupant protection provisions when examining a potential purchase. They will undoubtedly be reassured by the Spec V’s list of standard content, which includes a Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) program accompanied by a full suite of airbags, inclusive of side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for all outside seating positions.
With safety and protection covered, the “tuner turned parent” can focus on the fun stuff.
Delivering power and performance without sacrificing economy
200 horsepower breathes life into the Spec V, giving it a “punchy” sports car feel that’s not dissimilar to what most tuners strive for at great cost—both in dollars and scraped knuckles. The high-output 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine utilizes variable valve timing as part of its modus operandi in achieving 23 more horsepower than found in the conventional SE-R’s stable.
The engine is hooked to either a 6-speed manual stick or a 5-speed automatic transmission. My guess is that most Spec V buyers will opt for rowing their own, which makes sense given the vehicle’s performance persona. My tester was so equipped, which added a modicum of credibility to the car’s front and rear sport fascias and rear spoiler.
 |
| The high-output 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine utilizes variable valve timing as part of its modus operandi in achieving 23 more horsepower than found in the conventional SE-R’s stable. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |