The final Spec V upgrades apply to the car’s sport-tuned suspension. Here Nissan utilizes front and rear sway bars along with a massive rear strut-tower V-brace to imbue the SE-R Spec V with rock solid structural rigidity and a satisfying degree of athleticism. As the photo of the V-brace will confirm, it eliminates the ability to drop the rear seatback for greater cargo capacity.
Rolling on 17-inch alloy wheels, the Spec V’s stopping power is bolstered by Nissan’s “enhanced performance” SE-R front brakes.
So how does it all come together behind the wheel?
Before talking about “zeal behind the wheel,” a word or two on fit seems appropriate. Given its rather diminutive size, the Sentra supplies a cabin that feels roomy—and thanks to its 4-door architecture, ingress and egress is quite unrestricted.
Head and legroom up front are both generous as is headroom in the rear. As one would expect in this segment, rear seat legroom can be challenging for large adults. Overall though, few are likely to complain regardless of where they situate themselves in the Sentra. Of course, it’s the driver’s perch that’s sure to bring the most accolades when talking “Spec V” seating.
Now for the juice
The Spec V develops a nice rasp when its engine is put to work. The 4-banger revs most willingly and feels stout, even in the lower rpm range. Although its auditory track is evident enough for all to hear, the little mill is well refined and nicely mannered. Unfortunately, its refined persona prefers premium petrol.
The engine pulls quite linearly but it’s most lively after 4,000 rpm. With six gears to choose from, it’s easy to keep the powerplant at its peak of performance. However, I found administering those gears to be a little more challenging than I’ve experienced in competing products equipped with 6-speed manual gear boxes.
The shifter in my tester felt oddly resistive to being pulled and pushed through the shift pattern. Two-finger gear changes weren’t impossible but more effort was required to move the stick and secure it into a desired slot than I would have liked.
Infinitely likable though is the Spec V’s handling characteristics.
Rolling on 17-inch alloy wheels, the Spec V’s stopping power is bolstered by Nissan’s “enhanced performance” SE-R front brakes.
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| Given its rather diminutive size, the Sentra supplies a cabin that feels roomy. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
So how does it all come together behind the wheel?
Before talking about “zeal behind the wheel,” a word or two on fit seems appropriate. Given its rather diminutive size, the Sentra supplies a cabin that feels roomy—and thanks to its 4-door architecture, ingress and egress is quite unrestricted.
Head and legroom up front are both generous as is headroom in the rear. As one would expect in this segment, rear seat legroom can be challenging for large adults. Overall though, few are likely to complain regardless of where they situate themselves in the Sentra. Of course, it’s the driver’s perch that’s sure to bring the most accolades when talking “Spec V” seating.
Now for the juice
The Spec V develops a nice rasp when its engine is put to work. The 4-banger revs most willingly and feels stout, even in the lower rpm range. Although its auditory track is evident enough for all to hear, the little mill is well refined and nicely mannered. Unfortunately, its refined persona prefers premium petrol.
The engine pulls quite linearly but it’s most lively after 4,000 rpm. With six gears to choose from, it’s easy to keep the powerplant at its peak of performance. However, I found administering those gears to be a little more challenging than I’ve experienced in competing products equipped with 6-speed manual gear boxes.
The shifter in my tester felt oddly resistive to being pulled and pushed through the shift pattern. Two-finger gear changes weren’t impossible but more effort was required to move the stick and secure it into a desired slot than I would have liked.
Infinitely likable though is the Spec V’s handling characteristics.
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| The Spec V develops a nice rasp when its engine is put to work. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |