Where the previous Sentra could be had in sporty SE-R trimline, the Bluebird's powertrain combinations are pedestrian by
comparison. The main options include a base 109-horsepower 1.5-liter engine that can be upgraded to a 133-horsepower 2.0-liter engine. Both powerplants have been tuned to deliver 90 percent of their peak torque from just 2,000 rpm, making progress a quiet and efficient affair. The only gearbox choice is Nissan's Xtronic CVT.
For 2007 and beyond, Nissan appears to be shifting to home-grown techniques in its attempt to conquer a rapidly growing North American compact car market. Like the Versa, the Bluebird offers space galore, but its distinctive styling and impressive list of luxury features would be appealing to Americans if packaged here similarly to how it is in Japan. Although there has yet to be any official information on the Bluebird, let alone the upcoming Sentra replacment, expect it to arrive sometime during 2008.
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| It may not be sporty, but the Bluebird boasts the largest interior andtrunk in its class - something buyers are sure to appreciate. (Photo:Nissan North America) |
For 2007 and beyond, Nissan appears to be shifting to home-grown techniques in its attempt to conquer a rapidly growing North American compact car market. Like the Versa, the Bluebird offers space galore, but its distinctive styling and impressive list of luxury features would be appealing to Americans if packaged here similarly to how it is in Japan. Although there has yet to be any official information on the Bluebird, let alone the upcoming Sentra replacment, expect it to arrive sometime during 2008.
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