2011 Nissan Sentra: What's New

Vehicle Overview

The Nissan Sentra sits between the subcompact Versa and the midsize Altima. Regular Sentras come in base 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR and 2.0 SL trim levels. The Nissan Sentra is an alternative to the likes of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

The Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V are Nissan’s representatives in the hotly contested sporty compact segment, and they compete against the Mazdaspeed3, Chevrolet Cruze LTZ and Honda Civic Si.

(Skip to details on the: SE-R and SE-R Spec V)

New for 2011
Stability control, traction control and antilock brakes are now standard across the board. An SE-R-style rear lip spoiler with integrated LED brake light is newly available for 2.0 models with the continuously variable automatic transmission, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL models.

Exterior
The 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL received redesigned grilles and front-end designs last year, as well as new taillights. The 2.0 SR separates itself from those models with sportier styling cues, including a unique grille, front and rear body parts and side sills. Exterior features include:

• Optional 16-inch wheel covers or aluminum-alloy wheels
• Optional fog lamps
• Optional power moonroof
• Optional power mirrors

Interior
The Sentra offers some innovative features for a compact, including rear cupholders that can hold 32-ounce cups and 20-ounce bottles; high-mounted front-seatback pockets for backseat passengers; and a configurable partition in the trunk that can form two compartments, one of which Nissan describes as “hidden.”

The Sentra stands taller than conventional compacts. This trend improves forward visibility and entry and exit from the car by increasing the minimum seat height. A 60/40-split folding backseat is standard. The instrument panel has reddish-orange gauge illumination, chrome accents on the climate-control knobs and an optional iPod audio interface. Interior features include:

• Standard air conditioning
• Standard power windows and locks
• Available cruise control and steering-wheel-mounted controls
• Available keyless ignition system
• Available XM Satellite Radio
• Available navigation package includes 5-inch color touchscreen and XM traffic information (subscription required and sold separately)
• Available rearview monitor
• Available 4.3-inch color audio display with USB interface

Under the Hood
The Sentra 2.0 models come with one engine and two transmission options. Mechanical features include:

• 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder with 147 pounds-feet of torque
• Six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission
• Electronic drive-by-wire throttle

Safety
Safety features include:

• Standard side-impact and side curtain airbags
• Standard stability control and traction control
• Standard four-wheel antilock braking system
• Available security system

Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V
The Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V are sporty variants with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The SE-R is built for mainstream consumers who want a sportier feel; the Spec V is geared toward the enthusiast crowd.

Both SE-Rs are distinguished from regular Sentras by exterior enhancements, including different nose and tail treatments, side sill extensions and a rear spoiler. The SE-R boasts numerous interior upgrades, including an oil pressure gauge, lateral G-force meter and cloth sport seats embroidered with the SE-R designation. The SE-R Spec V adds red seat belts.

The Sentra’s MacPherson strut front suspension and, particularly, the semi-independent torsion-beam rear suspension are unlikely to please sport enthusiasts, but performance, not construction, is what matters most. The Spec V has a firmer suspension and larger brakes with rear discs. Features include:

• Standard electronic stability system and traction control
• 200-hp, 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder with 180 pounds-feet of torque (Spec V)
• 177-hp, 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder with 172 pounds-feet of torque (SE-R)
• Standard six-speed manual transmission (Spec V)
• Standard CVT with paddle shifters (SE-R)
• Premium gas recommended for Spec V
• Standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• Standard active head restraints and antilock braking system
• Optional 340-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system
• Optional moonroof, limited-slip differential, rearview monitor and navigation system Back to top