2016 Nissan Sentra
And Now the Fun Begins
It may seem sweet and innocent, but the compact sedan segment is as cutthroat as it gets. To excel in such a competitive field, the 2016 Nissan Sentra adds to its already impressive qualities by offering tons of interior space, refreshed styling, and plenty of upscale and high-tech features that focus on comfort and safety.
Performance
The 2016 Nissan Sentra employs a single engine that’s charged with powering the entire lineup. It’s a stout and confident 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 130 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is the default transmission, although an optional CVT is available as well.
Whether traveling down city streets or merging on the freeway, the 2016 Sentra combines brisk acceleration with smooth and sophisticated handling. That’s especially true around corners, where the Sentra is both responsive and reassuring. The Sentra’s suspension got slightly stiffer this year, which gives the ride a more planted feel.
The Sentra’s primary job, however, is as a quiet and comfortable daily commuter, and in this regard it’s more than up to the task. Nissan has outfitted the stylish compact sedan with additional sound deadening to help reduce unwanted noise. The Sentra may not get you out of traffic, but at least it makes it a little more bearable.
The 2016 Sentra is also a smart choice for drivers that want to save money at the pump. EPA estimates award manual transmission models 30 mpg combined (27 city/36 highway).* Meanwhile, drivers who opt for the CVT can expect fuel economy figures of 32 mpg combined (29 city/38 highway).*
Features
The 2016 Nissan Sentra boasts an attractive starting MSRP of $16,780,** and is available in S, FE+ S, SV, SR, and SL trim levels.
It may occupy a position at the “bottom” of the lineup, but the base Sentra S is anything is packed full of standard features. Highlights include automatic headlights, remote keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories, and Bluetooth®.
Stepping up to the SV adds upgraded upholstery, a leather wrapped-steering wheel, and a number of advanced tech features, such as a 5-inch driver information screen, a 5-inch central touchscreen, a rearview camera, and NissanConnect™, which integrates with your phone’s apps. The SV also comes with Siri Eyes Free voice controls for Apple® devices, as well as six-speaker sound system.
The sporty SR trades in the S and SV’s 16-inch steel wheels for 17-inch alloys. It also comes with heated mirrors, sport cloth upholstery, heated front seats, and a sport body kit.
At the top of the Sentra totem pole sits the SL. It features unique 17-inch wheels of its own and adds a six-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, a larger 5.8-inch touchscreen with navigation, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is also included.
There’s also an FE+ S trim that shares the S trim’s equipment. This particular trim prioritizes fuel economy, and thus comes with low-rolling-resistance tires, a rear spoiler, and underbody aerodynamic deflectors.
Design
Already a fan of the Altima and Maxima’s design? Then you’ll certainly appreciate the 2016 Altima’s snazzy new looks. Nissan has wisely updated the Sentra with styling that evokes the larger Altima and Maxima, and boy does it sure work well.
There’s a lot of new going on with the 2016 Sentra. Up front we find new headlights. There are new wheels across the board. And the back sports new taillights. The new headlights and grille treatment are especially dramatic, and add a lot more sizzle to the Sentra’s style. For even more visual pop, SL and SR trim levels get LED low-beam headlights.
Inside, the 2016 Sentra sports one of the nicest interiors in the compact-sedan class. New are piano-black accents, better sound deadening, a 5-inch color LED info screen between the main gauges, and an improved audio-system interface. But as comfortable as the front seats are, the rear seats are a – dare we say it – even better! There's plenty of room for tall passengers, and the Sentra offers a ton of legroom. The trunk is equally huge, offering up 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space. That figure right there is comparable to some midsize sedans.
Safety
The 2016 Nissan Sentra comes standard with antilock brakes, stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A rearview camera and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert system (which uses audible and visual signals to help you achieve the correct pressure when adding air) are standard starting at the SV trim level.
For additional safety and convenience, drivers can opt for the Technology package (available on SR and SL models). It includes adaptive cruise control, a forward collision mitigation system with automatic emergency braking and NissanConnect emergency telematics.
Verdict
The 2016 Nissan Sentra is a smart and stylish compact sedan that combines remarkable road manners with cutting-edge technologies not often seen in the segment—all while providing impeccable value and exceptional fuel economy.
To schedule your test drive, contact us online or visit Hall Nissan Virginia Beach at 3757 Bonney Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
*2016 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.
**All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license, and options. Dealer sets actual price.
Image Credit: Nissan