Nissan Ups C-Segment Stakes With New SENTRA

2013/08/29

• Another famed Nissan nameplate returns to South Africa
• Premium quality and luxurious feel sets new SENTRA apart
• Sophisticated style in two new models

ROSSLYN, South Africa – The all-new Nissan SENTRA has made its debut in South Africa, the nameplate returning after the last SENTRA was seen in 2001. Filling a gap in Nissan's line-up in the country, the new, 13th generation SENTRA is a sophisticated and stylish sedan which spearheads Nissan's 'Innovation that Excites' ideology into an important segment for the brand.

"South Africans have fond memories of the Nissan SENTRA from decades past and it give us at Nissan South Africa great pleasure to reintroduce the famed name into the local market," comments Sikhumbuzo Mzele, Product Manager for SENTRA at Nissan South Africa.

"The new SENTRA marks the brand's return to the hotly-contested C-segment segment sedan arena where the new SENTRA is up against formidable competition. With its sleek and stylish good looks, high quality, premium build integrity and superior roominess, the new SENTRA is certain to create a stir. In short, the new Nissan SENTRA is the new flagship of the Nissan South Africa passenger car range."

Considered a global C-segment sedan, the new Nissan SENTRA has been designed around key consumer requirements for efficiency, space maximisation, performance and features – along with high build quality and quietness.

Bold, sophisticated style

Classic sedan styling meets new-age Nissan in the new Nissan SENTRA. The new sedan's large proportions are met by a theme of understated elegance and upmarket design cues, cementing the new SENTRA as a product of the times.

The bold new chrome front grille introduces a sculpted front end, the headlights continuing the swooping theme as they wrap around into the front fenders. Classy LED accent park lights lend the new SENTRA a futuristic presence at night – as well as a touch of premium class. Classy too are the fat-blade windscreen wipers which are hidden below the bonnet's trailing edge and operate silently and efficiently.

The strong character lines which are introduced to the bonnet by the grille and headlights flow naturally into the A-pillars and are complemented by pronounced shoulder lines – introduced by the headlights and which run down the flanks into the tail lights. Chrome-plated door handles and an accented, slim side window profile are off-set by stylish 16-inch alloy wheels. The overall low side profile of the new SENTRA imparts a sporty and smart presence.

At the purposeful and attractive rear, angular and prominent tail lights which also incorporate smart LED elements add zest and style to the rear valence, where the clean, fuss-free rear bumper emphasises the car's low and wide stance. The new Nissan SENTRA is available in six colours.

The interior of the new Nissan SENTRA however is where Nissan engineers have upped their game considerably. Acres of headroom, a long wheelbase (2,700 mm), lower hip points for all occupants and a bigger boot (510 litres according to the VDA method) – with more space in every direction, the new Nissan SENTRA can do more of everything. Of particular noteworthiness is the increase in shoulder room (up 30 mm), thanks to a 15 mm increase in door depth and 60 mm increase in overall vehicle width.

The simplistic and space-conscious cockpit is inviting in every sense, the visual appeal and exemplary ergonomics appealing to the senses in all facets of driving and living with the new SENTRA. Thorough use of quality materials, flawless build quality and a premium feel makes the new SENTRA a vehicle you want to drive, rather than have to. Class-leading levels of comfort and spaciousness are enhanced by highlights including a tilt- and reach-adjustable multi-function steering wheel, high-quality black cloth upholstery, a soft-touch dashboard, padded armrests on the doors and solid switchgear.

The smart analogue dials are simple and clean, with white electroluminescent back lighting creating a sophisticated mood especially at night. Sitting between them is a new LCD display panel which features white digits and a green economy bar, which in itself aids in reducing fuel consumption by promoting economical driving habits. The multi-information trip computer displayed here features readouts for range, average- and real-time fuel consumption, two trip meters, outside temperature and a gear position indicator for the CVT automatic model. In the manual model, the selected gear is displayed along with a gear shift indicator – yet another feature geared towards more efficient driving.

Other classy highlights include the shuttered front cup holders and smart-lidded ash tray, bringing another touch of the upper segments into the new SENTRA.

Superior comfort is achieved in various areas including the expansive frontal view for improved visibility and safety, the enhanced ease of ingress and egress especially for rear-seat passengers and class-leading leg room – better even than some D-segment sedans. Exceptional NVH levels have been achieved in the new SENTRA, especially at idle and when pulling off. While cruising as well, superior noise insulation ensures a pleasant experience and a relaxing driving environment to both occupants inside the new SENTRA.

Smart engineering for greater efficiency

Of particular importance, sound insulation and low NVH on rough roads and over undulations like small potholes is exceptional – reiterating the sophisticated feel of the new Nissan SENTRA. This is attributable to the SENTRA's rigid body structure design which assists in curbing vibration through the body shell as well as noise isolation optimisation, aided by structure optimisation and special attention to closing gaps and noise paths within the chassis itself.

High-performance shock absorbers reduce the noise and vibration levels produced by impact shock, also producing supple and communicative ride characteristics. Front suspension is an independent Macpherson strut setup with a stabiliser bar, the rear featuring a torsion beam layout, also with a stabiliser bar. The new SENTRA also features speed-sensitive electric power steering, making it easy to manoeuvre in a parking lot and stable at higher cruising speeds.

Powering the two new Nissan SENTRA models is a 1.6-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine which is mated either to a slick-shifting five-speed manual gearbox or a smart, efficient CVT automatic (Continuously Variable Transmission). Producing 85 kW at 5,600 rpm and 154 Nm 4 000 rpm, the more-than-capable engine features a smooth power delivery, excellent throttle response and 15% enhanced efficiency. Not to mention the usual Nissan reliability and durability.

The efficiency enhancements come courtesy of several integral changes to the engine, including a dual injector system with four valves per cylinder, twin VTC (Variable Timing Control), beehive-shaped valve springs with reduced inertial weight and friction reduction due to the use of a new DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on the valve lifters.

The benefits are impressively low carbon emissions and prominently low fuel consumption: the new Nissan SENTRA 1.6 Acenta manual consumes an average of 6.6-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle while the SENTRA 1.6 Acenta CVT automatic consumes even less at 6.2. Carbon emissions for both models are 156 and 149 g/km respectively.

Special attention to the new Nissan SENTRA's aerodynamics also contributes to the enhanced efficiency, the underbody in particular featuring smoothed-out panels and deflector flaps for optimal air flow. New SENTRA also features a super-low drag coefficient of just 0.29 Cd.

Safety always a priority

The new Nissan SENTRA arrives appropriately armed with active and passive safety equipment to ensure its occupants and indeed other road users are kept as safe as possible at all times. Forming part of the Nissan 'Safety Shield', the new SENTRA features ABS with EBD and BAS, five 3-point, low-friction seat belts (pretensioned up front), six airbags (with dual stage inflation for the two front airbags), an immobiliser and ISOFIX child seat mounting points. Pedestrian safety is taken care of by the high-strength zoned body with strategic crumple zones, as well as tactical headlight, front bumper and bonnet construction.

Plenty extras, all standard

The all-new Nissan SENTRA features a high level of standard equipment and no optional extras are available. The long list includes the alloy wheels, LED accent halogen head- and tail light elements, chrome detailing, remote central locking, multi-function tilt and telescopic steering wheel, the multi-info trip computer, smart LED interior map lights, a radio/CD audio system with MP3, USB/iPod and aux integration, Bluetooth for hands-free cellphone use and audio streaming, four speakers, front and rear arm rests, folding rear seats, four cup holders and a bottle holder in each door, air conditioning, electric windows all-round with one-touch up and down for the driver, electric mirror adjustment and auto-locking doors.

The all-new Nissan SENTRA range is available as standard with a 3-year/90 000 km service plan and a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty. Service intervals are 15 000 km. 

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