2007 Nissan Sentra

With the CVT, the 2007 Sentra gets an EPA fuel-economy estimate of 29 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway. Estimates for the prior-generation Sentra were a bit less frugal at 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway. (Those are the current figures for a manual-shift Sentra.) Nissan claims that new electronic power steering boosts fuel economy by 1.5 percent.


Sentras include an integrated, removable overhead CD holder. Configurable front cupholders adjust to hold a 32-ounce cup. A trunk divider with front and rear compartments provides hidden storage. Seat-mounted airbags and curtain-type airbags are standard. Antilock braking is standard only on the top (SL) model, but otherwise a standalone option. Also optional: an "intelligent" key, leather upholstery, and XM or Sirius satellite radio.


Even if the new Sentra falls a little short on the thrill scale, this enlarged compact proves pleasant and capable for everyday driving. Clearly a common-sense sedan, the Sentra performs its task respectably and eagerly, displaying more refinement than many smaller cars.

Interior

Nissan's continuously variable transmission is among the best around. At idle, the engine is nearly silent. Hard acceleration yields some blare, but less than some CVT-equipped vehicles emit. Even the efficiently isolated noise has a refined tone. A CVT-equipped Sentra responds well enough to the accelerator, though performance isn't this sedan's main attraction. Acceleration is quite frisky from a standstill, however, and fully adequate (if a bit less inspiring) at higher velocities, though the simulated "kickdown" gives it a little extra edge when passing.


On long upgrades, the Sentra slows toward sluggishness. Also, a touch of torque-steer twitch occurs occasionally when pushing hard on the pedal. Regardless of conditions, though, the CVT keeps pulling enthusiastically.