Nissan introduced the next generation 2007 Sentra at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. Now classified as a mid-size sedan by the EPA, the Sentra is larger in every dimension than the B15 model, as the Nissan Versa takes the entry-level role once filled by the Sentra. It is now based on the Renault-Nissan architecture that is also the basis for the Renault Mégane.
In 2007 and 2008, Nissan considered marketing a hybrid version of the Sentra, particularly when the price of oil rose to over $100 per barrel. However the price soon retreated below $40, and Nissan decided instead to focus on future hydrogen fuel cell and electric vehicles. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has indicated that he will not attempt to match Toyota and Honda in terms of hybrid models offered for retail sale. This decision has left Nissan without a compact Hybrid product to compete with Toyota Prius, the Honda Civic Hybrid, and relaunched Honda Insight. Nissan's only hybrid product on the American market is the Altima Hybrid, which competes with the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
For 2010, the Sentra received a mid-cycle refresh. It revisions included a new, Altima-inspired grill, a revised lower fascia and slightly different headlights. In back, new taillights (though almost identical to previous years) and additional chrome trim pieces on the trunk and side moldings highlight the major changes. New trimlines are offered to balance out the prices. Inside is a new red back-lighting color for the speedometer and knobs, and a new CD player with an optional navigation system.The new audio system includes iPod and USB integration on certain models, as well as a backup camera. Fog lamps are no longer standard on the 2.0S and SL model and leather seats are now only available as an option rather than standard on the SL model for 2010, which is reflected in the new, lower MSRP. For the Brazilian export variant, a flexible fuel version was introduced, working with ethanol, gasoline or any mixture of these two,and also retractable side mirrors adopted from the Nissan Versa.
B16 Sentra SE-R Spec-V
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| B16 Sentra SE-R Spec-V (front view) |
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| B16 Sentra SE-R Spec-V (side view) |
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| B16 Sentra SE-R Spec-V (rear view) |
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| Large Nismo sport wheels as standard |
Nissan introduced a new version of the SE-R to the North American market for the 2007 model year. The SE-R is available in two versions: SE-R base and SE-R Spec V. Both get four-wheel disc brakes in place of the standard Sentra's disc/drum setup, unique interior and exterior trim and 17 inch alloy wheels. Both are powered by the 2.5 liter QR25DE engine.
The base model is rated at 177 hp (132 kW) at 6000 rpm and 172 lb·ft (233 N·m) at 2800 rpm and comes exclusively with Nissan's X-CVT continuously variable transmission and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The SE-R base model starts at $19,400 or RM59,412.50 without Malaysia's Government tax duty.
The SE-R Spec V is rated at 200 hp (149 kW) at 6600 rpm and 180 lb·ft (244 N·m) at 5200 rpm and comes with a 6-speed manual and optional limited-slip differential. It is capable of 0-60 mph times of 6.7 seconds and a 1/4 mile time of 15.1 seconds at 92.6 mph. The Spec V also gets red front seat belts, bigger front brakes and a stiffer suspension. The SE-R Spec V model starts at $19,900 or RM60,943.75 (exclusive Malaysia's Government tax).
