We could easily go on about the return of the Sentra after an eight-year absence from our market and the associated reverie, but what’s more relevant has to be whether the latest iteration manages to fulfil the comfort, spec and practicality provisos often levelled at any newcomer to the family-orientated C-segment saloon fold.
EXTERIOR:
While the Sentra isn’t in a any danger of breaking any new automotive styling moulds or having to part a screaming crowd of admirers wherever it goes, it’s pretty tidy. The arrow-shaped head- and brake lamps lend the car a little bit of visual flair, but otherwise it’s understated, business-like and won’t get people’s hackles up. Both local models roll on a smart looking set of 16-inch alloy wheels
Taking in the car’s proportions, as a whole, it may look a bit ungainly in parts, with its short nose and considerable rear overhang but those traits do have a positive upshot in the cabin.
INTERIOR:
It’s vast in there. With a six-footer up front, the sit-behind-yourself test yielded plenty of legroom, while shoulder room also proved generous. The gentle sweep of the facia and ample glazing furthers the impression of spaciousness.
Nissan has gone the simplistic route with the facia, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The adoption of unpretentious rotary dials and large, well-labelled ancillary buttons mean that the driver is confronted with an ergonomically sound layout. Slush moulding and well-fitted trim panels impart a sense of good build quality.
The driving position is high-set and affords the driver a good view of proceeding and while the driver’s seat is not that sculpted, it is supportive enough. A cavernous boot complements the spacious cabin that Nissan claims will swallow 510 dm3-worth of luggage.
ENGINE AND DRIVE:
While the 1,6-litre engine’s power outputs of 85 kW/154 N.m is roughly on par with equivalent rivals such as the Chevrolet Cruze sedan 1,6 and the 1,2-litre-equipped VW Jetta, it wants for torque and a good deal of cog swapping is required to keep the engine in its optimal powerband. For most this wouldn’t be too much of a deal-breaker, but a rubbery, imprecise shift action makes stirring the five-speed ‘box a slight letdown. This is further exacerbated by a springy clutch action that requires careful modulation to avoid lurching pull-aways or inadvertently spooling up the rev-happy engine at low speeds – it’s a trait that you’ll probably adjust to, but it doesn’t make round town driving particularly composed.
At speed things improve, with the Macpherson front/torsion beam suspension arrangement serving up a pliant, composed ride, and while the steering is of the slightly vague, electrically assisted type, it is fingertip-light at low speeds making parking manoeuvres a doddle. It’s a relaxing car to pilot at motorway speeds, but the short gearing, usually dialled in by manufacturers in a bid to lend lower powered cars a touch of round town nippiness, means that the engine revs fairly high and can become boomy.
COMFORT AND SAFETY:
The Sentra’s standard specification mildly betters that of its aforementioned rivals with such comfort and convenience features as remote central locking, multifunction steering wheel with reach and rake adjustment, air conditioning, and electric windows and mirrors standard fitment. The most welcome feature has to be the sound system that features Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with audio streaming, USB and iPod integration.
On the safety front the Sentra also fares well with six airbags and ABS with EBD and brake assist and auto-locking doors. Isofix child seat anchorage points are also standard and the Sentra’s wide-opening doors and large door apertures give good access to the rear seats.
IN SUMMARY:
When looking at the Sentra the old adage “it is what it is” immediately comes to the fore. At this price point of the C-segment you’re unlikely to encounter anything particularly exciting and the Sentra doesn’t look set to change that. It is, however, well put together, spacious, largely comfortable and generally well equipped. The ungainly powertrain/transmission combination is the only thing that slightly mars what is otherwise a solid, if not spectacular, family car.
Specifications
Model: Nissan Sentra 1,6 Acenta MT
Price: R230 900
Engine: 1,6-litre, 4-cyl, petrol
Power: 85 kW/5 600 r/min
Torque: 154 N.m/4 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: TBC
Top speed: 180 km/h
Fuel consumption: 6,6 L/100 km
CO2: 156 g/km
Maintenance plan: 5 years/100 000 km
All manufacturer’s claimed figures
