Official: 2013 Nissan Sentra debuts with improved CVT, 40 MPG

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Nissan

If this big reveal of the 2013 Nissan Sentra feels a bit anticlimactic to you, know that you aren't alone. Not only have we seen the new Nissan compact do its slow striptease on the spy shot circuit, the car already debuted for the Chinese market as the Sylphy during this year's Beijing Motor Show. Still, that doesn't make it any less of a big deal.

The new model is roughly 150 pounds lighter than the car it replaces.

The 2013 Sentra follows in the footsteps of Nissan's larger Altima sedan, and not just in terms of design. We already knew this new C-segment car was going to look a lot like its big brother, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It may not be as aggressive as a Ford Focus or Dodge Dart, but it's a conservatively handsome little thing nonetheless, offering premium touches like LED running lamps, attractive 17-inch wheels and LED taillamps out back. A close focus on weight savings has been applied to this seventh-generation Sentra, and the new model is roughly 150 pounds lighter than the car it replaces.

Under the hood, the outgoing Sentra's 2.0-liter inline-four has been ditched in favor of a smaller and oddly less powerful 1.8-liter unit. This engine produces 130 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque - losses of 10 and 19, respectively - and is mated to the company's next-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission. Only the base Sentra S is available with a six-speed manual 'box. Much like in the larger Altima, this new CVT means fuel economy is vastly improved, with the majority of Sentra models rated at 30/39/34 miles per gallon (city/highway/combined). Adding the extra-efficient FE+ trim package will even net you a full 40 mpg on the highway with the CVT.



In addition to the S, S FE+, SV, SV FE+ and SL, Nissan will offer an SR trim (pictured above) that adds unique five-spoke 17-inch alloys, sport front and rear fascias, a sport front grille, lower body side sill extensions, fog lights, a rear spoiler and a chrome exhaust tip. Sadly, no suspension or powertrain upgrades are included with the "sporty" SR, but inside, silver trim is mixed in with unique cloth seats.

Sadly, no suspension or powertrain upgrades are included with the "sporty" SR.

The remaining Sentra models offer what Nissan says is a "class-above" premium feel inside, with improved overall interior dimensions versus the outgoing model. Both cloth and leather upholstery are available, as is the automaker's fancy new NissanConnect infotainment system that combines things like NavTraffic, NavWeather, as well as Bluetooth and Pandora streaming audio.

Full pricing information will be released closer to the Sentra's launch this fall. For now, scroll down to read the official word from Nissan and browse through the gallery above to see the new compact sedan from all angles.

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2013 Nissan Sentra debuts with improved CVT, 40 MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/31/2013-nissan-sentra-debuts-with-improved-cvt-40-mpg/

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