MANILA, Philippines - When The Philippine STAR got the call for a first dibs preview/test drive of the all-new Nissan Sentra, I thought it best to take our newest team member Ria Tanjuatco-Trillo along for the ride. Rumor had it that the newest Sentra variant would be the pretty successful American version – which I heard appealed to both men and women. I thus deemed it wise to get a second opinion about Nissan’s newest baby from someone from someone from the fairer sex.
The decision turned out to be quite a wise one. While driving the car around the Nissan Motors Philippines, Inc. test grounds in efforts to induce body roll, for example, she sat in the back and commented on how comfortable she felt with the car’s much improved rear legroom. Comparatively longer wheelbase and the ripple shock absorber with rebound springs at work, I pointed out – but an astute practical observation nonetheless from Ria.
She turned out to be quite the quick learner as well. Despite its 2.0-liter DOHC engine, for example, I observed how devoid of drama the Sentra’s acceleration was. I pointed out to Ria how this must be the result of its Xtronic CVT transmission, technology shared with more luxurious Nissan models like the Murano and Teana. I explained how the larger range of gear ratios all but eliminates shift shock and immediately she grasped the concept. “You’re right. It doesn’t seem to have that automatic transmission ‘kick’,” she said.
Meanwhile, the all-new Sentra’s clean, taut lines struck me as the kind that would attract a slew of new and more mature customers. But Ria did point out that perhaps the Sentra fans of old can find a new connection to this vehicle that seemingly grew up overnight to meet the needs of the older set – who also used to be Sentra fans. Right. I knew that.
Finally, I knew I had hit paydirt when we both sat on the front seats and she began to wax poetic about the car’s 26-step airconditioner fan control even as I was busy fiddling with the steering wheel mounted audio controls, with Joe Satriani’s “Why?” blaring in the background (It’s good sound check material, trust me…). Men and women do see things differently. And right there on the front seats of a then yet to be released vehicle we’d become poster-folk for the car that just might appeal to all concerned. Take heed, the Sentra is all grown up and Nissan is getting back in the game. – DONG MAGSAJO
Do you remember back in the day when every other car on the road was a Nissan Sentra? Car lovers even came together in various groups and clubs, united in their love and appreciation for the ubiquitous Sentra. Those days might be gone but they could well see a renaissance in 2010 with Nissan’s launch of its latest model.
I was fortunate enough to take the latest Sentra for a spin around the test track at Nissan’s Laguna plant prior to its launch. What I found was an unpretentious vehicle, which was laden with practical features and which delivered a really good ride.
First you should know that the Sentra is not out to go head to head with the sporty looking sedans on the market today. It is what it is, though the body is much improved from its predecessor. It has a more masculine boxiness – especially in the rear.
Speaking of the rear, when I sat at the back, the ride was more than comfortable. Scooting to the front and taking the driver’s seat, the Sentra handled really well. Because of its Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), you hardly feel the vehicle kick at all as it shifts gears. Just accelerate and it will smoothly comply.
North American road tests showed that the Sentra eats up a liter of gas every 13km of city driving and 17km in less congested conditions. It would be interesting to know what the figures would come to on Philippine roads. Still, 13 to 17km per liter is quite impressive in these days of spiraling oil prices.
I earlier mentioned practical features. The Sentra comes with a back seat that completely folds and tumbles as well as a trunk-to-cabin division, which can be effortlessly knocked down to create a space big enough for say, a mountain bike. Bear in mind this configuration requires no actual removal of any parts whatsoever. Easy. Practical.
This writer is very particular about cabin temperature control so you can imagine what genius the Sentra’s 26-setting air conditioning system is in my view. Twenty-six settings instead of the conventional four or five!
The 2010 Nissan Sentra has arrived. And it comes completely built up all the way from South America. How will Pinoys welcome a new and improved old friend? – RIA TANJUATCO-TRILLO