Safe bet

MANILA, Philippines - It’s hard to believe that the Nissan Sentra was once a top 3 pick when it came to buyers’ shortlists of locally available compact sedans. But that was a little over 20 years ago when it was basically a Corolla or a Lancer that were the alternatives. Since then it seems that the Sentra has fallen further and further back as competition from Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Mazda, and Subaru joined the party.

Which is too bad because the current Sentra is one excellent compact sedan. So good, in fact, that it’s the only car in its class that’s the exact same model being sold in the most competitive market in the world, America. The locally available Sentra 200 is “Hecho en Mexico,” Mexico being part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). But what’s good for American buyers is bad for Filipino buyers as most of the Sentra’s rivals are either made in the Philippines or in Thailand which enjoys ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) status, giving them a substantial pricing advantage. Hence the Sentra 200 retails for P1,150,000 while its rivals, which have 1.6- and 1.8-liter variants, start as low as P800,000.

Thankfully, the Sentra 200 (the “200” suffix refers to the 2-liter engine of the new-body Sentra; the old-body model – a.k.a. the airport taxi model – is still available with 1.3 and 1.6-liter engines) tries its darnedest to give max value for money. For one thing it’s a tad bigger than an Altis or a Civic. It’s also supremely well-built, inside and out. Performance is another strong point, its 140-hp (with 199 Nm of torque) MR20 gasoline engine feeling much more responsive than the 2-liter engines of a Mazda3, a Focus or an Impreza. The best part is, fuel economy is exemplary, thanks also to its economy-enhancing CVT gearbox.

Comfort is yet another forte. Not only does the Sentra’s rigid body structure and well-tuned suspension allow it to glide over bumps and potholes, the seats are as soft and comfy as your favorite easy chair.

Which brings me to the Sentra’s only other Achilles’ heel (aside from price): its styling. The lines and the overall shape are just too understated for most Filipinos’ taste, despite the headlamps that look like they were swiped straight from Nissan’s 350Z sports car. That’s about the only highlight. The grille, bumpers, alloy wheels and taillights are just plain boring. One need look no further than the new Hyundais to see how styling can rocket a new model to the top of car buyers’ wish lists.

Nonetheless if looks are not at the top of your priority and you can afford the entry fee, it’s a safe bet that you’ll enjoy many, many miles behind the wheel of the Sentra 200.

The Good

• Impressive build quality and refinement

• Luxury car-like riding comfort

• Smooth, strong and responsive engine

• High fuel economy

• Cool divide-and-hide trunk organizer

The Bad

• Ho-hum styling

• Pricey

• CVT gearbox has no manumatic function

• Fabric seats

• Rear drum brakes

The Verdict

• Perhaps the most underrated car in its class.