2008 Nissan Sentra

NEW FOR 2008:

- 16-inch alloy wheels, premium audio system, outside temperature gauge and trip computer added to 2.0 S

- Power sunroof and illuminated vanity mirrors added to 2.0 S Luxury Package

- Trunk lid trim, power heated mirrors and power windows with auto up/down added to 2.0 VOP Package

- XM Satellite Radio added to 2.0 SL and SE-R Sport Package

Following a complete makeover for 2007, the Nissan Sentra is unchanged for 2008, save for additions to its standard and available features.

The Sentra uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission or optional CVT on the 2.0 and 2.0 S trim lines, and exclusively to the CVT on the 2.0 SL.

The Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V models use a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. It makes 177 hp in the SE-R, where it's mated to a CVT with manual shift mode and paddle shifters, and 200 hp in the Spec V, where it's teamed with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.

Features on the 2.0 include 15-inch steel wheels, four-way manual driver's seat, tilt column, variable intermittent wipers, and CD stereo with auxiliary input jack. Available options include anti-lock brakes, power windows and locks, and air conditioning.

The 2.0 S adds 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, six-way manual driver's seat, anti-lock brakes, heated power mirrors, trip computer, outside temperature gauge, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, cruise control, map lights, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and premium stereo.

The 2.0 SL adds leather seats, anti-theft system, Bluetooth hands-free telephone system, integrated overhead CD holder, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and six-CD/MP3 stereo with wheel-mounted controls and XM Satellite Radio.

Features on the SE-R include 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, sport-tuned springs, fog lamps, body side sill extensions, unique front and rear fascias, rear spoiler, heated mirrors, integrated overhead CD holder, trip computer, outside temperature display, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, tilt column, variable intermittent wipers, black sport cloth seats with six-way manual driver's adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, premium CD stereo with auxiliary audio jack, and anti-theft system.

The SE-R Spec V adds sport-tuned shocks and struts with lowered suspension, larger front stabilizer bar, trunk-mounted V brace, reinforced upper cowl and red front seatbelts.

The Sentra is a well-done little car, with a snappy engine, a CVT that feels fairly conventional, and decent fuel economy. The base model doesn't include a lot of features, but it keeps the price down. The SE-R offers driving fun without the price of a traditional sports car, and the Spec V's extra horsepower and six-speed manual are very good for the price.