2014 Nissan Sentra

NEW FOR 2014:

- Revised tuning for CVT transmission and steering

- Updated Nissan Connect infotainment system, mobile apps

- Tire pressure monitoring system with Easy Fill alert on SV trim

After a year on the market, Nissan has given its compact Sentra a once-over to improve its driving dynamics. The tuning of the electric power steering has changed, while the optional Xtronic CVT transmission now features graded steps upon wide-open throttle to mimic a traditional automatic transmission.

You?ll also find some minor tweaks to the equipment levels across the board. All models now feature pockets at the edge of the seat cushion for additional hidden storage space. SV trim level and up now receive a sliding front arm rest as well as tire-pressure monitoring with Easy Fill Tire Alert. Easy Fill, which first debuted on the Altima, honks the horn when the correct tire pressure level has been reached.

The Sentra is available in S, SV, SR, and SL trims. All use a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. S and SV models come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard or a continuously variable transmission as an option. SR and SL models are only available with the CVT.

The Sentra S features 16-inch steel wheels, LED accent lights, LED taillights, chrome grille, dual power outside mirrors, trip computer, remote keyless entry, power locks, power windows with driver's one-touch auto-up/down, overhead LED map lights, rear seat centre armrest, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, two 12-volt DC power outlets, battery saver, front seat pockets, 6-way manual driver's seat, 4-way manual passenger's seat, cloth seat trim, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, silver interior trim, and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio, with auxiliary input jack and MP3/WMA playback. The S can be equipped with optional air conditioning, as well as the Value Option Pack which bundles the CVT transmission with air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

SV trim adds automatic on/off headlights, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter, cruise control with illuminated steering wheel mounted controls, premium cloth seat and door trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, chrome accented gauges, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input jack, USB port, satellite radio, 4.3-inch colour display screen, and illuminated steering wheel mounted audio controls. New for 2014 are tire pressure monitor with Easy Fill Tire Alert, and a sliding front armrest. The SV Luxury Package includes the CVT transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, Bose 8-speaker stereo system, with Bluetooth streaming audio, navigation, heated front seats, power moonroof, illuminated vanity mirrors, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass.

SR trim adds continuously variable transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch forked 5-spoke dark-finished aluminum alloy wheels, fog lights, sport grille, sport front and rear fascias, lower body side sill extensions, chrome exhaust finisher, rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light, premium sport cloth seat trim, and sport silver interior trim. The Premium Package adds power moonroof, illuminated vanity mirrors, Bose 8-speaker stereo system, NissanConnect with navigation and 5.8-inch colour display, Bluetooth streaming audio, reverse camera, heated front seats, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass.

SL trim adds (to SV) continuously variable transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch split 7-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, fog lights, dual power heated mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, moonroof, NissanConnect with navigation and 5.8-inch colour touch-screen monitor, NavTraffic, heads-free text messaging assistant, dual zone automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, leather seating, heated front seats, maple wood-tone trim, 8-speaker Bose premium audio, and Bluetooth streaming audio.