Photo: Nissan
Nissan has just unveiled the 2017 Sentra SR Turbo, a slightly hotter version of the compact sedan. Hopefully, it drives as well as it looks, because there's no shortage of turbocharged compacts.
We liked the Nissan Juke when it came out, and the 1.6-liter turbo engine was a major part of its appeal. Now, the Sentra compact sedan adds a bit of spice to its design and adopts the same driving force.
The Sentra SR Turbo harks back to the era of the SE-R Spec V, one of Nissan's few small sports sedans. Back in the 90's, the R-rated version came with a 2.5-liter engine making 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque (244 Nm).
Even though two decades have passed, the progress achieved isn't exactly mind-blowing. Out of the smaller 1.6, the Sentra SR Turbo is able to squeeze 188 hp and 177 pound-feet (240 newton-meter) of torque. This represents a 50% power and 41% torque increase over the usual 1.8-liter used by the Sentra.
The press release claims that this takes the "fun-to-drive factor to a whole new level." However, it's still got a CVT as its main transmission option. Let's face it, very few Nissan buyers ever go for the 6-speed manual.
As for the cosmetic goodies, most of them come from the $20,410 Sentra SR. These include the LED projectors, body kit, and rear spoiler. However, the Turbo gets its own design for the 17-inch wheels.
Inside, the SR Turbo will come as standard with sporty trim. A premium cloth finish is standard, but you can also order full leather. For 2017, the Sentra also introduces a 5.8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But the coolest teach feature has to be the Active Understeer Control system.
Pricing should be available within a month. But for now, all we can tell you is that it falls below $22,000. Even though there are more powerful or interesting sports compacts, we can't deny that Nissan is selling a relative bargain.
The Sentra SR Turbo harks back to the era of the SE-R Spec V, one of Nissan's few small sports sedans. Back in the 90's, the R-rated version came with a 2.5-liter engine making 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque (244 Nm).
Even though two decades have passed, the progress achieved isn't exactly mind-blowing. Out of the smaller 1.6, the Sentra SR Turbo is able to squeeze 188 hp and 177 pound-feet (240 newton-meter) of torque. This represents a 50% power and 41% torque increase over the usual 1.8-liter used by the Sentra.
The press release claims that this takes the "fun-to-drive factor to a whole new level." However, it's still got a CVT as its main transmission option. Let's face it, very few Nissan buyers ever go for the 6-speed manual.
What else have they done to make it fun?
Well, if you look at the suspension, the spring rate has been increased by 10%. Damping is 25% harder at the front. Body stiffness has also had to be increased to deal with the more powerful engine. Obviously, when you go fast, you need to be able to stop too. The size of the rotors has increased slightly, from 11 to 11.7 inches, but the rubber should contribute as well.As for the cosmetic goodies, most of them come from the $20,410 Sentra SR. These include the LED projectors, body kit, and rear spoiler. However, the Turbo gets its own design for the 17-inch wheels.
Inside, the SR Turbo will come as standard with sporty trim. A premium cloth finish is standard, but you can also order full leather. For 2017, the Sentra also introduces a 5.8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But the coolest teach feature has to be the Active Understeer Control system.
Pricing should be available within a month. But for now, all we can tell you is that it falls below $22,000. Even though there are more powerful or interesting sports compacts, we can't deny that Nissan is selling a relative bargain.
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