[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he 2014 Nissan Sentra is a good car for those who like its style and will use it for a typical daily commute. Unfortunately, other cars such as the Ford Focus provide much better handling and a much smoother ride. Also, the Sentra received subpar scores in safety tests, making it one of the last choices if you are considering a family car or a sedan in the small car price range.
Sentra was totally revised in 2013, but has a number of additions and refinements for 2014. Sentra’s available NissanConnect with Navigation now includes NissanConnect Apps smartphone integration for iPhone and Android, allowing you to connect with Pandora, iHeartRadio, Facebook and a lot more. It also has improved voice recognition and one-shot destination entry. In addition to the new app integration, the NissanConnect with the Navigation system’s capabilities now includes SiriusXM Travel Link (fuel prices, movie times, stock updates and weather), though a SiriusXM subscription is required and sold separately.
Sentra’s performance enhancements for 2014 include:
• Improved body insulation and sealing, and a change in the engine mount layout reduces engine noise in the passenger cabin
• Retuning the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system and use of a quicker steering ratio results in a more responsive steering feel
• Body roll reduced with use of retuned springs, shocks and thicker stabilizer bars
• Ride comfort is better by tuning shock absorber damping
Inside
Seat comfort also has been improved with new seat-frame spring tuning, revised foam density and shaping and additional lateral support plush. A sliding front armrest is now standard on the SL grade and added to the SV and SR Driver Packages. New front seat lower cushion storage pockets are standard on all models and an Auto Hazard Warning Signal was added for all models.
Under the Hood
Versus the previous generation, the new Sentra is 150 pounds lighter, yet has slightly larger overall dimensions and more interior room. The lighter and more aerodynamic design enables use of a more fuel-efficient 1.8-liter engine, which with the next generation Xtronic CVT helps deliver a 13 percent improvement in combined fuel economy. Sentra gets about 39 mpg on the highway and 34 mpg combined, and more than 415 miles of driving range.
Exterior
Sentra has the signature Nissan trapezoid grille and large wraparound headlights with standard LED accents. In the rear, LED taillights are also standard. The beltline has been lowered and a character line has been added that runs from the front fenders, along the sides, and finishes at the sculpted taillights and trunklid. Other exterior features include chrome door handles and chrome window accents, available heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, and available sport front and rear fascias and rear spoiler.
Pricing
The MSRP on the 2014 Nissan Sentra is $15,990.
[author image=”http://www.communitynewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Grant-Miller-4-C.jpg” ]Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.[/author]
