Woman And Wheels Automotive website dedicated to women
In the compact car segment, the 2014 Nissan Sentra would prove ideal for customers in need of a spacious, fuel-efficient and affordable sedan.
2014 Nissan Sentra SL
It will not dazzle you with its uninspiring handling, and acceleration is certainly nothing to brag about, but it is a practical car that offers an upscale interior, smooth ride, and useful features like NissanConnect with navigation, a backup camera, and voice-activated hands-free calling and text messaging.
From then to now
Produced since 1982, the Nissan Sentra has evolved into a stylish sedan with modern features, and has managed to remain on the radar of many Canadian car buyers, even as the compact car segment is filled with fierce rivals. In an attempt to keep up with the competition and the needs of modern-day consumers, Nissan’s sedan was redesigned in 2013, receiving slick Altima-like styling, a new electronic interface, and even better fuel economy, placing the sedan near the top of its category.
2014 Nissan Sentra SL exterior view
Power, performance
Up against rivals like the Mazda3, Ford Focus, and Volkswagen Jetta, the 2014 Nissan Sentra will not win you over with its performance, but rather its smooth ride and impressive fuel economy ratings.
The 2014 Sentra is equipped with a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine generating 130 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. The engine is coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission that is standard on the S and SV trim, or an optional retuned Continuously Variable Transmission.
The 4-cylinder is noticeably underpowered. Acceleration is underwhelming, steering is somewhat numb, and with a less-than-exciting CVT, the 2014 Sentra ends up lacking in terms of driving personality. Then again, you likely already knew that. Nissan’s compact sedan offers less spice under the hood when compared to the Mazda3 or Ford Focus, but its smooth ride, and overall mellow vibe is hard to ignore. Driving the new Sentra can be a calming experience, even it if means rolling over road bumps and potholes. And although some might expect the CVT to be noisy, it is surprisingly quieter than anticipated.
Fuel economy ratings via the automaker are 6.6/ 5.0 litres per 10 kilometres (city/highway) for the CVT model.
2014 Nissan Sentra SL side view
Style and features
As a result of the 2013 model year redesign, the Nissan Sentra is more sophisticated and more modern looking. The sedan features the automaker’s signature trapezoid-shaped grilled and wraparound headlights with standard LED accents for a more elegant, Altima-like style.
The sophistication continues inside the vehicle, where you will find an upscale interior with a soft-touch instrument panel and door armrests, available maple wood-tone trim and leather-appointed seating.
Standard features on the S model include a 6-way manual driver’s seat, rear seat armrest with cup holders, air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter, power windows with driver’s one-touch auto up/down, and remote keyless entry with trunk release.
On the 2014 Nissan Sentra SL, (our test vehicle for the week), comfort and convenience are enhanced with standard features like NissanConnect infotainment system with navigation and a colour touchscreen display, voice recognition for audio and navigation, and NissanConnect Apps that, for example, allow smartphone users to connect to apps like Facebook.
Hands-free text messaging, rearview camera, push button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and a moornroof are also among the elements that are included on the SL trim. Entertainment-wise, you can also enjoy satellite radio and a Bose premium audio system, among other features.
2014 Nissan Sentra SL cockpit view
To buy or not to buy?
Interior space will have you wondering how the Sentra has managed to make it in the compact car segment when it feels as roomy as a midsize sedan. In addition to already providing us with lots of front and rear passenger space for both small and tall occupants, and an abundance of cargo volume, the Sentra offers a 15-mm longer wheelbase and gains 58-mm in overall length for 2014, resulting in even more interior space. It is one of the roomiest sedans in its class.
Also, knowing that weight is the enemy of fuel economy, the 2014 Sentra has shed up to 68 kilograms (150 pounds) when compared to the previous generation. The new Sentra is built on a lighter platform, the engine’s internal friction has been reduced, and CVT enhancements are among the factors contributing to the weight reduction. As a result, our observed, combined city/highway fuel economy rating for the 2014 Nissan Sentra SL (CVT equipped) is 7.5 L/100km, over 457 km.
Overall, the 2014 Nissan Sentra offers a smooth and quiet ride, and although it does not include the added traction of all-wheel drive (much like the Mazda3 and Focus), it is equipped with a 4-wheel anti-locking braking system (ABS), brake assist, stability and traction control, and active brake limited slip.
Its sophisticated exterior and interior styling, choice of available features, abundance of interior and cargo space, and comfortable driving manners make it a worthy consideration among compact cars.
2014 Nissan Sentra SL gallery
