| Year Make Model | 2013 Nissan Sentra SL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) |
| Vehicle Type | FWD 4dr 5-passenger sedan |
| Base MSRP | $20,540 |
| Options on test vehicle | Premium Package ($1,200 -- includes power sliding glass sunroof with tilt, auto-dimming inside mirrors with electronic compass, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, Bose premium audio system with eight speakers); Leather Package ($1,030 -- includes leather, heated front seats, rear disc brakes); Navigation Pacakge ($650 -- includes NissanConnnect with navigation, rearview monitor) |
| As-tested MSRP | $23,420 |
| Configuration | Transverse, front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Engine type | Naturally aspirated, port-injected inline-4, gasoline |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 1,798/109 |
| Block/head material | Aluminum/aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable intake + exhaust-valve timing |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 9.9 |
| Redline, indicated (rpm) | 6,500 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 130 @ 6,000 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 128 @ 3,600 |
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded |
| Transmission type | Planetary gearset-regulated continuously variable transmission with console shifter |
| Final-drive ratio (x:1) | 3.517 |
| Suspension, front | Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Twist-beam axle, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Electric speed-proportional power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 18.6 |
| Tire make and model | Continental ContiProContact |
| Tire type | All-season front and rear |
| Tire size | 205/50R17 |
| Wheel size | 17-by-7 inches front and rear |
| Wheel material | Aluminum |
| Brakes, front | Ventilated disc |
| Brakes, rear | Solid cast-iron discs |
| Acceleration, 0-30 mph (sec.) | 3.6 |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 6.2 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 9.7 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 14.7 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 17.2 @ 80.6 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 9.4 |
| 0-30 mph, trac ON (sec.) | 3.8 |
| 0-45 mph, trac ON (sec.) | 6.4 |
| 0-60 mph, trac ON (sec.) | 10.1 |
| 0-75 mph, trac ON (sec.) | 15.4 |
| 1/4-mile, trac ON (sec. @ mph) | 17.4 @ 79.8 |
| 0-60, trac ON with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 9.7 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 32 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 126 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 62.3 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) ESC ON | 62.5 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.83 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) ESC ON | 0.82 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 40.2 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 73.1 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 65.1 |
| Engine speed @ 70 mph (rpm) | 1,950 |
| Acceleration comments | Rewards pedal overlap only slightly. Little difference between "D" and "L" at wide-open throttle. Feels strange to have the engine stay at redline throughout the run. Also noticed that the engine speeds peaks, then settles, then peaks again as the car accelerates. Not as dreadfully noisy as some cars in this class can be with similar setups. |
| Braking comments | Pretty clunky ABS with noticeable pulses and noise. Fairly firm pedal with consistent feel throughout test. Moderate distance creep as the test continued. |
| Handling comments | Skid pad: Steering offers little feel and the effort doesn't build up much, but it is precise. It was difficult to retain a steady pace with the CVT, but there's some useful grip here right before understeer sets in. Good overall balance and a nearly invisible ESC system. Slalom: The only way I could detect the ESC was to remind myself that the rear end stayed planted during transitions. Very good tuning of the stability control system. As it was on the skid pad, the steering is vague in terms of feel but precise. Slow throttle response made this test more difficult than usual. Overall, it's nimble and willing, but a little numb. |
| Test date | 9/18/2012 |
| Test location | California Speedway |
| Elevation (ft.) | 1,121 |
| Temperature (°F) | 84.3 |
| Relative humidity (%) | 31.00 |
| Barometric pressure (in. Hg) | 28.76 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 3.1 |
| Odometer (mi.) | 1,848 |
| Fuel used for test | 87-octane gasoline |
| As-tested tire pressures, f/r (psi) | 33/33 |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 30 city/39 highway/34 combined |
| iPod/digital media compatibility | Optional iPod via USB jack |
| Satellite radio | Optional |
| Bluetooth phone connectivity | Optional |
| Navigation system | Optional hard drive with traffic |
| Smart entry/Start | Optional ignition, doors |
| Parking aids | Optional back-up camera |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 2,851 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 2,889 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 59.8/40.2 |
| Length (in.) | 182.1 |
| Width (in.) | 69.3 |
| Height (in.) | 58.9 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 106.3 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 37.4 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Trunk volume (cu-ft) | 15.2 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 5 years/Unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years/36,000 miles |
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