LOS ANGELES–On the heels of introducing the Sentra SR Turbo in September, Nissan rolls out the 2017 Sentra NISMO. NISMO—a contraction of NISsan MOtorsport—is Nissan’s high-performance sub brand, and models bearing that name are currently available in the maker’s GT-R, 370Z, and Juke lineups.
Test Drive: 2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo
The Sentra NISMO will make use of the same 188-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine as the Sentra SR Turbo. This engine represents a 64-horsepower bump over lesser Sentra models and is also found in the Juke NISMO. Both a 6-speed manual transmission and Nissan’s Xtronic CVT automatic are available.
Though no more powerful than the Sentra SR Turbo, the Sentra NISMO boasts upgraded front- and rear brakes and sportier suspension tuning. Ride height is also lowered about half an inch, and the 18-inch wheels and tires are NISMO-exclusives.
The comprehensive body kit includes front, rear, and side elements, while the cabin receives the customary NISMO red and black treatment.
Nissan promises a base price under $25,000 for the Sentra NISMO–about $3000 more than the SR Turbo. Shoppers will need to add about $1000 for the Xtronic CVT.
CG Says:
The Sentra is one of the weaker products in the Nissan lineup, so any effort to spice the car up is fine with us. However, at $25,000, the Sentra NISMO will be competing for shoppers with the new Hyundai Elantra Sport and the well-established Volkswagen GTI–the latter of which is heady competition indeed.
