New 2013 Nissan Sentra delivers 34 mpg combined fuel economy, up to 40 mpg highway

2013 Nissan Sentra. Click to enlarge.

Nissan’s all-new 2013 Sentra, featuring a new 1.8-liter engine and next-generation Xtronic CVT with sub-planetary gear, offers combined fuel economy of 34 mpg (6.9 L/100km).

The new Sentra is 150 pounds (68 kg)—5%—lighter than the outgoing model, yet has slightly larger overall dimensions and more interior room. The lighter and more aerodynamic new Sentra allows Nissan to use the more fuel-efficient 1.8-liter engine, which along with the Xtronic CVT with sub-planetary gear helps deliver a 13% improvement in EPA combined fuel economy. With the FE+ models, Sentra achieves up to 40 mpg (5.88 L/100km) on the highway. Other CVT-equipped models are rated at 39 mpg (6.03 L/100km) on the highway. All CVT models achieve a best-in-class EPA rated 34 mpg combined (City and Highway).

The new Sentra has a strong family resemblance to the recently introduced 2013 Nissan Altima, both in exterior and interior styling cues and its “class-above style” against competitive vehicles in the compact sedan segment.

The 2013 Sentra is built on a new platform that is lighter than the previous design, contributing to the new model’s more than 150-pound weight reduction. It also helps Sentra provide one of the largest interior volumes in class, along with ample rear seat legroom and enhanced trunk capacity.

Compared with the previous generation Sentra, the 2013 model offers a 0.6-inch longer wheelbase (106.3 inches) and a 2.3-inch longer overall length (182.1 inches). The front overhang is shorter and the rear overhang extended. It is slightly lower in height (-0.6 inches) and narrower in width (-1.2 inches) for enhanced aerodynamics, yet offers nearly identical total interior volume (111.0 cubic feet versus the previous 110.8). The coefficient of drag has been significantly reduced to 0.29 from the previous 0.34.

New 1.8-liter engine and advanced CVT. As expected from a ground-up redesign, the new Sentra features an all-new engine and CVT transmission. Now displacing 1.8-liters, Sentra’s advanced DOHC 4-cylinder engine offers a longer stroke than typical engines in its class, resulting in improved combustion speed and efficiency. The engine is equipped with a twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC) system which modulates both the intake and exhaust valve opening time (similar to that used on the flagship Nissan Maxima).

The engine’s internal friction has been reduced, improving efficiency. The DLC (diamond-like carbon coating) creates about half the friction of previous coatings. In addition, the valve springs are shaped similar to a beehive, with a smaller diameter towards the top—reducing inertia weight, improving valvetrain efficiency and smoothing engine operation. The engine is rated at 130 hp (103 kW) and 128 lb-ft (173 N·m) of torque.

The new engine is matched with a new-generation Xtronic CVT (a 6-speed manual is available in the base Sentra S model). The new CVT features a number of enhancements (versus the previous CVT) that contribute to an improvement in fuel efficiency and lower vehicle weight. It also offers a wider gear ratio of 7.3:1 through use of a sub-planetary gear and smaller pulleys, resulting in high-speed fuel efficiency at low rpm and responsive acceleration. Fuel economy is rated at 30 mpg (7.84 L/100km) city, 39 mpg highway (6.03 L/100km) and a class-leading 34 miles per gallon combined with the CVT.

The new Sentra also features an independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar, torsion beam rear axle with integrated stabilizer bar, power-assisted vented front disc/rear drum braking system (4-wheel disc brakes are available), and vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering. Available wheels and tires include 16-inch steel wheels with full covers with 205/55R16 size all-season tires or 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 205/50R17 all-season tires.

The 2013 Nissan Sentra is offered in a selection of well-equipped S, FE+ S, SV, FE+ SV, SR and SL trim levels. All models come with standard Xtronic CVT, except the base Sentra S that is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or CVT.

The NissanConnect with Navigation system, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, rear disc brakes, power sliding glass moonroof and RearView Monitor are among the additional features available with the various equipment packages.

Source: Green Car Congress