Close X
Thursday, October 31, 2024
ADVT 
Reviews

2017 Nissan Sentra Turbo

By Benjamin Yong, 18 Jul, 2017 04:41 PM
  • 2017 Nissan Sentra Turbo

Introducing the first force-fed Sentra

 
After disappearing from the portfolio for a few years, a performance Sentra finally returns to the fold with the arrival of the 2017 Nissan SR Turbo. Much more than just a few bolt-on upgrades, it goes as fast as it looks and brings back a sense of fun to the badge that has been sorely missed. 
 
It’s been at least three years since I last drove a Sentra and a lot has changed, and in a positive way – I have a theory whereby good looks seem to skip a generation for this particular product. The car is based on the SR undergoing a facelift last year to bring the style closer to the current generation Maxima and Altima, complete with “boomerang” exterior detailing and LED lighting.
 
A lot of chrome treatment has been added to places like the door handles, grille and window surround, which I personally believe is better off given matte or painted finishes especially on such a model. The Turbo also receives foglights, side skirts, trunk spoiler and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. 
 
 
Under the bodywork however is where the changes really appear. A 1.6-litre turbocharged engine pushes out 188 horsepower (64 more than the standard SR 1.8-litre) and 177 lb-ft of torque, easily enough to spin the tires off the line. The steering has been retuned to provide a stronger connection to the road, suspension stiffened to keep up with the added output, and the brakes made larger to cool down hot pads quickly and efficiently.
 
There are two transmission choices: an Xtronic continuously variable transmission featuring step shifting that allows for a more natural acceleration feel rather than the dreaded rubber banding sometimes common to CVTs; and a six-speed manual gearbox present in my test vehicle. The lever travel between gears is remarkably short for an OEM setup and really enforces the sporty nature. Each shift locks into place crisply. 
 
The interior is fairly well equipped and includes electronics such as push button start, backup camera, Bluetooth handsfree integration and a five-inch information display embedded in the instrument cluster. An available $3,400 Premium Package adds leather seating, power moonroof, premium Bose stereo, navigation and a safety tech bundle. The cabin is full of attractive soft touch materials, and I had no complaints save for the kitschy grid-patterned plastic trim on the dash.
 
 
Compared to other performance compacts, the Sentra SR Turbo is quite comfortable. The car’s long 2,700-millimetre wheelbase affords nearly 950 millimetres of generous rear legroom meaning adult passengers can actually fit in the back. The rear seat folds 60/40 opening up to the 428 litres of trunk space.  
 
The 2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo is offered in a single trim only, the only option being the aforementioned Premium Package. Prices start at $21,598.
 
Highlights (as tested) 
 
MSRP: $24,998    
Motor: 1.6-litre turbocharged four cylinder    
Horsepower: 188 @ 5,600 rpm    
Torque (lb-ft): 177 @ 1,600 rpm     
Gearbox: six-speed manual      
Layout: front engine, front-wheel drive     
Fuel economy: 9.5 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

MORE Reviews ARTICLES

2014 Porsche Performance Tour

2014 Porsche Performance Tour
Led by Porsche Canada driving instructors, Kees Nierop and Pierre Des Marais, the Porsche Performance Tour offered was the highlight auto event in and around Vancouver, BC

2014 Porsche Performance Tour

2014 BMW i3 HATCHBACK: A Step Towards a Greener Future

2014 BMW i3 HATCHBACK:  A Step Towards a Greener Future
Not only does the hatchback look like it came from the future, it represents quite a change in design and manufacturing philosophy for the luxury brand.

2014 BMW i3 HATCHBACK: A Step Towards a Greener Future

2015 Madza6

2015 Madza6
Completely redesigned and having entered its third generation last year, the Mazda6 returns for 2015 as a fun, fuel efficient and head turning four-door with thankfully few changes

2015 Madza6

2014 FIAT

2014 FIAT
As an automotive journalist I drive plenty of truly exceptional cars, but every once in a while there comes a car that really stands out, despite its price. For me that car is the Fiat 500. I

2014 FIAT

2014 Acura MDX

2014 Acura MDX
Inside the Q5, one finds luxury features including leather seats, full panoramic type sunroof, power seats, power rear lift gate and optional navigation system. 

2014 Acura MDX

2014 Jaguar F-Type

2014 Jaguar F-Type
Engineered for high performance and responsive handling

2014 Jaguar F-Type