While the 2001 Nissan Sentra can be ordered in any of eight different colours, those ordered with Nissan's new 1.8-litre DOHC engine will be decidedly green.
The new state-of-the-art engine, which is standard equipment in Sentra XE and GXE models and will be available in all 10 Canadian provinces, meets the California Air Resources Board's stringent requirements for Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV) to earn its valued "green" rating.
The 1.8-litre DOHC engine replaces the 1.6-litre engine used in earlier Sentras. It delivers 11 more horsepower and 21 more ft-lbs of torque - 126 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 129 ft-lbs at 2,400 rpm.
"They may be Nissan's lowest-priced cars but the new 2001 Sentras boast state-of-the-art engines and engineering," says Ian Forsyth, director of marketing for Nissan Canada Inc.
In addition to the clean-burning 1.8 engine, Sentra offers drivers with more performance on their minds a potent 2.0-litre 4-cylinder in the sporty Sentra SE, the third model in the 2001 Sentra lineup.
The SE is 2.0-litre powerplant produces 145 horsepower at 6,400 rpm -- up from 140 horsepower) and 136 ft-lbs of torque at 4,800 rpm (up from 132 ft-lbs).
Sentra was all-new in the spring of 2000, completely redesigned in North America for the U.S. and Canadian market. That included fresh, distinctive exterior styling, a redesigned and roomier interior and structural improvements that provide a 30-percent increase in torsional rigidity.
Sentra's road manners were enhanced with a new front subframe, softer bushings, refined steering feel and stiffer body construction. The suspension uses a front independent MacPherson strut setup combined with Nissan's innovative rear 'Multi-Link Beam' design.
"The 2000 Sentra drives like a more expensive, larger class vehicle," says Forsyth. "It has a strong sense of the spirit of Nissan-with 'pleasure paybacks' to the driver through road feel, the sound of the engine and the solidity of the body".
The rear Multi-Link Beam suspension provides more predictable handling and less road noise than traditional designs. It uses a larger section lateral link to improve performance and noise isolation. Rear stabilizer diameter has been increased.
Up front, the new sub-frame allows use of softer bushings for improved ride comfort and a shorter length stabilizer bar improves dynamic performance. Sentra SEs add a front strut tower brace for reduced body roll, along with stiffer suspension tuning for enhanced cornering.
A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on all models. Clutch activation has been improved through use of hydraulic control, instead of cable. More than 25 other changes include use of first and second gear double-cone synchronizers for smoother, stronger performance. A viscous limited-slip differential is available on SEs with the top of the line sport package and with manual transmission.
A 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is optional on XE, GXE and SE models. It includes a modified clutch pack and revised shift schedule to provide smooth performance. A newly designed torque converter enhances performance and fuel economy.
XE and GXE Sentras use power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes. SEs boast disc brakes all around. Premium 4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Brakes are optional on GXE and SE.
Steering is provided by an engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion system with a redesigned steering rack mount that reduces lateral movement while enhancing steering response and feel.
Sentra XE and GXE offer standard 14-inch wheels and tires. Fifteen-inch alloy wheels and tires are standard on SEs and are included in the optional GXE Luxury Package. Sporty 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P195/55R16 tires are available on Sentra SEs with the optional Plus Package.
Along with enhanced structural protection, the new Sentra boasts an extensive list of standard safety features including: Dual front air bags, energy-absorbing steering column, child safety rear door locks, 3-point front and rear outboard seat belts, front seat belts with height-adjustable
shoulder anchors, front seat belt pretensioners with load limiters, front and rear crumple zones and pipe-style steel side-door guard beams. Options include 4-speed automatic transmission, an XE Value Option Package, Anti-Lock Brakes (GXE), GXE Luxury Package and SE Plus Package.
"The all-new Nissan Sentra is clearly a car that has it all - value, styling, comfort and class-leading performance," says Forsyth. "Along with our award-winning 2000 Maxima and hot-selling Altima, the new Sentra rounds out the strongest three-sedan lineup in the industry.