Vehicle: 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V with Sport Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$25998

Performance: There are 2 versions of SE-Rs available but both are standard with same engine, even though slightly different when it comes to horsepower and torque. This QR25DE is not any technology-de-force nor reliability champ by any means, however, it gets its job done well in this both generations of SE-R, as well as Altima sedan and X-Trail SUV. In the latest iteration SE-R, the “base” version comes with 177 hp/172 lb/ft of torque, with the standard Xtronic CVT. In the Spec-V version, it got an additional 23 ponies and 8 foot pounds of torque with the standard 6-speed stick shift. The Xtronic suits QR’s character well, especially the torque comes at 2800rpm for the base car. On the other hand, 172 lb/ft comes at a high 5200rpm for the Spec-V. The CVVTCS, or what Nissan called its variable valve timing technology, doesn’t seem to help its low-end grunt much or make the top-end less breathless when pushed. In terms of refinement and NVH, this powerplant is never known for those two terms. It lacks the refinement that some of its key rivals have, when it comes to powertrain. The 6-speed stick shift’s gates are imprecise and throws are too long. Not to mention the clutch is far from progressive and hard to find an engagement point.

Handling: While the standard Sentra’s dynamic abilities are already nothing to write home about, SE-R is a slightly better performer than its humble silibings when it comes to corners. Unfortunately, it doesn’t mean its enough to beat its peers. The ride over rough roads is choppy and busy. The low-speed ride is even more choppier than highway ride. The steering, which is electric power assist, isn’t anything special neither. During low-speed, the feedback is lousy. Although its precision is acceptable and not twitchy on highway, the driving feel and weightness are nothing but a total disappointment. It just doesn’t encourage any sorts of aggressiveness when one needs to push it hard. To make things worse, there are plenty of understeer and torque steer despite of the standard LSD on Spec-V. This Spec-V can slip its tires on 1st, 2nd and even 3rd gears. In the base SE-R without LSD and 6-speed stick shift. Once you drop the anchor with the Xtronic, torque steer just comes alive without any warning.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, SE-R’s stopping performance is our biggest surprise to the overall package. The distance is short but we found the pedal numb after a couple of hard stops.

Interior: When it comes to econosport, one expects to sit inside instead of “on top” of the vehicle. In the SE-R, its the total opposite. While this driving position is acceptable for standard Sentra’s econocar status, its totally unacceptable in econosport. As for the use of plastic materials, those are standard Nissan affair which is low-rent and brittle. The so-called sports cloth in SE-R feels cheap. The little info center inside the instrumentation panel can be blurred out during sunlight. The gauges on top of the dashboard looks and feels cheesy.

Conclusion: While the standard Sentra already another one of those “half baked” effort from Nissan of late, we don’t expect much from the SE-R. It just feels like a more powerful Sentra with cheap details, without that much of an improvement for dynamics. Despite CVT is one of the greatest automotive inventions in history, it just doesn’t feel right in econosport even if it works in more expensive European sports sedan. To add insult to the injury, Nissan isn’t known for engineering prowess and reliability after the Renault purchase. That means its even tougher to sell an econosport with CVT. On the other hand, there are just way too many excellent competitions selling at Spec-V’s price range. Put all things into perspective, its no wonder why Nissan’s sales is slumping except for a few good models.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R
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Performance: 2.25/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2.5/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 2/5