Tags: Automobiles, Transportation
By Lawrence Casiraya
TAGAYTAY CITY, CAVITE – Some things just don’t strike you outright. Even without looking at the spec sheet, the Nissan Sentra 200 won’t elicit “ohhs” and “ahhs” even from the casual car buyer.
The Sentra is of different DNA than its predecessor here (the Sentra 200 is built and imported from Mexico and uses Nissan’s new C-platform), meaning it looks different from those fleet of yellow airport taxis.
But even with its US-centric design, it looks oddly familiar at first glance. Stare it at it head-on and the front grill reminds you of a Honda. The “shortened” hatch looks like a Hyundai. It’s not butt-ugly as it is but for an all-new 2010 model, it doesn’t stand out.
So on with the spec sheet then. Thankfully, the Sentra 200 is now equipped with a 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine (in both the six-speed manual transmission and X-tronic Continuous Variable Transmission models), a step up from the 1.6-liter engines of the old Sentras.
However, the rest of what you read there don’t really stand out: front-wheel MacPherson Strut suspension, torsion beam-type suspension in the rear. The more conscientious may scoff at the fact that the rear wheels are still fitted with drum brakes instead of disc brakes typical of most cars today, down to the smaller subcompacts.
As with the new Nissan X-Trail, you would have to drive the new Sentra 200 for a little while to fully appreciate the CVT experience. So we took the CVT model out for a two-day spin.
Here is where the Sentra 200 began to make quite an impression: the engine accelerates smoothly even on uphill terrain (although the engine gets a bit noisy). Downhill (at the treacherous Ligaya Drive zigzag leading to Talisay) the gas and brake pedals feel firm, the handling stable. There is a bit of engine brake as the CVT engine automatically adjusts its transmission.
As mentioned, the exterior features a different look. The front-grill, headlights and taillights are new. Despite the above-mentioned “shortened” rear-half, it feels roomy on the inside. When you open the trunk, there’s a nearly invisible divider that opens to a hidden compartment – spacious enough for one or two M16s.
The glove compartment likewise creates an illusion of space – you’ll think its small but can actually fit a regular-sized laptop. Perfect for hiding your valuables from prying eyes even if your windows are untinted.
These features are neat alright. But in the end, you need more than enough to justify the price tag (P1.05M for the 6MT, P1.15M for the CVT model). For a million-peso price tag, the Sentra 200 is severely lacking in luxury – no leather seats, a less ho-hum dashboard (now those aircon vents for me are butt-ugly). You have Nissan’s trademark superior airconditioning to thank for come the summer months. But then again that’s a standard in ALL Nissan models, capice?
Ergo, the Sentra 200 is not an attractive car – it will certainly not boost your pogi points with the ladies at the carpark. But as I was heading back home driving at SLEX, I realized this car is sportier than it actually looks. The ride felt calm, composed even while I was zigzagging past better-looking vehicles.
Maybe that’s Japanese zen wielding its effect on this car. You don’t have to look like a million bucks to FEEL like a million bucks.
Get more information about Nissan Motors Philippines
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Hi Angelo. Thanks for dropping a comment. What I meant about being a standout is relative to other sedans in its class. But you’re right, I don’t see many Sentra 200s around. Maybe because of the price? Cheers. Lawrence
Hi Lawrence. I guess we reviewed the same Sentra 200 this January. I was also surprised when I drove the car along the skyway at full load. Driving at 140 and above speeds was quite effortless and smooth. I disagree with the car not being a standout, though. There are only a few Sentra 200s at this time, and so it’s still a rarity in Manila streets. We certainly got a lot of looks from other drivers wondering what the heck we were driving.