Nissan uses its Los Angeles auto show stand to reveal three new models.
Leaving no stone unturned in its quest to amplify its lineup, the Sentra compact sedan gets the Nismo treatment for ’17.
The car is Nissan’s first mainstream model to get the Nismo package, following launches on sports cars the 370Z and GT-R, as well as the Juke CUV.
The Sentra Nismo uses Nissan’s 1.6L direct-injected turbocharged 4-cyl. from the standard Juke and Sentra SR Turbo grade. The engine in the Sentra Nismo makes 188 hp at 5,600 rpm and 177 lb.-ft. (240 Nm) of torque from 1,600-5,200 rpm.
Technologies used to boost output and lower emissions include a continuously variable valve-timing system, with an intermediate lock function on the intake side, and a variable-pressure oil pump and low-pressure exhaust-gas-recirculation system.
The engine can be paired to a 6-speed manual or Jatco’s Xtronic CVT, the latter with D-step logic. D-step’s faux shift points let engine rpms build along with vehicle speed, “giving a more linear acceleration feeling without holding a high rpm constant,” Nissan says.
Handling response, grip, steering feel, body control and ride/handling balance is tweaked beyond that of the Sentra SR Turbo, the automaker says.
The Sentra Nismo gets monotube rear dampers and unique front spring and strut tuning. The dampers have a high-pressure gas charge to quicken the response to damper stroke as well as velocity changes, improving reaction time to changes in steering or road conditions. The spring and strut tuning improves body control in higher-demand cornering scenarios, Nissan says.
The car’s electric-power-steering system also gets the Nismo treatment, for direct steering feel at turn-in and good winding-road feedback.
The car rides on 18-in. aluminum alloy wheels and new Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires, with promised higher levels of cornering and grip than the Sentra SR Turbo’s tires. An 18-in. Bridgestone Potenza summer tire is optional.
The Sentra Nismo’s appearance is changed, not only for appearance reasons. The added rear spoiler and a revised rear bumper bring about a 30% reduction in lift force.
The Nismo layered double-wing signature look is present on the Sentra’s front, side and rear-lower body panels.
Nismo badging and a special dark chrome version of Nissan’s V-motion grille are present on the compact 4-door.
Red accents in the form of an exterior stripe and interior stitching also are standard on the Sentra Nismo.
Like all Sentras sold in the U.S., the car is assembled at Nissan’s Aguascalientes, Mexico, plant, while the 1.6T is sourced from Yokohama, Japan. Nissan says Sentra Nismo pricing will start below $25,000 when the car goes on sale in the U.S. in early January.
Nissan Sentra sales through October tallied 183,644, up 8.5% from the same period year-ago, WardsAuto data shows. The Sentra lineup was refreshed for ’16 earlier this year.
Versa Note, Juke Black Edition
Nissan’s subcompact hatchback the Versa Note is refreshed for ’17, with a redesigned front fascia and V-motion grille giving the car a family look, Nissan says. Also new are wheel covers (S Plus, SV grades); redesigned 16-in. aluminum alloys (SL grade); and, per customer feedback, bigger cupholders; a second 12V outlet (SV, SR, SL grades) and relocation of the existing 12V outlet and USB auxiliary port to the front center console area.
A sportier-looking rear fascia from the Versa SR grade now is on all Versa grades for ’17, the S Plus, SV and SL. Nissan dropped for ’17 the ’16 Versa Note’s S base grade.
The Versa Note’s powertrain carries over from ’16, with the 109-hp 1.6L 4-cyl. mated to a Xtronic CVT and achieving 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) combined. The CVT’s D-step logic is retuned for “more natural acceleration feeling,” Nissan says.
Two new exterior colors, Monarch Orange and Deep Blue Pearl, will be available when the ’17 Versa Note goes on sale Nov. 22 priced between $15,480 to $18,710, not including an $865 destination and handling charge. The pricing is unchanged from ’16. The discontinued Versa Note S began at $14,230 in ’16.
Meanwhile, Nissan says it will build 1,250 Jukes with a special $1,190 Black Pearl Edition package. One thousand units of the model will be allocated to the U.S. and 250 are earmarked for Canada.
The Juke Black Pearl builds on the $22,550-$24,400 Juke SV grade, but has a slew of white trim pieces to contrast with the vehicle’s black paint. White front and rear bumper accents, white outside trim rings on the headlights, white door handles, white-capped outside mirrors and a white rear spoiler come standard with the Black Pearl package.
Super Black-painted 17-in. aluminum alloy wheels, wrapped by 17-in. all-season tires, also are included and give the CUV a sporty stance, Nissan says.
The white theme continues inside the Juke Black Pearl Edition with white inserts and stitching on black cloth seats, white-and-black cloth door inserts and white power-window-switch finishers.
The CUV’s center console also gets the white treatment, as do the shift knob and vent rings.
The Juke Black Pearl Edition uses the standard Juke’s 188-hp 1.6T engine.
The Juke Black Pearl Edition also goes on sale in early January.
Versa sales, which include the 4-door, slipped 6.7% in the year’s first 10 months, although the car’s 115,366 units place it second in WardsAuto’s Lower Small Car segment, behind the Kia Soul (120,859).
The Juke, one of the first entrants in the Small CUV group in the U.S., has not been resilient in the face of increased competition. Juke sales were down 26.6% through October to 17,072, placing it 12th behind models such as the Jeep Patriot (105,549), Chevy Trax (62,802) and Volkswagen Tiguan (33,547).
