Expect a larger (2.3 inches in length), slightly more upmarket Sentra to bow in the fall of 2006. Already delayed due to a frosty reaction from focus groups, what'll ultimately appear is expected to be visually more akin to the Altima's bearing, though smaller in scale and softer in appearance. Standard power will come from an all-new 135-horse 2.0-liter engine meshed with either a six-speed manual transmission or Nissan's Xtronic CVT automatic. The price is likely to rise, too, expected to start at about $15,000. But given the dimensional growth and greater sophistication of Honda's rival Civic, Nissan's hand is no doubt being forced by the same upmarketing pressures.
Bottom line: Finally graduating from the WalMart section of Nissan's lineup.
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