The 2015 Nissan Sentra is a very impressive compact sedan that offer the amenities and big car styling of the larger Nissan Altima sedan. The 2015 Sentra with its long wheelbase, wide cabin and more interior room to boot means the Sentra has a class-leading interior room and an excellent 428 litres of trunk space. The sleek exterior of the Nissan Sentra allows a low 0.29 coefficient of drag, aiding in excellent highway fuel economy. The drivetrain for the Nissan comprises of a 130-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and an Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) along with a six-speed manual transmission available on the base Sentra S.

The new Sentra arrives in Canada with four trim levels – the S ($15,598), SV ($18,498), SR ($23,198) and SL ($24,198Equipment levs are very good with features such as dual-zone automatic climate control and Bose audio on some models. Base S level, the Nissan Sentra models include a six-way-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt-and-telescopic steering, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and keyless entry. Middle tier SV models add cruise control, additional speakers, illuminated steering-wheel audio controls, The sporty SR adds 17-inch alloys, sport grille and fascias, lower-body extensions, fog lamps, and a chrome exhaust trim. The top Sentra SL trim line has Bluetooth phone connectivity plus automatic headlamps, dual-zone climate control, heated side mirrors, and Intelligent Key.

The cabin of the Sentra offers a well-designed, neat affair with a two-tier dash with clear legible dials, displays and controls. The dark cabin is offset by metal look trim and the option of leather and faux-Maple trim in some models. There are nice soft-touch plastics and material and a nice feeling of fit and finish. Interior room is good with decent headroom and legroom. Leather seats (heated up front) are offered on the SL and an extra cost Premium package offers a sunroof, high end- Bose audio system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. There’s also an available ‘NissanConnect with Navigation’ connectivity system with a hands-free text messaging assistant.

The mid-range six-speaker audio system has a 4.3-inch color display, USB port, and iPod control. SiriusXM satellite radio is available and the display screen acts as a screen for the rear view reversing camera. The rear cabin can seat three teenagers and the Sentra does have one roomiest trunks in this class. The rear seats feature a center armrest and flip forward in split arrangement, but not completely flat for extra cargo area.

We test drove the six speed manual equipped car which is an ideal transmission for the four cylinder engine. Gear changes are smooth and defined and the Sentra can be hustled along fairly well. It won’t win award for acceleration or power, but the Sentra has a big car feel and ride with nice speed-sensitive steering. The cabin is quiet at high speeds and features a comfortable smooth ride in all situations with little road noise intrusion. Fuel-economy is very good with manual transmission offering 8.9/6.6L/100km (city/hwy). The Sentra is an ideal fuel-efficient family commuter car you should take a look at. Highly recommended.

2015 Nissan Sentra priced from $15,598 – $24,198