Added: 02/19/2006 |
Japanese Manufacture - European Design - American Market - Nissan SentraOver the past few years it has been obvious that Japanese car designers are being influenced by European car designs more than those found on any other continent. Why the Japanese have opted to utilise European designs has nothing to do with flattering the egos of European designers, but is more likely related to issues of scale. Cars need to downsize if manufacturers seeking efficiency, practicality and ultimately lower costs, are going to achieve their aims. The latest Sentra from Nissan is simply a reflection of the approach adopted by Japanese car manufacturers in dealing with these issues.
North America has enjoyed receiving different versions of the Sentra for several years and now, as a consequence, North Americans are about to receive the latest and most dynamic Sentra yet produced. To Europeans this seems a tad unfair, because Americans are always imagined to prefer driving big, gas guzzling cars rather than small to medium sized ones. So when a manufacturer the size of Nissan produces a vehicle likely to excite Euro-adrenalin, the fact they appear to completely avoid Europe with their new motor is a little irritating.
However, anyone who stands back and considers the wider implications of this strategy related to our ever changing world, will quickly appreciate that even Americans may need to start driving small to medium sized saloons in order to conserve the fossil energy that remains on our planet. Achieving a saloon car downsize at a national level will not be easy, even if a gallon of fuel is now a lot more than 10 cents a gallon, as it was in the sixties when gas guzzlers were rife on US roads.
However, vehicles such as the latest Nissan Sentra will ensure that downsizing is not too hard to bear. Yes there will be a little less meta for your money, but what you lose in metal you gain in technology, and it would be difficult not to be impressed by the technology included in even the basic model. In addition the latest Sentra definitely possesses a distinctive look courtesy of its unusual rear to front taper. Performance, ride and handling are above average, while economy of around 30 mpg in town and 38 mpg on motorways should do away with any gas concerns.
The Sentra's cabin is a collaboration of space, modern technology and quality controls. An aluminium styled facia includes the transmission selector, reminiscent of some French cars. The seating is both comfortable and supportive, while a leather option goes someway to widening even further the appeal of the Sentra.
Reliability
Today, consumers expect Japanese cars, arguably more than any other country associated brands, including vehicles manufactured in Germany, to prove reliable. Japanese manufacturers rarely fail to impress in this arena. Since the 1960s, Japanese manufacturers have always made great effort to ensure that even if their vehicles are not the prettiest, fastest or most economical, they are the least likely to breakdown. If there's one thing in which Japanese engineers have a proven consistency, then this commendable feature is it.
In both Europe and America, Nissan is recognised as a vehicle manufacturer that prodcues dependable products, even by Japanese standards. This offers a comfort zone for would-be-buyers of the latest Sentra, because it will mean fewer visits to the garage and therefore cheaper maintenance costs. In addition, because earlier Sentra models have proved popular, Nissan Sentra prices and residuals are likely to remain good for the latest version as both Nissan and Europeans consider this latest model will easily win many American hearts.
Prices
Latest Nissan Sentra pricing has not yet been posted, charges should however be between $15,000 for the basic model rising to $25,000 for a top of the range model which will include leather upholstery.
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