Nissan ekes a bit more mileage from the 2009 Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR

These days, many have seen their discretionary income fall faster than a ZR1's fuel gauge at full gallop. Recognizing this fact, Nissan has responded with a new iteration of the Sentra for 2009 called, rather cryptically, the FE+ 2.0 SR. On the surface, the new SR looks like the high-spec SE-R model – which itself has given up a bit of performance in the name of comfort and convenience over the last few years – with sporty front and rear fascias, a rear spoiler, smoked head- and tail-lamps and 16-inch alloy rims.

Despite its sporty appearance, this model's main purpose in life is to save on fuel bills. Under the hood lies the standard Sentra's 140-horsepower 2.0-liter four-banger, as opposed to the SE-R's enlarged 2.5-liter mill. When mated to the standard CVT transmission, Nissan is estimating that the SR will return 26 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway, which is a slight improvement over last year's 25/33 with the same powertrain combination.

The new SR will carry an MSRP of $17,760 (all prices plus $695 destination fee), which matches the price of the carry-over S model. Also available will be a base FE+ for $16,730, an up-level SL for $19,660 and the SE-R for $20,660. The top-rung SE-R Spec V will go for $21,160 and will be available solely with a 200-horsepower 2.5L mated to a manual transmission. Head past the break for the full press release.

[Source: Nissan]

PRESS RELEASE:

NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW 2009 SENTRA FE+ 2.0 SR

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced an expansion of the popular Nissan Sentra line-up with the addition of a sport-styled Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR model. The Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide beginning on April 17, 2009. The Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $17,760, the same price as the Sentra FE+ 2.0 S model. The full 2009 Sentra lineup now features seven models, ranging from the entry-level Sentra FE+ 2.0 to the performance-oriented Sentra SE-R Spec V.

"With so much attention being paid to high value, high mileage vehicles like Sentra today, we want to offer customers a range of choices within the lineup – so they can find the perfect level of equipment, sportiness and performance to fit their needs and budgets," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, NNA.

The new Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR was created in response to customer demand for a sportier looking Sentra without going all the way up to the high-performance Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V models. The "SR" starts with a standard Sentra 2.0 S and adds sport-inspired exterior enhancements, including SE-R-style front and rear fascias, side sills and rear spoiler; sport grille; dark chrome bezel headlights and dark smoked bezel taillights; 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; exhaust finisher; and "SR" trunk lid badge. It is available in six exterior colors, including the limited Sentra SE-R/SE-R Spec V colors, and will be offered with a Charcoal cloth interior.

Along with a range of models, the 2009 Sentra is available with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. All models except the SE-R and SE-R Spec V are equipped with a fuel-efficient 140-horsepower (135 hp CAL emissions) 16-valve 2.0-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine. Estimated fuel economy is 34 mpg Highway/26 mpg City (Sentra FE+ 2.0-liter with CVT).

The 2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V models feature sporty styling, enhanced performance and additional standard equipment (versus non-SE-R models) and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (rated at 177 horsepower in the SE-R and 200 horsepower in the SE-R Spec V). Available Sentra transmissions choices (depending on model) are the advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) and 6-speed manual.

"We've been inviting customers to take a closer look at Sentra for its value, style and performance. Now we're adding one more reason – more choice," said Castignetti.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com.

* MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.