Nissan Announces Changes for 2010 Sentra Models

Ramping up for the 2010 model year, Nissan released the details behind its upgraded 2010 Sentra sedan. Besides minor exterior changes, the big news for the little sedan is the addition of one of the most affordable factory-installed navigation systems on the market and significant MSRP reductions for most of the trim levels. With the 2010 Nissan Sentra models hitting dealership showrooms now, Nissan says it will be available in five trim levels (2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR, 2.0 SL and SE-R) with a base price starting at $15,420.

While price reductions are always a great way to attract consumers, it’s the other changes Nissan added for 2010 that will help keep the Sentra fresh on the market. For just $400, the upper trim levels of the 2010 Nissan Sentra (2.0 SL and SE-R) will be available with a navigation system that offers a five-inch color display and XM NavTraffic for real-time driving and traffic information. With navigation systems generally costing more than $1,000 on new cars, Nissan priced the optional navigation system more competitively with handheld, aftermarket systems. The only other new vehicle to offer a factory-installed navigation system any cheaper is the 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sport that comes standard with a small pop-up 4.3-inch, touch-screen display for $15,999. Unlike the Suzuki SX4, the 2010 Nissan Sentra models equipped with the navigation system will also offer an available RearView monitor.

In addition to the new nav system, the 2010 Sentra will also get a slight design update that includes revised headlamps and taillights and a new grille, which mimics that of the Altima, for all models and a new front fascia styling for the base, S and SL models as well. To finish off the styling changes, Nissan is also adding new wheel designs and three new colors to the 2010 Sentra. Inside, passengers will also notice changes to the materials used on all models, including the luxurious SL model. Helping cut $1,100 off the price of the 2010 Sentra SL, leather-appointed seats will now be an option instead of standard equipment to give customers greater variety when choosing options on their new Sentra.

No mention is made of the fuel-efficient FE+ models which bump fuel economy to 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway for Sentra models equipped with the 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-4, so we’re not sure if this option will continue for 2010 models. Sport enthusiasts will be happy to learn that not only are the sport-tuned SE-R and SE-R Spec V still offering up to 200 horsepower from the 2.5-liter DOHC inline-4, but prices for both models will be dropping $1,080.

Prices will also be lower for the Sentra 2.0 with the CVT (-$130), 2.0 S (-$600) and 2.0 SR (-$600), but the actual base price for the Sentra 2.0 equipped with the manual transmission will be increasing by $70. Nissan says all pricing does not include destination charges, and did not mention what this charge whether this charge would remain at $720 like 2009 models or if it will also be changing for 2010.