2011 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V

The transmission speed of use 6-speed manual transmission with dual-mass flywheel. The sport compact craze is all about taking an ordinary car and turning it into something uniquely extraordinary. Now right off the bat, the Sentra doesn’t have what I would consider the sexy profile to attract the sport compact aficionado – its bulbous cabin is obviously meant to supply comfort and room for four people (maybe five, in a pinch), and sport compacts are not about comfort and room.

Yes, Sentra is an attractive four door sedan to my eyes and the SE-R add-ons such as the spoiler, do add an extra bit of swagger to the profile, but it still looks like a compact family sedan (just one wearing cool sunglasses).

In our Spec V model, it puts out 200 hp, which is “sick” by sport compact standards; it’s also 30 more than the “lowly” SE-R. The overall result is considerably sportier Sentra and, I would imagine, a noticeable improvement from the SE-R, all for just an added cash outlay of $1,400 ($8,000 from the base Sentra).

Both the SE-R and SE-R Spec V are powered by Nissan's advanced 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (QR25DE). The SE-R is rated at 177 horsepower and the Sentra SE-R Spec V at 200 horsepower. The SE-R and SE-R Spec V are built on Nissan's global C-platform and offer a long list of standard safety features, including Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and six supplemental air bags.

Both models are again equipped with a range of unique (versus non-SE-R Sentra models) performance-oriented equipment and features, including 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and specially tuned suspension (SE-R Spec V), as well as unique exterior and interior appearance modifications.

The heart and soul of the Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V are their advanced high-output QR25DE 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engines. The Sentra SE-R Spec V features unique suspension tuning, brakes, tires and body structure changes versus the base SE-R.

Unique SE-R exterior treatments include aggressive front and rear fascias, side sill extensions, rear spoiler and SE-R budging. Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; and front seat Active Head Restraints. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are also standard on both SE-R and SE-R Spec V.