New Nissan Sentra turning lots of heads

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Super Sonic Giveaway winners Will and Joanne Watson with Birchwood Chev sales rep Jazzmyn Sulipa.

Manitoba Nissan dealers welcomed the redesigned 2013 Nissan Sentra to their showrooms on Nov.7, and Vickar Nissan sales rep Andrew Kingsley says the new model is already turning heads.

"Everyone who comes into the showroom has been doing a double-take when they see our new Sentra," he said, noting the car has been completely redesigned with a new look, more space inside and much improved gas mileage.

Kingsley said the new Sentra gets 58 miles per gallon (4.9L per 100 kilometres) on the highway and 48 mpg (6.6L/100 km) in city driving.

All trim levels feature a manual or continuously variable transmission and are powered by a 1.8L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine producing 130 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3,600 rpm.

"The big thing is that this new generation of continuous variable transmission provides more torque at take-off and allows for a drop in rpm for torque at highway speeds, which improves fuel economy," Kingsley said.

On a walk-around, Kingsley pointed out the Sentra's spacious trunk (15.1 cubic feet) which is larger than some mid-sized sedans. That space is augmented by a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat.

Kingsley also demonstrated the larger amount of room in the back seat -- at 6'5", he was able to sit in the back with enough room for his knees and head.

Behind the wheel, you find two big gauges on either side of the steering wheel and a number of command prompts -- such as stereo and cruise control -- mounted on the steering wheel itself. Remote keyless entry and trunk release are standard on all trims.

The starting price for the 2013 Sentra with manual transmission is just $16,415, including freight and PDI. The top-of-the-line model, fully loaded, has a price-tag of $24,600.

"This new Sentra is a game-changer," Kingsley said "Just in the first week, I had five customers come in. We expect that sales will be brisk."

Vickar Nissan is also running a contest to win a new electric Nissan Leaf. Anyone who purchases a new or used vehicle from the dealership to the end of December will be entered.

Winners giving Sonic to son

Will and Joanne Watson were the winners of Birchwood Chevrolet Buick GMC's second annual Super Sonic Giveaway. The minister of the Gospel Chapel in Ashern and his wife were presented with their new car on Nov. 8 at the dealership.

Dan East, Birchwood Chevrolet's General Sales Manager, said the couple bought a Chevy Cruze a few weeks ago, which made them eligible for the Super Sonic draw.

"When they were asked what they were going to do with their new Sonic, they said that they were going to give it to their son and his young family, who have recently returned from overseas where they were doing international development work," East said.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 16, 2012 E2