The 2000 NISSAN SENTRA- After several years of confused design direction, the all new 2000 Sentra, designed at Nissan Design International, Inc. (NDI) in La Jolla, CA, is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor and rides on an all-new platform. This latest Nissan Sentra comes on the scene with a range of designs from a zero evaporative emissions Sentra CA (Clean Air) model to the racy Sentra SE. These are aimed at the California market where clean air and specially modified "tuner" versions both catch the attention of buyers.

Nissan differentiates between global platforms and the previous unattained goal of a "world car." While the markets are too varied to sell a single design around the world, adapting common sets of components to the desires for American luxury, European value or Asian eco-gadgetry makes economic sense.

The 2000 Sentra features an exterior styled at NDI, an interior inspired by Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in Geretsried, Germany. It was jointly engineered at Nissan Technical Center (NTC) in Japan and US Nissan Research and Development (NRD) centers in California, Michigan and Arizona. Nissan Mexicana (NISMEX) in Aguascalientes, Mexico manufactures the new Sentra. Sentra's roots are spread widely. It will be available in three trim levels, XE, GXE and SE, with a new 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine or a punchy 2.0-liter for Sentra SE. The new engine features a direct ignition system, variable valve timing, timing chains, and platinum-tipped spark plugs -aimed at improving performance, cleanliness and achieving a 100,000-mile maintenance interval. Sentra is alone in this category with this extended maintenance interval.

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The Sentra is the Versatile Nissan Compact: To fit American needs the overall length was stretched 6.5 inches and the body widened by 0.8 inches to 67.3 inches. Height also was raised 1.1 inches. The profile is made sleeker by low hood line and raised rear deck with a chiseled character line running up to the rear. Like the exterior, the interior of the new Sentra is fun but functional with lots of usable headroom and legroom space. Total interior volume has been increased to 100.1 cubic feet moving it into the EPA compact classification .Sentra XE and GXE offer standard 14-inch wheels and tires, with 15-inch alloy wheels and tires standard on CA and SE models (optional on GXE). Sporty 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P195/55R16 tires are available on Sentra SE..

More Hot Features: The 2000 Sentra features power door locks and windows, and seven-speaker, 150-watt AM/FM/CD audio systems with optional in-dash 6-disc CD changer. The driver's seat has 6-way adjustments, and the hip point was raised for easier entry and exit. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with locking seat backs is available on the GXE and standard on SE. Convenient storage pockets include a covered box on the top of the instrument panel. Front door pockets include a holder for soft drinks. Front seat supplemental side-impact air bags, a vehicle security system with Immobilizer and a 4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System are options on GXE and SE models.

Some inside news about Nissan: Sentra is aimed at the continuing turning around of NissanÕs fortunes. After some badly managed years, they are now controlled by Renault, and are focused on the US market. Their revival is being spearheaded by the youth appeal of the Xterra and soon will be supplemented by a revived Z-car. With solid products like the Sentra, Altima and Maxima backing up trendy new Pathfinder SUVs and four door Frontier pickups, they have a formidable product line s. JH/AutoNetDirect.com

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