Nissan Sentra Spec V Pt. 2: Interior & User Experience

The 2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V is the latest version of Nissan's hot-rodded economy car. Based on the company's C-Platform, this sportiest version of the Sentra ups the ante in performance, content and styling. In this segment, we'll focus on the interior improvements made to earn this car its performance-oriented badging.

The interior of the SE-R Spec-V has some nice touches that help convey the performance message of any Nissan wearing a Spec-V badge. First thing you notice are seats with generous bolstering and the SE-R embroidery. They work pretty well, holding you in place while also being quite comfortable, although the materials used are a bit odd.

Still, it's clear that someone did their homework when developing this car. As seems to be a prerequisite these days for anything performance oriented, the Sentra SE-R spent some of its development time at the Nurburgring. You'll see the evidence in some of the details like the seats and the aluminum pedals with rubber inserts that not only look sporty, but are also well placed for heal-&-toe work.

Less important functionally, but still important aesthetically, are the red front seat belts that mimic racing harnesses and the red stitching found on the seats and steering wheel. That steering wheel is connected to a speed-sensitive electric power steering system that is light in effort, not as communicative as you might like in a performance car. At least it's a good thickness... all the better to hang on to when the inevitable torque-steer sets in.

Suspension tuning leans more toward ride quality than handling with a perfectly acceptable ride when you're just cruising around, but not enough body control when you really start to hustle. Not what you'd expect given that Spec-V badge, but as a daily driver, it could be considered a welcome surprise depending on your priorities.

Continuing to exceed expectations in terms of practicality, the SE-R Spec-V offers a lot of space, comfortably seating four - not something that can be said for some of its competitors. Clearly the Sentra's high roofline adds to interior volume what it detracts from styling.

Speaking of styling, the design of the cabin seems to draw inspiration from other performance Nissans, mainly the 350Z, which clearly influenced the twin pod auxiliary gauges for the oil pressure and the gimmicky longitudinal G-force meter. I mean, come on... on a Nissan GT-R, while still useless, at least there are significant Gs being generated. On this car, the meter gets pegged at .7G, or about the same longitudinal Gs generated by a good tail wind. An oil temperature gauge would make more sense.

There's nothing to complain about with the optional Rockford Fosgate audio system with in-dash six CD changer, MP3/WMA playback and eight speakers. And when you don't feel like listening to music through the speakers, you can always tune in to the sounds coming from the Spec-V's intake and exhaust. As one of the few non-turbocharged cars in the category, the SE-R's normally aspirated music is quite enjoyable when you've got the tach needle sweeping its way toward 7000 rpm. The sound is enjoyable enough that you'll find yourself rowing through the gears of the six-speed transmission just for the soundtrack. The SE-R's shifter looks a bit funky sprouting up from the dashboard, but it is ergonomically correct, if a bit notchy. The gauges are big and clear and easy to read at a quick glance.

There's just enough of the go-fast stuff inside to remind you that this is no garden variety Sentra. And while some of the improvements made are more superficial than functional, overall the interior of this car succeeds in conveying the performance-oriented message of the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V without sacrificing the comfort and practicality inherent in its C-platform origins.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V

Performance
- Acceleration: Makes a good noise on its way to 7000 rpm while gaining speed briskly, if not really quickly
- Handling: Set up for safety more than for fun - unwilling to rotate without extreme provocation
- Braking: A little unstable under heavy footed braking, but very effective

Design
- Exterior: Sentra comes through more than SE-R - better looking competition by far
- Interior: Borrows styling cues from other, higher-priced, performance Nissans to good effect

Utility
- Comfort: Good seats and driving position will keep you comfortable for long hauls
- Space: More room than the competition makes this one more practical

Safety
- Dynamics: Decent moves all around
- Technology: Airbags, ABS and traction control, but no stability control

Value
- Price: Among the least expensive cars in its class, but the others are better cars overall... and faster
- Mileage: Very appealing given its performance

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Not quite deserving of that Spec V badge
- Fun to spank: Good sounds, but the the dynamics are lacking compared to its competitors

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 2.5 liter, inline 4
Power (SAE): 200 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque: 180 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed manual
Curb Weight: 3,075 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.6 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.9 sec. @ 94 mph
Top Speed: 130 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 24 city / 31 highway
Base Price: $20,570
Competitors: Mazdaspeed 3, Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI, Mini Cooper S