Top Ten Reasons to Buy a Nissan Sentra - The Pros

First introduced to American drivers in 1982, the Nissan Sentra has remained one of the most popular compact sedans over the years. The Nissan Sentra is a great choice for the drivers who are on a limited budget. While the entry-level model offers all of the basic essentials, the top-of-the-line SL trim comes equipped with an impressive list of goodies.

1) Great Price

Drivers who are looking to purchase a quality ride for less than $20,000 should give the Sentra some serious thought. With a starting price of around $16,000, the base S trim is the least expensive option in the Sentra lineup. Meanwhile, the well-equipped SL trim tops out at a tad more than $20,000. In the eyes of some automotive reviewers, the Sentra is the best value in its class. *Prices correct at time of original article.

2) Excellent Fuel Economy

The new Sentra is a very efficient driving machine. All trims are capable of delivering at least 39 mpg on the open road. The sedan also has an outstanding fuel economy rating of 30 miles-per-gallon in the city. However, a special FE package further enhances the car’s gas mileage. The available FE package includes fuel-saving components such as low-rolling resistance tires.

3) Well-Built Engine

All versions of the Sentra come with a peppy 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine. The 130-horsepower engine delivers just the right amount of pep for merging onto busy freeways. Although most people will find the overall performance of the Sentra to be commendable, the engine’s strong point is its durability. Nissan service centers have received very few complaints about any major engine problems.

4) Xtronic CVT Transmission

While the base model comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, all of the upper-level trims come standard with a Xtronic CVT transmission. Over the years, Nissan engineers have been able to drastically improve the performance of the CVT transmission. Not only is the Xtronic system very responsive in all driving situations, but it also helps the Sentra to obtain the best possible gas mileage.

5) Outstanding Amount of Interior Room

Although compact sedans are not traditionally known for their interior space, the Sentra actually provides a very roomy interior. Even the rear-seat passengers will have plenty of room to stretch their legs. The sedan’s large trunk will certainly come in handy when taking road trips. If needed, the back seats can also be folded down to further enhance the car’s cargo area.

6) Attractive Styling

Car shoppers who love the appearance of the popular Nissan Altima will likely adore the Sentra’s styling. The Nissan Sentra is essentially a smaller version of the Altima. The compact sedan’s refined appearance is highlighted by a smooth grille and an elegant rear-end. Drivers who desire more sportiness should opt for the available SR model. The Sentra SR features a spoiler, performance wheels, and a more aggressive front fascia.

7) Convenient Features

Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports will now come standard on every trim. Some of the other standard conveniences include keyless entry, a telescoping steering wheel, and air conditioning. Drivers who plan to use their Sentra for traveling to different areas should upgrade to navigation system. The addition of a rear-view camera system instantly improves the vehicle's on-road safety. Music lovers should definitely consider upgrading to the eight-speaker Bose sound system.

8) Available Safety Upgrades

All versions of the Sentra feature a new Easy Fill Tire Alert system. The system will automatically alert the car owner when they have inflated the tires to the recommended pressure. Buyers of the new Sentra also have the option of upgrading to a four-wheel disc braking system. While the Sentra does not offer an all-wheel drive system, the traction control system does a great job of keeping the tires glued to the pavement.

9) Affordable Maintenance

After the Sentra’s factory warranty expires, the owner will have to cover the cost of any repair work. Fortunately, the replacement parts are very affordable. This is good news for the car owners who need to keep a sharp eye on their monthly finances.

10) Good Visibility

The Sentra offers good visibility when traveling on the highway and within the city. The driver will not have to worry about any large window pillars blocking their view of the road ahead.

In conclusion, the Nissan Sentra is a all round excellent value for money family vehicle. To view or test drive, find a reputable Nissan Sentra dealership near you, such as Group 1 Nissan.

Original article source: http://welovenissan.tumblr.com/post/148781926968/top-ten-reasons-to-buy-a-nissan-sentra-the-pros

Nissan Navara Double Cab Motoring Review

​A HOST of new bakkies have been launched to our local market recently. To remind us of the Navara’s dominance, Nissan recently invited us to the Witsand Nature Reserve in the Kalahari Desert to put this big brute through its paces.
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Unseasonable rain may have settled much of the dusty Kalahari, but it did make for an interesting and more challenging adventure as this left the landscape rather muddy. Our weapon of choice for the expedition was the Nissan Navara 2.5 dCi 4x4 LE. 

Equipped with a strong 140kW of power and a massive 450Nm of torque, this 2.5-litre diesel powertrain supplies the Navara with enough raw pulling power to make light work of whatever Mother Nature threw at it. Power is transferred to the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, or a five-speed auto. Utilising the muscle on offer and flicking between high and low-range as well as sporting a differential lock, this bakkie climbed dunes, and clambered through some treacherous dongas. 

The ground clearance was constantly challenged as the damp earth fell away, while idling through the river beds. Boasting 230mm of ground clearance along with a 30 degrees approach angle, 22 degrees ramp and 24 degrees departure angles, the Navara was victorious in its escapades.
Dunes can reach 100 metres in height and 10 kilometres in length. Add to this, sweltering temperatures and a barren landscape and you quickly realise that the conditions are, well challenging to say the least. Luckily, the Navara is fitted with niceties and useful creature comforts like automatic climate control, electric windows, and radio/CD with USB connectivity to ensure you always travel in comfort. 

On the safety front, the big bakkie houses ABS brakes with EBD and six airbags. So, despite its ruggedness and robust abilities, it still offers a safe cabin for its occupants.
Some people may feel the Navara is in need of an upgrade, but it’s still one of the best looking bakkies on the market. And after conquering the harsh African landscape, it cements its place as a firm South African favourite. And it’s easy to see why. It isn’t shy to get dirty and put in the hard work. 

To find out more about the Nissan Navara, you can speak to a reputable dealers, such as Group 1 Nissan.

Source: http://simplysoldonnissans.weebly.com/blog/nissan-navara-double-cab-motoring-review

All-new Nissan X-trail: Keep up with your true self

Are you ready for adventure? Keep up with your true self with the all-new Nissan X-Trail!

For more info on the X-trail, such as Nissan X-trail Engine specs, feel free to speak to a reputable dealer such as Group 1 Nissan.

Source: NissanUK YouTube Channel

Datsun Go Review

The Datsun Go marks the return of the Datsun marque after a 30-year absence. Like Dacia, Datsun is conceived to be the budget alternative to its established parent brand.

But unlike Dacia, Datsun is targeted at emerging markets such as India, where it is just about to go on sale.

The Go’s styling is inoffensive, and the diamond-shaped grille, the angular, peeled-back headlamps and its attractive lines have a certain appeal. It's clear that the designers have tried hard to keep it from looking too basic, even if the skinny 13in wheels look woefully small in those big arches.

Under the bonnet is a 67bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol motor that's similar to that found in the Nissan Micra. It makes slightly less power than in the Nissan, but then again, the Datsun Go isn't that heavy.

The Go measures 3785mm long and 1635mm wide and has a wheelbase of 2450mm. Compare that to the Suzuki Alto which is 3580mm long, 1680mm wide and has a 2,360mm wheelbase and you can see how much more car is offered for the money.

The Datsun Go won't come with ABS and there aren't any airbags either. In fact, even basic safety equipment is missing – the rear windshield doesn't get a demister and there's no wiper, either.

It's the car's light kerb weight that makes it such a peppy performer.

It responds to light taps on the throttle eagerly and is happy pulling away from low engine speeds in high gear. The mid-range is strong and it's only when you get to around 4000rpm that it gets thrummy. The responsive nature of the engine makes it really easy to drive around the city – you can stick it in third gear and potter around town all day. The five-speed manual is also light and the clutch is progressive enough.

Push the engine hard and it will easily propel the Datsun Go to triple-digit speeds. Our testing equipment shows that it will get from rest to 62mph in 15sec and you can easily cruise at those speeds with minimum fuss.

The downsides? Well, there’s a bit of vibration from the three-cylinder engine at idle, but that's it. It smoothens out when you rev it, and also quiets down when you are cruising.

Around town, the ride is quite supple but there is an underlying firmness. Bigger bumps thump through but it has a big-car feel in the way it tackles bad roads. Less impressive is the way the suspension and road noise filters into the cabin, especially on coarse surfaces. Evidence of being built to a price is apparent by the lack of soundproofing in the wheel wells.

The Go is an easy car to drive though – the power steering is light, and it feels very manageable with great visibility. It doesn't like to be pushed hard – around corners, the suspension's generous travel allows for plenty of body roll and even though grip is adequate, the car moves about on its tall tyres. But there's decent stability at speed and the steering weights up enough to give a precise feel.

Inside, the driver is presented with a simple, three-spoke steering wheel and even simpler dials – there's a speedometer and a digital display that includes a rev counter, trip computer (that's small and hard to read on the move) and a fuel gauge.

The centre console is similarly spartan and does without radio or CD player. Even though the Go gets front power windows, the driver has a switch only on their side. And the rear windows are manual. Then there's the bare metal adjuster for the seat's fore and aft movement and rear seatbelts that don't automatically retract.

The driving position is comfortable, with good visibility, though some might find the dash-mounted gear lever set quite high and even a bit too far back, especially for those with long arms.

There is, however, plenty of space. Clever management of space – the dash-mounted gear lever and the slim seats – makes it quite an airy cabin. There’s a decent amount of rear legroom, but the rear seats are unsupportive.

The Datsun Go proves to be quite a cheap, easy-to-own car. Datsun will also offer a two-year/unlimited mileage comprehensive warranty when the Go goes on sale later this month.

The manufacturer claims a fuel efficiency figure of 58.2mpg. The Go will be sold through reputable Nissan dealerships such as Group 1 Nissan and in markets where it'll be sold where there are no Nissan dealerships, Datsun plans to set up its own.

For now though, the Go has a peppy engine, spacious interior and is easy to drive. And when you think about how much money it costs, it seems like a lot of car for the money.

Datsun Go

0-62mph 15sec; Top speed na; Economy 58.2mpg; CO2 na; Kerb weight na; Engine 3 cyls, 1198cc; Power 67bhp at 5000rpm; Torque 77lb ft at 4000rpm; Gearbox 5-spd manual. Price: Speak to a local dealer such as Group 1 Nissan for the Datsun GO price in South Africa.

Article source: http://wheelsgalore.postach.io/post/datsun-go-review

Image source: http://images.cdn.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_slide/public/datsun-go-1_0_0.jpg?itok=sOhNh-nm

Nissan NAVARA is still SA's most powerful bakkie

ROSSLYN, South Africa

The Nissan NAVARA continues to top the power and torque charts in the South African bakkie market, standing its ground against fierce competition from newer rivals in recent years.

Proving that NAVARA was way ahead of its time when it was originally introduced in 2005, its range of petrol and diesel-powered bakkies still offer the best performance.  

Product Marketing Manager at Nissan South Africa, Marinus Venter, comments: "The Nissan NAVARA was launched as a new-age bakkie with class-leading technology and refinement and today it continues to lead from the front in several aspects of design, engineering, style, purpose and technology. The fact that it is still proving a popular choice in 2014 shows just how innovative and engaging the NAVARA continues to be. It is a great embodiment of our ‘Innovation that Excites' ethos.

"This excitement is provided courtesy of the pickup's petrol and diesel V6 engines in particular, ensuring NAVARA continues to be the bakkie to beat in South Africa."

4.0-litre V6 petrol means business

The smooth and meaty 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine fitted to the Nissan NAVARA LE includes advanced design features like Electronic Throttle Control with secondary mapping in 4LO mode (in the 4x4 model), Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), Nissan Variable Induction Control System (NICS), a silent timing chain, micro-finished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons, a resin intake manifold, a digital knock control system, high-capacity muffler and a lightweight aluminium block.

Nissan produces more than one million V6 engines each year making it the largest manufacturer of V6 engines in the world. The VQ series found in NAVARA has been ranked among the ten best engines in the world for the last fourteen years, and is related to the earth-shattering twin-turbocharged V6 engine which powers the famous Nissan GT-R.

V9X diesel V6 tops diesel charts

Developed to deliver high levels of performance with outstanding fuel efficiency, competitive emissions and class-leading refinement, the 3.0-litre turbocharged common rail diesel motor fitted to the range-topping NAVARA 3.0 dCi 4x4 LE astounds with its 170 kW and class-leading 550 Nm - making the NAVARA the only one-ton pickup vehicle in South Africa to feature a diesel V6 engine. The torque is available from as low as 1 700 rpm and pulls consistently all the way to 2 500 rpm, 500 Nm of which is available from as low as 1 500 rpm. Idle speed is low at 650 rpm, with the usual NVH connotations associated with diesel engines non-existent.

The results are strong low-end performance with comfortably refined power delivery and exceptional throttle response. Flipping over the coin, the strong diesel performance bestows the Nissan NAVARA 3.0 dCi 4x4 LE with a towing capacity of 3 000 kg. Key to its smoothness and responsiveness, a vee-angle of 65 degrees and construction from Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) ensures the benefits of a cast iron block - including high levels of stiffness and noise absorption - are maintained, but without the weight penalty. Although CGI is heavier than pure alloy construction, stiffening ribs and extra sound-deadening material are no longer necessary, contributing to a comparatively modest weight gain.

The class-leading torque and highly competitive specific power outputs are delivered thanks to the adoption of a comparatively large single turbocharger which is mounted within the vee of the engine, an intercooler, and the use of latest-generation Bosch common-rail fuel injection which incorporates piezo injectors operating at 1 800 bar.

This combination of engine refinement, high-end packaging, excellent specifications and a 'go anywhere, do anything' attitude to life is what carries the Nissan NAVARA forward - still South Africa's most powerful bakkie.

If you want to test drive a Nissan Navara why not contact Group 1 Nissan.

Article source: https://nissanenthusiast.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/nissan-navara-is-still-sas-most-powerful-bakkie/

Image source: http://www.forestry.co.za/uploads/Image/industry_news/2014/March%202014%20-%20Nissan_top.jpg