1998 Nissan Sentra Press Kit

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Nissan's range of Sentra sedans has grown for the 1998 model year with the addition of a sporty Sentra SE, featuring more aggressive accents and the same 2.0-liter engine that powers the company's renowned 200SX SE-R sports coupe. The new offering complements the existing lineup of Base, XE, GXE and GLE models.

All 1998 Nissan Sentras benefit from refreshed styling, with updated front and rear fascias. Sentra continues to offer consumers a well-balanced blend of affordability and efficiency without sacrificing style, quality or comfort. Designated as compact cars by EPA classification, the unique qualities of Sentra - roomy interior, smooth ride and responsive handling - make it operate and feel more like a mid-size sedan with subcompact pricing and fuel economy.

"With the addition of the sporty new Sentra SE model, the Sentra sedan line now offers something special for every buyer, with excellent price and quality from the value-leading base model to the hot new sport-tuned SE," Said Tom Eastwood, vice president, Nissan Division. "Sentra sedans are a prime example of how the Nissan brand offers consumers vehicles that are equipped - and priced - the way our buyers want them."

Sentra continues to offer many unique features not common in other entry-level sedans. Jointly developed by designers and engineers in the U.S. and Japan, Sentra offers an expansive 97.9 cu. ft. of interior volume, providing a comfortable space for both driver and passengers.

Engine/Suspension/Body Structure
The new Sentra SE is powered by Nissan's proven 2.0-liter 4-cylinder all-aluminum engine. This responsive powerplant - also used in the Nissan 200SX SE-R - produces 140 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 132 ft-lbs of torque at 4,800 rpm and has a high-revving 7,100 rpm redline. The dual overhead camshaft cylinder head allows easy breathing with a 4-valve-per-cylinder valvetrain. This combination of power and lightweight materials provides performance and responsiveness uncommon to this class of sedan.

Base, XE, GXE, and GLE model Sentras are powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine that delivers 115 horsepower and 108 ft-lbs torque at 6,000 and 4,000 rpm, respectively. Mated to the easy-shifting 5-speed manual transmission, Sentra delivers an impressive 39 miles per gallon highway and 29 miles per gallon city (EPA estimates), and meets the California Air Resources Board's stringent requirements for Low Emission Vehicles (LEV).

The Sentra's 1.6-liter engine utilizes the Nissan Variable Valve Timing Control System (NVTCS) to provide optimum performance and fuel economy. Electronically controlled sensors measure throttle position and engine speed to activate the variable intake valve timing mechanism to meet demands on the engine. The NVTCS system helps Sentra's 1.6-liter engine provide better performance at lower engine speeds, without sacrificing high speed power output or fuel economy.

As a true standout in its segment, Sentra has to offer much more than fuel economy - and it does, by making the most of its size. To offer more usable interior volume, Nissan utilizes its innovative rear Multi-Link Beamä suspension, which allows for compact suspension packaging, leaving more room for rear seat passengers and a larger trunk than other bulkier rear suspension designs. Additionally, this advanced suspension provides more predictable handling and less road noise than traditional designs.

Front suspension is independent strut-type with coil springs. Sentra XE, GXE, GLE and SE are equipped with standard rear stabilizer bars to improve handling, while the SE model adds a front stabilizer bar to match handling with its improved performance.

By employing a stiff body, reducing the number of rear suspension mounting points and using a large muffler, Nissan has resourcefully minimized interior noise and vibration.

Stopping power for the new SE model is provided by 4-wheel disc brakes. Base, XE, GXE and GLE models utilize a front disc, rear drum braking system.

Safety Features
The 1998 Sentra also features an extensive list of standard safety features including: dual air bags; energy-absorbing steering column; manual 3-point front seat belts with height-adjustable anchors; and steel side-door guard beams.

Standard Equipment/Optional Features and Packages The 1998 Sentra is offered in five trim levels - value-leading Base, practical XE, logically-equipped GXE, luxury-oriented GLE and the sporty new SE.

Nissan Sentra comes equipped with a number of thoughtful and functional features, all of which add to the excellent value of the vehicle. Adjustable front head restraints, a tilt steering column, low-fatigue reclining front seats, easy access pull-out cup holders and an easy-to-reach center console add comfort for the driver and passengers on a short local trips or longer highway travels.

Distinguishing the various Sentra models are several available comfort and convenience features, including: power windows and door locks, power sliding glass sunroof with sun shade, an advanced audio system, remote keyless entry and vehicle security system, automatic transmission; and 4-channel/4-sensor anti-lock braking system (ABS).

While the SE is equipped with standard speed-sensitive power steering, XE, GXE and GLE models offer standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. The XE, GXE, GLE and SE models are offered with an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Standard on XE are: rear stabilizer bar, AM/FM/cassette with digital clock and four speakers and CFC-free air conditioning. The GXE model extends the list of standard features by adding lower body side sill extensions, dual power remote outside mirrors, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, cruise control and power windows and door locks.

The deluxe GLE model is equipped with 14-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, velour seat cloth, lower body side sill extensions, tachometer, remote keyless entry and vehicle security system.

The performance leading SE offers, in addition to the high-output 2.0-liter engine, standard 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, stylish body-color front air dam and rear spoiler, lower body side sill extensions, fog lamps and Nissan's signature white-on-black reversible tachometer and speedometer.

Design/Exterior Styling
With a sleek and aerodynamic exterior design, the 1998 Sentra's updated styling is eye-catching and elegant. The high rear decklid, low hood line and steeply raked windshield not only complement each other aesthetically, but also provide for a low 0.33 coefficient of drag (Cd).

The 1998 Sentra is available in nine exterior colors, including four all-new shades for 1998. New colors include: Cinnamon Bronze, Slate Blue, Sierra Pine and Goldstone. The following popular colors return from the 1997 model year: Ruby Pearl, Super Black, Platinum Gold, Cloud White and Anthracite Gray. Coordinating interior cloth colors include Gray and Brown on Base, XE, GXE and GLE and an all-new Charcoal specifically for Sentra SE.

Warranty
All 1997 Nissan models are covered by a comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile"bumper-to-bumper"Limited Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, a 5-year/60-000-mile Corrosion Coverage and a Lifetime Seat Belt Warranty