Review: 2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS
``SE-R'' is a magic name to Nissan performance enthusiasts, used
for the hot version of the Sentra from 1991 through 1994. That 140-
horsepower, 2.0-liter pocket rocket brought Nissan performance at a
reasonable price, and built a following that continues to this day. The
original SE-R has been mourned ever since its demise, but the time
for mourning is over. There's a new SE-R, and it's even stronger
than the original.
Actually, two models of the 2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R are
available. Both have a pugnacious look based on the current Sentra,
but with inspiration from the legendary Nissan Skyline. The regular
SE-R backs it up with a 165-horsepower 2.5 liter four-cylinder
engine. If that's not quite enough, the SE-R Spec V adds special
engine tuning, for 175 horses and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a beefed-
up suspension for even sportier handling.
I drove a Sentra SE about a year ago, and, with its 145-
horsepower 2.0-liter engine, found it to be very reminiscent of the
old SE-R. But the SE is a weakling compared to the new SE-R.
Especially in Spec V trim, it is a very worthy successor to the
original. And it has more power, a higher level of equipment, and
way more attitude. There is very little subtlety with the Spec V. The
Spec V name is derived from the hottest Skyline, the GTR V-Spec,
and, while the Spec V is nowhere near the beast that the V-Spec
Skylines were, it is more than just another ``pocket rocket.'' Call it a
``pocket muscle car'' instead, as in looks, specification, and action,
it emphasizes performance over all else. It's not unrefined; in fact it
is quite comfortable, even practical. It just hasn't had its elemental
rawboned character refined out of it. It will only add to the SE-R
reputation.
APPEARANCE: The original Sentra SE-R had few styling features
that announced its performance. The new model takes a different
approach. While it shares most of its body panels with the other
Sentra models, which means that it has a rounded profile not unlike
the original Altima and the current Maxima, the SE-R gets a bolder
front bumper and fascia, styled with a nod to the Skyline and
featuring a smaller lower intake and more prominent foglamps. The
result is compact and muscular, like an automotive bulldog. Slightly
smoked plastic headlamp covers give Southern California sport-
compact style. Lower side-sill extensions are continued at the rear,
with a cutout for the twin exhausts. The rounded Sentra tail, with a
high arched character line integrating the tail lights, is decked with a
small wing spoiler. Badging behind the front wheels and on the tail
proclaims its identity. The regular SE-R has 16-inch alloy wheels;
the Spec V gets 17s and ultra-low profile tires.
COMFORT: The SE-R inherits the regular Sentra's roomy and
comfortable interior, and adds performance style. The Spec V adds
more, with a ``Lava'' red and black interior color scheme, echoed in
the red-lit instruments, unique sport seats, a thick-rimmed leather-
wrapped tilt-adjustable steering wheel, and titanium-look plastic
trim, including an ergonomically-designed shift knob. The manually-
adjustable front seats are among the best in the SE-R's class for
comfort and support, and the rear seat has more space than expected
in a small car. The four-door body style, versus the two doors of the
original, means that the rear seat is easily accessible. With the
``Audio Fanatic'' option package, a trunk-mounted subwoofer
means that only the left side of the rear seat folds, but that is still
useful. The trunk is large enough that the subwoofer has a minimal
impact on capacity, and its speaker is protected from cargo.
SAFETY: Like all Sentras, the SE-R Spec V has front and rear
crumple zones and side-guard door beams. All seating positions have
three-point safety belts. Side airbags and antilock brakes are
available.
ROADABILITY: The Sentra SE-R Spec V succeeds at a difficult
task: balancing sports handling with decent comfort at a reasonable
price. Like the regular SE-R, the Spec V has an independent
MacPherson strut front suspension and Nissan's patented ``Multi-
Link Beam'' rear suspension, anchored to a rigid structure enhanced
by a front strut tower brace. But the Spec V gets stiffer front and
rear springs, with matching shocks, and 45-series profile tires on 17-
inch alloy rims. Those specs can be a recipe for harshness on real-
world roads if not done correctly. Fortunately, Nissan did it right.
The Spec V's ride quality is firm, but not uncomfortable, and it's
great fun in corners. A standard limited-slip differential ensures good
traction. Mash the throttle, and there is some torque steer (because
there is plenty of torque), but consider that part of the Spec V's
pocket muscle car character. It's never boring.
PERFORMANCE: Despite its Japanese ancestry, the Sentra SE-R
Spec V has the soul of an American muscle car. Nissan has taken the
classic American path toward power: cubic inches. There is no
replacement for displacement, and the SE-R's 2.5-liter engine is one
of the largest in its class. Its 175 horsepower at 6000 rpm puts it
near the top of its class for horsepower, and 180 lb-ft of torque at
4000 rpm puts it ahead of any direct competitor for pure grunt. The
16-valve, dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine is a new design
that uses technology from Nissan's VQ-series vee sixes as found in
the Maxima and Pathfinder. Continuously-variable valve timing helps
it make great power right from a standstill all the way to redline, and
dual balance shafts keep vibration to a minimum. The regular SE-R
has a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, but
the Spec V gets a slick-shifting close-ratio six speed manual only.
It's the best choice for performance, anyway.
CONCLUSIONS: Nissan did more than merely revive the name with
the 2002 Sentra SE-R. It builds on the character of the original, with
far more performance.
SPECIFICATIONS
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
Base Price $ 16,999
Price As Tested $ 20,014
Engine Type dual overhead cam 16-valve inline 4-
cylinder
Engine Size 2.5 liters / 151 cu. in.
Horsepower 175 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 180 @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission 6-speed manual
Wheelbase / Length 99.8 in. / 177.5 in.
Curb Weight 2,743 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 15.7
Fuel Capacity 13.2 gal.
Fuel Requirement unleaded premium gasoline recommended
Tires P215/45 ZR17 Continental Contact
Brakes, front/rear vented disc / solid disc
Suspension, front/rear independent MacPherson strut /
multi-link beam axle
Drivetrain front engine, front-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 22 / 28 / 23
0 to 60 mph 7.0 sec
OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Audio Fanatic Package - includes: Rockford Fosgate-powered
AM/FM/CD audio system with subwoofer, partial fold-down rear
seat, vehicle security system, immobilizer system $ 549
Sunroof Package - includes: power tilt and slide sunroof,
illuminated visor vanity mirrors $ 699
Floor mats $ 79
6-disc in-dash CD changer $ 399
Side airbags and ABS $ 749
