34 - North Shore News — Friday, June 16, 2000 nroad From previous page and 6.5 1/100 km (44 in.p.g.) on the highway. That’s not class- leading fuel econonvy, but it’s still thrifty. Fucl economy is slightly bet- ter with the standard five- speed manual transmission. In addition, the 1.8-litre_ engine meets California's ULEV (ultra low emissions vehicle) emissions standards. Other standard features include engine-speed sensi- tive power steering, front disc/rear drum brakes (optional ABS), an indepen- dent MacPherson strut front suspension, and a semi-inde- pendent beam-type rear sus- pension. Driving impressions Overall, the Sentra’s per- ’ formance is better than aver- age for a small car. More horsepower, a. tighter body, an improved suspension, improved manual and auto- matic transmissions, and better brakes are. all reasons that the Senera’s driving, experience has improved. The 1.8-litre engine idles smoothly aad is barely audi- ble from the cabin. The Sentra is quick off the line, and reaches its 6,500 rp.m. redline with some minor noise and vibrations coming trom the engine — nor dis- concerting and not unusual, but it’s there. Ata steady 100 km/h on the freeway, the engine revs at a comfortable 2,300 r.p.m. There’s a consistent low, buzzy drone, but it’s not intrusive. The optional four-speed automatic trans- mission slides scamlessiy from gear to gear with none of the jerkiness found in some small cars. The Sentra’s ride is com- fortable but firm, and han- dling is nimble and stable with a tight turning circle. Stecting effort is casy but responsiveness could be slightly quicker, I thought. I found the Sentra to be a very casy car to drive, in part because of its short wheelbase, tight curning cir- FMD AS AARNE PEL NPRTET RR Te LO Fa BN ator TE Overall performance better than average cle, and good visibility. In addition, its trunklid is not as tall. as on many cars, 50 it’s easier to see where you're going when backing up. Prices and features For a base price of $15,298, Sentra XE models include the 1.8-litre engine and five-speed manual! trans- mission, dual front airbags, three point seatbelts with front scatbele tensioners, rear child safety door locks, 14-inch tires, power steer- ing, tilt steering column, two-speed windshield wipers, 60/40 split folding rear scatbacks, rear defroster, dash-mounted storage bin, two front cupholders, dual outside mirrors, and body-coloured bumpers. An optional value pack- age on the XE includes air conditioning, AM/FM/CD sterco, digital clock, body- coloured mouldings, centre armrest/storage bin, and visor vanity mirrors. ee dd - Complete mechanical & electrical repairs “by factor trained technician Sentra GXE models ($17,698) add the following features to the XE’s standard equipment: AM/FM/CD sterco system with four speakers, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, heated power mirrars, remote keyless entry with a panic alarm, variable iater- mittent wipers, cruise con- trol, tachometer, upgraded seat cloth, visor mirrors, centre console armrest, two rear cupholders and power outlet, and trunk cargo tet. The GXE is likely to be the most popular Sentra model. Sporty Sentra SE models, $19,698, have the more powerful 145-horsepower 2.60-litre four-cylinder engine, sport-tuned suspen- sion, 15-inch tires with alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes (optional ABS), fog lights, leather-wrapped steer- ing wheel and shift knob, titanium coloured gauges, overhead storage for sun- glasses, map lights, anti-theft system and immobilizer. An optional Sport Package on the SE includes 16-inch tires and alloy wheels, ABS, limited slip dif- ferential (with manual trans- mission), power glass moon- roof, rear spoiler, premium stereo, and special sport seat $21,390). Mazda Protege ($14,995-S17,390), and Subaru Impreza AWD sedan ($21,995-$27,995). Domestic competitors include the Saturn SLI /SL2 (S13,588-$17,358), Ford Focus sedan ($14,895 - $19,795), Chrysler Neon ($17,995-S$19,905), Chevrolet Cavalicr sedan ($15,915-$20,115), and Pontiac Sunfire sedan ($16,165). The Sentra sedan offers more horsepower chan its import competitors, a roomy interior, and a competitive price, but unlike some of its competitors, it’s not avail- able in other bodystyles, such as hatchback, coupe or station wagon. if you're looking for a four-door sedan under $20,000 and you want something practical, casy-to- drive, and fuel- efficient, the Sentra is an entirely sensible choice. Technical Data Base price (GXE). Price as tested $17,698 essccccsssssnsseneescess $19,498 Freight.............. seseuecansesssens seseesarecereceanesens sescssesessseneesseeeDOOL TYPE... -csecsecee Layou Engine Horsepower Torque........ Transmission four-door, five-passenger compact sedan transverse front engine/front-wheel-drive’ vseses 4 8-litre four-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves. 126 @ 6,000 p.m. 129 @ 2,400 r.p.m. five speed manual (four speed automatic) . Curb Weight.....i.....csscsscssssssseeerssssee( 1,165 kg) 2,569 Ib. Wheelbase Length. Width .. 02,539 mm (99.8 in.) : 509 mm (177.5 in.) 1,709 mm (67.3.in.) < HIGHIE os esssssscssssesecesesesssneceesnseeesenes ATO MM (55.5 i.) Trunk volume... 328 litres (11.6 cu. ft)... cloth upholstery. _ IMPEX AUTO 116GA West 14th Street Tel: 985-6237 + (off Pamberton Ave., entrance at rear) \ + Visit our web site: wreretmpexmto.com Se i a a a a oe eS a As Fuel consumption City 9.0 Vi00. km (32 mpg.) - covessaneceesaeecneessooe ighway 6.5 1/100 km (44 mpg.) secentuniinivenPoWwertrain five years/1 00,000 km. . Competitors Sentra’s competitors include the Honda Civic sedan ($16,100-$19,900), Toyota Corolla ($15,625- ge Home _.. For Foreig me an Sgn Do mestic Cars, 4X4‘s, “FOR AS LONG AS YOU OWN YOUR CAR SUV's + Light Trucks ‘NORTH SHORE’S HIGHEST VOLUME ALL MAKE CENTRE | WITH STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT seerates AM/FIM ciete cascetie’= ABS Brive Select 4x4, 2 24-hour roadside asslszance \adderbor frame power stesring « power deor locks © power windows » power ftr6: ~ 0.355 hip « city: at /sookm (23mpg) highway: 9.7L/s00 km (29 mpe} is ip oll makes of Cars and t Trucks (Foreign & Domest GALKING x ESTIMATES aes 75200 CONSULTATION 985-7455 J | Special lease rate available $39,700 REGENCY INFINITI 1768 Burrard St, Vancouver | (604) 739-7811 :