2013 Sentra Unveiled

Most 2013 Sentras will clock in at 30 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, while a special fuel-economy package will get 40 mpg. 

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issan has been lagging in the compact car game as its Sentra hasn't been aging gracefully, and the company is looking to rectify that with the redesigned 2013 Sentra.

Looking very much like a smaller version of the 2013 Altima mid-size sedan, the next Sentra will be powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that actually makes less power than the current car's 2.0-liter mill. With 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque, the 1.8 sacrifices 10 horsepower and 19 lb-ft of torque from the previous car.

The 2013 Nissan Sentra.

Most 2013 Sentras will be equipped with a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT), although a six-speed stick will be available on base models. Most 2013 Sentras will clock in at 30 mpg city and 39 mpg highway (34 combined), while a special fuel-economy package (dubbed FE+) will get you 40 mpg on the highway.

Nissan is claiming a weight-savings of 150 pounds in a car that's slightly larger overall. Nissan also says the new Sentra is roomier inside than the outgoing model.

Available trim levels include S, S FE+, SV, SV FE+, SL, and a sporty SR, although all the SR really gets in the way of sporty options is an appearance package (which includes fog lamps and a rear spoiler) and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Nissan will be offering the Sentra with such available features as: leather seating, air conditioning, a tilt/telescope steering wheel, power door locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, an auxiliary jack, a USB port, a Bose premium audio system with eight speakers, satellite radio, dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, keyless entry and starting, NissanConnect telematics with navigation system (also includes a hands-free text-messaging assistant and traffic and weather alerts), Bluetooth, and Pandora.

Pricing will be available this fall.