From the ’90s, when one talks about family sedans, four models come to mind: the dependable Toyota Corolla, the rally-inspired Mitsubishi Lancer, the VTEC-powered Honda Civic, and the Nissan Sentra.

Of these compact sedans, the Lancer was the first to disappear, as the ninth-generation model was the last global Lancer available. It was kept alive in certain markets like Taiwan before it was discontinued last year. Technically, the Lancer has been dead since 2020.

Meanwhile, the signs were clear for Nissan when the Philippine distributor kept selling the last B17 Sentras, called the Sylphy, even after the B18 model had been launched in other markets since 2019. The B18 never arrived in the country, as the B17 quietly faded in 2022.

With the parent company facing struggles and the global sales of C-segment sedans shrinking, you might think the Sentra is gone. However, Nissan previewed the B19 Sentra last year in China, and it has now been officially launched in the US. So, what has changed with the Japanese carmaker’s global compact sedan?

Despite being called “all-new,” the B19 Sentra is more of a facelift than a complete redesign. It shares the same Renault-Nissan CMF-C/D platform as the B18.

On the exterior, the front end resembles that of modern EVs like the Leaf and the Ariya. The sculpted hood integrates smoothly with the angular yet somewhat rounded front fascia.

Slim LED headlights frame the V-motion gloss-black grille, with lightbars interrupted by the Nissan emblem. The futuristic front looks different from the angular design of the B18.

The sides are all-new, featuring different character lines and fender details, along with 16- to 18-inch alloy wheels. It maintains a two-tone body finish on some variants, though the chrome trims now sit atop the window line, emphasizing the car’s fastback shape.

The rear end is just as eye-catching, with taillights that span the entire width of the car. A ducktail spoiler on SR models adds a sporty touch.

Nissan has extensively upgraded the interior. The dashboard has a fresh look, uniquely shaped to house dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system.

The latter supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and select models feature a six-speaker Bose premium audio system. The display also shows an intelligent around-view monitor with moving object detection.

Interior features include front and rear zero-gravity seats, capacitive touch HVAC controls, dual-zone climate control, 64-color customizable ambient lighting, three USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a myQ Universal Garage Door Opener.

The interior quality, the choice of materials, and especially the TailorFit quilted seats give a premium feel.

For safety, the new Sentra is equipped with Nissan’s ProPilot Assist suite of advanced driver-assist systems, including blind-spot intervention, intelligent forward-collision warning, and stop-and-go adaptive cruise control.

Under the hood, it features the same 2.0-liter MR20DD engine producing 149hp and 146Nm of torque. The only transmission option is the JATCO continuously variable transmission.

This setup delivers fuel economy of 30mpg city, 38mpg highway, and 33mpg combined. The new Sentra is priced between $22,400 (P1.33 million) and $27,990 (P1.66 million).

What are your thoughts on the B19 Sentra? Do you think NPI should bring back this model here?

After all, Honda and Toyota continue to sell the Civic and the Corolla locally. Do you believe introducing the Sylphy or the Sentra e-Power (available in China) should also be considered for the Philippine market?