Getting re-shaped for the 2013 model year, the Nissan Sentra drops 150 pounds while undergoing a subtle transformation to a more upscale presentation. The new Sentra has a longer wheelbase and longer overall length although it’s slightly lower in height and width. But the end result is a sleeker body with its 0.29 coefficient of drag versus the prior model’s 0.34. The test driven Sentra rang up plenty of highway and city miles, but the fuel needle barely moved. (This compact sedan claims best-in-class combined fuel economy of 34 mpg.) The 106.3-inch wheelbase Sentra also proved to be an easy handling car with a 34.8-foot turning diameter and nimble steering (3.3 turns lock-to-lock).

Powering Sentra is a new 1.8-liter 4-cylinder producing 130 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 128 pounds-feet of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine mates to a next-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission. Sentra is available in six trim levels. The base (S trim) model is offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. Standard features include headlamps with LED accents (sedan compact segment exclusive), LED taillights, air conditioning with in-cabin micro-filter, remote keyless entry/trunk release/fuel filler door release, and tilt/telescopic steering column. Sentra’s roomy interior doesn’t bypass the rear seat riders; they get more than 37 inches of legroom. Compared to the prior model, the 2013 Sentra gains 2.0 cubic feet of trunk space (now 15.1 cubic feet). MSRP of Sentra SL with continuously variable transmission (CVT) is $19,760. Estimated mpg with the CVT-equipped sedan is 30 city/39 highway.