Actually two months I participated in a stlying clinic for Nissans new Sentra sedan (looked nice) and well as two even smaller cars (sedan and 5-door hatch)that will be positioned below the Sentra if Nissan decides to bring them stateside.

The next-gen Sentra was full driveable prototype but it was still just a prototype so the fit and finish was not up to production standards.

 

I was wondering if the U.S. market Sentra looked anything like the Japanese homemarket Nissan Latio? The nissan.co.jp site is pretty easy to navigate.

 

The Latio (sedan) and Tida (5-door hatch) were evaluated for cars to be positioned below the next-gen Sentra. The concern Nissan has with the next-gen Sentra is that while it looks a 100X better then the current one and has a more upscale look/feel it will cost more and they will most likely need a new entry level car(s) to slot below the next-gen Sentra.

My opinion after seeing all three cars in person (1 being best):

1. Next-Gen Sentra
2. Tida
3. Latio

 

That concept looks nice, if a bit over the top. But by the time it goes from drawing to concept, it'll calm down a bit. Then concept to production will probably calm down more. However I don't doubt Nissan's willingness or ability to produce a wildly styled "basic" car. It'd sell like mad, too. Good that some companies are willing to take chances.

 

Can I assume that the Sentra replacement will be bit larger than the Latio sedan? If so, I'd bet that we're talking about a car that will replace the current Sylphy in the Japan.

 

I was thinking Honda Insight and a Prius, but that works too

 

It's amazing how they kill the 350z by creating a miniature version of it.

Yay for beancounters.

 

Nah, the Sentra-based coupe is more of a return to the 200NX/240SX segment. There's plenty of room for a sub-350Z "sporty car." Notice I didn't say "sports car."