Nissan announces pricing on the 2007 Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V
When Nissan first announced the Sentra SE-R, they promised that the hotter Spec V model would offer 200 horsepower for around $20,000. Official SE-R pricing is out and they've kept their promise -- the Spec V will list for $19,900 plus a $615 destination fee, for a total of $20,515. The base Sentra SE-R -- which has 177 horsepower and a softer suspension but gains the awesome CVT automatic transmission -- lists for $500 less ($20,015 with destination).
So where does that put the Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V in relation to the competition? Well, the 197 horsepower Honda Civic Si has a base price of $21,885, while the 200 hp Volkswagen GTI 4-door starts at $23,230.
$1,370 price difference notwithstanding, I think the Civic Si generates way more grins per mile, and that makes it a better buy. If circumstances dictate driving an automatic, through, the Sentra SE-R Base (and a fistful of aftermarket go-faster parts) is probably your best bet, as the Civic Si doesn't offer a self-shifting transmission. The GTI is a lot more expensive than the Sentra SE-R, but it's also a better handling car. Could $2700 worth of engine and suspension modifications make the SE-R Spec V as competent as the GTI? Probably, but as I pointed out in my review of the '06 2-door version, with the GTI you can just turn the key and go. -- Aaron Gold
Related:
- 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V test drive
- 2007 Honda Civic Si test drive
- 2007 Volkswagen GTI 4-door test drive
- 2006 Volkswagen GTI 2-door test drive
Photo © Aaron Gold
When is Nissan coming out with a Hybrid at a good price?
They put out the Altima Hybrid with Toyota bits but um…people have stopped caring. Hybrids are a fad that brought some good technology that can now be integrated into the mainstream. I’d say most cars going forward will have some integrated hybrid elements but without the cost and weight (and potential environmental waste) of the total package.