2010 Nissan Sentra gets styling tweaks, lower price and $400 nav package

2010 Nissan Sentra – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Sentra is usually considered a mid-pack contender for the small car crown behind such heavyweights as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, but Nissan has made some key changes for model year 2010 that may change a number of minds. For one, all Sentra models have received revised headlights and taillights, and certain models including the 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL also get entirely new front fascias that better reflect the brand’s current design language. New wheels and bits of chrome exterior trim on some models also spruce up the small car’s exterior for 2010. Inside the Sentra, Nissan has made leather seating an option, upgraded the stereo head unit with a 4.3-inch display and now offers a Navigation Package for just $400 with a 5-inch color touchscreen and access to XM NavTraffic.

Speaking of lower prices, Nissan has responded to the times by reducing the price on all six Sentra models (2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR, 2.0 SL, SE-R and SE-R Spec V). There’s a new overall base price of $15,420 for a 2.0 model with manual transmission, which is $70 lower than last year’s model. The biggest savings comes with the SE-R and SE-R Spec V models, both of which are $1,080 cheaper than last year with base prices of $19,580 and $20,080, respectively. You can check out all the prices changes after the jump, though keep in mind that all prices mentioned do not include a destination and delivery charge of $720.

Nevertheless, the new Sentra, for which Nissan has only released three photos but promises more, looks more mature than the overly edgy current model. Combine that with more features and options available at a lower starting price across the board, and we think the Sentra may have a fighting chance of moving up a spot or two in the small car segment.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Sentra