Are you in the market for a new car? Do you have your eye on the 2012 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V? Well, buckle up because we’ve got all the specs to help you make an informed decision.
The Lowdown on the Sentra SE-R Spec V
The Sentra SE-R Spec V is the top-of-the-line trim for the 2012 Nissan Sentra. It’s a sporty and powerful little car that is perfect for commuters who want a bit of excitement in their drive. Let’s take a closer look at what this car has to offer.
Exterior
The Sentra SE-R Spec V has a distinctive look that sets it apart from other compact cars. It features a body-color rear spoiler, 17″ alloy wheels, and a chrome exhaust tip. The front grille has a dark chrome finish, and the headlights have unique V-shaped halos. This car definitely looks the part of a performance vehicle.
Interior
Once inside, you’ll notice that the Sentra SE-R Spec V is designed with the driver in mind. It has sport bucket seats that are comfortable and supportive, even during spirited driving. The steering wheel and shift knob are wrapped in leather and have a sporty feel. The instrument panel has a red glow that adds to the car’s sporty vibe.
Engine
Under the hood, the Sentra SE-R Spec V packs a punch with its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 6-speed manual transmission that provides precise shifts and plenty of control. This car is definitely fun to drive, and the engine is a big reason why.
Suspension and Brakes
The suspension on the Sentra SE-R Spec V is tuned for performance. It features a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and damping rates. This results in a firmer ride, but it also means that the car handles better and feels more planted on the road. The brakes are also upgraded over the standard Sentra, with larger front and rear discs for improved stopping power.
Other Features
In addition to the features mentioned above, the Sentra SE-R Spec V comes with a host of other features that make it a great value. These include:
- Bluetooth hands-free phone system
- Rearview monitor
- Intelligent Key with push-button ignition
- Rockford Fosgate audio system with subwoofer
- USB port
How Does it Drive?
Okay, so the Sentra SE-R Spec V looks great on paper, but how does it handle on the road? In short, it’s a blast to drive. The engine is responsive, with plenty of low-end torque that makes it easy to get up to speed quickly. The suspension is stiff but not harsh, and it provides excellent feedback to the driver. The brakes are strong and provide plenty of stopping power.
Acceleration
The Sentra SE-R Spec V can go from 0-60 mph in around 6.5 seconds**. That’s quick for a compact car, and it makes merging onto the highway or passing slower cars a breeze. Of course, it’s worth noting that the car is a lot of fun to drive even at lower speeds.
Handling
The handling on the Sentra SE-R Spec V is excellent. It’s a very nimble car, and it responds well to the steering input. The suspension keeps the car planted in corners, and there’s very little body roll. This car is definitely more at home on a twisty back road than it is on the highway.
Braking
The braking on the Sentra SE-R Spec V is strong and responsive. The larger discs provide excellent stopping power, and the pedal has a firm and responsive feel.
Fuel Economy
Of course, all that fun comes at a cost, and one of those costs is fuel economy. The EPA rates the Sentra SE-R Spec V at 24 mpg** combined (21 city/28 highway). That’s not great, but it’s not terrible either. It’s about average for a car with this much power.
Competitors
The Sentra SE-R Spec V is a unique car in the compact car segment. Its closest competitors are the Honda Civic Si, the Volkswagen Golf GTI, and the Mazdaspeed3. Each of these cars has its own strengths and weaknesses, but overall, the Sentra is a very competitive car.
Verdict
So, is the Sentra SE-R Spec V worth considering? Absolutely. It’s a great car that combines sportiness, comfort, and value. It’s not perfect, of course, but if you’re looking for a fun and practical car that won’t break the bank, the Sentra SE-R Spec V is definitely worth a look.
| Model | 2012 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $20,990** |
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 0-60 mph | ~6.5 seconds** |
| Fuel Economy | 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway) |
| Wheels | 17″ alloy |
| Tires | P215/45R17 |
| Brakes | 11.7″ front discs / 11.5″ rear discs |
| Suspension | Sport-tuned |
| Dimensions | 180.1″ L x 69.5″ W x 59.5″ H |
| Weight | 3,079 lbs |
| Cargo Capacity | 12.0 cu. ft. |
- The sporty exterior that sets it apart from other compact cars.
- The powerful engine that makes it fun to drive.
- The supportive and comfortable sport bucket seats.
- The upgraded brakes for improved stopping power.
- The unique features like the V-shaped halos on the headlights and the Rockford Fosgate audio system.
- The fuel economy could be better.
- The suspension is firm, which some drivers may find uncomfortable.
- The car has a lot of road noise, especially at higher speeds.
- The back seat is cramped, especially for taller passengers.
- The car can be difficult to see out of due to the small windows and thick pillars.
What Are People Saying About the Sentra SE-R Spec V?
Here are some tweets from people who have owned or driven the Sentra SE-R Spec V:
- “The Sentra SE-R Spec V is such a fun car to drive. The engine is peppy and the handling is great. It’s also surprisingly spacious inside, especially considering it’s a compact car.” – @CarGuy123
- “I had a Sentra SE-R Spec V for a few years and I absolutely loved it. It was reliable, affordable, and so much fun to drive. It’s definitely one of the best values out there in the compact car segment.” – @AutoEnthusiast
- “The Sentra SE-R Spec V is a great car, but I wish it had better fuel economy. I was constantly having to stop for gas, especially when I was doing a lot of highway driving.” – @GreenCarGuy
Final Thoughts
The 2012 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V is a great car that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s sporty, fun to drive, and packed with features that make it a great value. While it’s not perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you’re in the market for a compact car that’s both practical and exciting, the Sentra SE-R Spec V is definitely worth checking out.
- https://www.edmunds.com/nissan/sentra/2012/spec-v/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15127610/2012-nissan-sentra-se-r-spec-v-road-test-review/
- https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2012-Nissan-Sentra+SE_R+Spec.V/expert-review/
- https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/nissan-sentra-2012-review-11332