2014 Nissan Sentra will start at $16,800

Nissan's seventh-generation Sentra has proved to be a successful model for the brand, with sales up 16.6 percent. It was announced today that the 2014 Sentra will start at $16,800 for the base model including destination, the same as the 2013 model. Nissan will be making some improvements to the Sentra to further enhance its “class above” look and feel.

The 2014 Sentra will get Nissan's all-new NissanConnect Apps smartphone integration for iPhone and Android. It will allow the user to connect with Pandora, iHeartRadio, and Facebook, as well as various other apps through voice recognition. NissanConnect will also include SiriusXM Travel Link, which gives the driver information like fuel prices, movie times, stock updates and weather.

The Sentra will also receive some performance improvements such as noise reduction due to Nissan's improved body insulation as well as improved acceleration through a new Xtronic CVT. Nissan also claims that body roll has been reduced through the use of its retuned springs, shocks and thicker stabilizer bars.

The interior of the Sentra will sport a more refined design with Nissan's high-quality materials, soft-touch instrument panels and available leather-appointed seating and maple wood trim.

The 2014 Sentra will utilize Nissan's fuel-efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine combined with the CVT to help deliver an estimated 34 mpg combined. It will be offered in seven trim levels, which Nissan claims all deliver at least 34 mpg, while the FE+ trim levels claim to deliver 40 mpg highway. The base model S 6MT starts at $16,800 with the top-of-the-line SL CVT model starting at $20,400.

By Natalie Sejnost