(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Nissan Middle East on Tuesday unveiled the Nissan Sentra, the new name in premium compact sedans, and hoped the vehicle will strengthen its position in the region.
With starting price around Dh55,000 (15,000), the car will be available across the Middle East by the end of January. First built in 1949, Sentra is new in the region, but it has got huge success across the globe, according to the company. GCC will be third biggest market globally after the US and China for Sentra.
There was 24.5 per cent growth in car sales in the Middle East during the first half (April-September, 2012) for Nissan compared to same period last year, Nissan Middle East managing director Atsuo Kosaka told reporters at the regional launch in Dubai.
Sentra will be positioned between Sunny and Altima and many of Sentra's technologies have never been seen in cars of this class before, reflecting its aspirational and upscale compact sedan positioning, the company claimed.
"The promise of Nissan Sentra is to allow a broad but discerning car buying audience to 'shine brighter'. Nissan Sentra's seductive design, unexpected spaciousness, class-defying features and ability to over-deliver on the basics move the game on significantly for compact sedans. We're confident the new Nissan Sentra will strengthen Nissan's position as market leader in what is a fiercely competitive segment," Kosaka said.
Sentra is Nissan's newest model in the 1.6-litre to 1.8-litre compact sedan segment offering the spaciousness and comfort of cars usually found in the segment above. Positioned to give an accessible premium experience, the Nissan Sentra will appeal to the aspirational, smart and savvy compact sedan buyer.
Launch of Sentra continues Nissan's product onslaught as the fifth all-new vehicle introduced in a 12-month period. Nissan Sentra is the all-new nameplate in the Middle East's compact sedan segment. It is however the 13th generation Nissan sedan in its model line globally.
It has seductive design with high-end details such as LED accented headlamps and taillamps and upscale interior craftsmanship. The Japanese car manufacturer claimed the vehicle provides unexpected spaciousness including class-leading legroom and boot space.
"Nissan Sentra's unique combination of features offers a driving experience associated with larger cars, creating an 'aesthetic of driving' which comes to this segment for the first time," said Kosaka-san.
The new Sentra places great emphasis on exterior and interior design quality with 'class-above style' when compared with competitive vehicles in the compact sedan segment. Externally, its well-balanced exterior proportions with characteristic lines and sculpted panels convey a 'professional' persona, a feel which is carried into the interior.
Comfortable seats, high quality materials and modern cabin design combined with abundant technology and features, are immediately striking as the driver or passenger enters the car.
