According to Nissan, economy cars don’t have to look boring anymore. In an attempt to deliver go fast style at an affordable rate the Japanese automaker is introducing their newest edition to the Sentra family. The latest of seven available Sentra options, the SR model, combines the physical attributes of the high-performance SE-R and 200 HP Spec V models at a price only $1000 above the base model Sentra, the FE+ 2.0 that comes with 15 inch steelies and no ABS.

The car is officially known as the Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR and is scheduled to go on sale nationwide on April 17th of this year. Priced at only $17,760 the SR model costs the same at the well optioned FE+ 2.0 S that comes with a continuously variable transmission.

Pretty much everything that makes the SR special is cosmetic. The owner can choose from six colors for their SR, including those colors once reserved exclusively for the SE-R and Spec V models. Starting up front there is a Sentra SE-R styled front bumper complete with a sports inspired mesh grill and dark chrome accents surrounding the headlights. Lower side skirts borrowed from the SE-R help to close the gap between the vehicle and the pavement. Sitting on top of the trunk is a sporty looking spoiler straight from an SE-R. Differentiating the SR from ordinary Sentras are smoked taillight housings. The molded lip at the bottom of the rear bumper resembles the SE-R’s except that on the SR it is slightly raised in the middle. Finishing off the sporty looking Sentra is the proprietary SR badge on the right side of the trunk.

Press release after the jump.

2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR

Specifications
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  • Model: 2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR
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Press release

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced an expansion of the popular Nissan Sentra line-up with the addition of a sport-styled Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR model. The Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide beginning on April 17, 2009. The Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $17,760, the same price as the Sentra FE+ 2.0 S model. The full 2009 Sentra lineup now features seven models, ranging from the entry-level Sentra FE+ 2.0 to the performance-oriented Sentra SE-R Spec V.

“With so much attention being paid to high value, high mileage vehicles like Sentra today, we want to offer customers a range of choices within the lineup – so they can find the perfect level of equipment, sportiness and performance to fit their needs and budgets,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, NNA.
 
The new Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR was created in response to customer demand for a sportier looking Sentra without going all the way up to the high-performance Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V models. The “SR” starts with a standard Sentra 2.0 S and adds sport-inspired exterior enhancements, including SE-R-style front and rear fascias, side sills and rear spoiler; sport grille; dark chrome bezel headlights and dark smoked bezel taillights; 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; exhaust finisher; and “SR” trunk lid badge. It is available in six exterior colors, including the limited Sentra SE-R/SE-R Spec V colors, and will be offered with a Charcoal cloth interior.
 
Along with a range of models, the 2009 Sentra is available with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. All models except the SE-R and SE-R Spec V are equipped with a fuel-efficient 140-horsepower (135 hp CAL emissions) 16-valve 2.0-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine. Estimated fuel economy is 34 mpg Highway/26 mpg City (Sentra FE+ 2.0-liter with CVT).
The 2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V models feature sporty styling, enhanced performance and additional standard equipment (versus non-SE-R models) and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (rated at 177 horsepower in the SE-R and 200 horsepower in the SE-R Spec V). Available Sentra transmissions choices (depending on model) are the advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) and 6-speed manual.
 
“We’ve been inviting customers to take a closer look at Sentra for its value, style and performance. Now we’re adding one more reason – more choice,” said Castignetti.