B15 (2000–2006)
| Also called | Nissan Sentra 180, |
|---|---|
| Production | 2000–2006 |
| Model years |
2000 – 2006 2001 - 2006 Canada |
| Assembly | Aguascalientes, Mexico |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | Nissan MS platform |
| Engine | 1.8 L QG18DE I4 (126 hp) 2.0 L SR20DE I4 (145 hp) 2.5 L QR25DE I4 (165,175 hp) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed RE4F03B automatic (1.8L, 2.0L)l 4-speed RE4F03A automatic (2.5L) |
| Wheelbase | 99.8 in (2,535 mm) |
| Length | 177.5 in (4,509 mm) |
| Width | 67.3 in (1,709 mm) |
| Height | 55.5 in (1,410 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,513 lb (1,140 kg) |
The Sentra finally crossed over into the "compact" class when the redesigned model launched in February 2000 as a 2000 model (designated as a 2001 model in Canada). When new, this redesign was considered a substantial upgrade, compared to the "cheap" economy car it replaced. Previously, the compact class had been occupied by the Altima, which moved to the mid-size class in 2002, and its wheelbase remained unchanged from the previous generation. Also to be noted is that while earlier Sentras were very similar to their Japan-market B-series Nissan Sunny twins, the B15 Sentra diverged greatly from the B15 Sunny (Nissan Super Sunny). Production shifted from Smyrna, Tennessee to Aguascalientes, Mexico, and the Smyrna production line was retooled to build the Nissan Xterra. The 2000–2001 Sentra SE with the SR20DE Roller rocker motor, which has 145 hp (108 kW) and 136 lb·ft (184 N·m) of torque, occupied the top of the line Sentra until the SE-R returned in 2002. The 1.6 L GA16DE engine was dropped in favor of the 1.8 L QG18DE, rated at 126 hp (94 kW) and 129 pound-feet (175 N·m). In Brazil, this engine generated 113 hp (84 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 114 lb·ft (155 N·m) at 4,400 rpm. Numerous upgrades were made over the previous generation. The new model featured a new interior with higher quality plastics and more comfortable seats. The exterior was also substantially updated and now featured body-side moldings and clear headlights. The curb weight on the QG18DE-engined Sentra is 2,513 lb (1,140 kg). With the introduction of the B15 in year 2000, Nissan also introduced a CA 'Clean Air' trim only available in California. The CA trim boasts a double walled exhaust, 3 catalytic converters, quick catalyst warm up, and a radiator that has a special coating which actually changes ground level ozone (smog) into oxygen. The Sentra CA model is the only gasoline-fueled vehicle in the world to receive California Air Resources Board (CARB) super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) certification and obtain zero emission credits.
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