Nissan Sentra Hatchback a Possibility, Automaker Says
A Nissan Sentra hatchback model is a possibility and the automaker is currently studying whether to bring it to market.
Speaking to WardsAuto, Tony Baehner, senior manager of product planning Nissan North America, confirmed that the company is studying the possibility of reviving a Sentra hatchback model. The first- and second-generation Sentra were available in a three-door hatchback body style as well as a five-door variant that was considered a wagon. Baehner noted that Nissan is considering a revival with a C-segment hatchback to offer consumers another choice and to match the competition in the market. Currently, the Ford Focus and Mazda3 hatchbacks rule the segment, making it difficult for new entries to compete.
In fact, Baehner said that hatchback versions of other C-cars, including the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte, have less than a 10-percent take rate. Chevrolet introduced its five-door Cruze hatchback at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show and Nissan plans to keep a close eye to see how it does when it comes to deciding whether a Sentra hatchback makes sense.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Nissan Sentra Updated Inside and Out
In related news, Nissan also promises that more engine offerings are on their way in the U.S. The current seventh-generation Sentra is only offered with a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, while many of its competitors have options including Honda, which just added a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2016 Civic, AutoGuide.com‘s Car of the Year.
[Source: WardsAuto]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Nissan says a hatchback Sentra is a possibility? I say BRING IT!