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2003 Nissan C-Note Concept

Is This the Next-Generation Sentra?

The Sentra has been a giant seller for Nissan over the years. Of course, this should be expected being that in North America, where the subcompact Micra is no longer sold for reasons unknown, it is the Japanese brands entry vehicle.

But its getting time for a redo. Not just a facelift, like it received for the 2004 model year, but a complete ground up wholesale makeover. To be fair Nissan, and its premium division Infiniti, has been on an unprecedented product roll that includes so many new models its quicker to name cars that havent yet been affected. The Sentra is one of these models.

Contrary to what these photos might imply, the yellow hatchback pictured in these pages is not Nissans version of parent company Renaults Mégane II. The C-Note concept, making its debut at this years Tokyo auto show, is Nissans new idea test bed for its upcoming C-segment car, the replacement

The C-Note concept, making its debut at this years Tokyo auto show, is Nissans new idea test bed for the next-generation Sentra. (Photo: Nissan)

for the Sentra - Almera in Europe and Sunny in Japan.

With a next-generation Sentra expected just around the corner, its no surprise that a newly revitalized Nissan is eager to show what theyve got. Taller and broader than the current sedan, the 167 inche long C-Note pulls a fair bit of influence from Renaults modern hatchbacks - no bad thing being that the latest Mégane has taken its fair share of awards. Crystal-like five-sided headlamps take on a similar look to the French hatch, as does the bulbous rear end.

On the other hand, the raised hood and sweeping fenders, plus the glasshouse look, are distinctly different, seemingly borrowed from

Although it may look similar, the C-Note hatchback pictured in these pages is not Nissans version of parent company Renaults M?gane II. (Photo: Renault)

Peugeots popular 307. Mind you, it wouldnt be fair to just point out similarities to current European competitors, as a large dose of styling content comes from Nissans global divisions. The combination of beveled and curved edges is inspired by the subcompact Micra, while the thin SkyView roof looks to the 2004 Maxima.

Around back, the five-sided rear window, stretched 350Z style tail lamps, and low loading lip are similar in design to Mazdas new 3. Still, it looks good. And in North America, the brands largest market, only the Mazda will cause any comparison as Renault and Peugeot pulled out years ago.

But this presupposes that the C-Note concept will become reality, and then that it will make its way across the Pacific looking even remotely like the very Euro inspired car shown here. One likely way to tell a frivolous concept

The C-Notes cabin could easily pass for that of a production car, though some may argue that its a bit on the plain side. (Photo: Nissan)

from a production car in waiting is interior fit and finish. The C-Notes cabin could easily pass for that of a production car. Though some may argue that its a bit on the plain side, the combination of light and dark earth tones, large windows surrounding and glass sunroof above makes for an airy, welcoming place to be.

Nowadays its hardly rare to find genuine wood and leather on a car in this segment of the market, and the C-Note follows suit. Nissan uses its experience building premium Infiniti models to its advantage, creating an elegant interior design that includes especially thin air vents and chromed gauges. A simple, yet easy to navigate LCD-based infotainment system is mounted on the center console. Similar to Audis MMI system, there are six main menus activated by their respective buttons. The large knob in the center adjusts everything from navigation to the audio system.

Not quite a pure hatchback nor a multi-purpose carrier, and definitely not a sport utility vehicle, the C-Note seems to bridge the gap between

Who knows if the next-generation Sentra that hits our local showrooms will look anything like this concept? Its still fun to speculate. (Photo: Nissan)

all popular configurations currently available in the C-segment.

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