that attracts much attention, but it's quietly competent and efficient.

And if it's not a head-turner, its lines are smooth and contemporary, which

can't be said for all its competitors. The high rear decklid, low hood

line and steeply raked windshield slip through the wind with a low 0.33

coefficient of drag, which helps improve fuel efficiency and keeps wind

noise to a minimum.

All Sentras are four-door sedans. Nissan also builds a sporty two-door

model called the 200SX, which uses the same platform and most of the same

running gear. But that's another story.

Nissan's 115-horsepower 1.6-liter dual overhead-cam 16-valve four-cylinder

engine powers all Sentras. This engine has an impressive EPA fuel economy

rating of 40 mpg on the highway, 30 mpg city when paired with the standard

five-speed manual gearbox. Naturally, ratings fall off with the optional

four-speed automatic transmission, but not by much--36 highway, 27 city.

Those figures put the Sentra among the most fuel-efficient compact sedans.

Four trim levels are available: the basic Sentra, followed by the XE,

GXE and GLE. They look similar, though lower body side sill extensions

lend a sportier look to the GXE and GLE.

Only fleet buyers are likely to be attracted to the $11,919 base model,

which comes with black bumpers and skinny P155/80R-13 tires on plain steel

wheels. There's only one outside mirror, no radio, no air conditioning

and no power steering, and there are no options.

The other models offer increasing levels of comfort and convenience,

each model building on the lower model's standard equipment list.

Moving up to the $14,069 XE brings air conditioning and an AM/FM/cassette

stereo with four speakers, key features that are separate options on many

compacts. The XE also includes power steering, and its rear anti-roll bar

reduces body lean in corners. Other small but civilizing touches: intermittent

wipers, remote releases for the trunk and fuel filler door, body-colored

bumpers and a passenger-side mirror. The last two items do a lot to relieve

the cheap-car look of the basic Sentra.

For $15,219, the GXE adds comfort and convenience. Knitted cloth seats

replace the woven cloth, and nicer door trim warms up the appearance. Split

fold-down rear seats add to the cargo carrying capability. Power windows

and door locks, a trunk light and a passenger's vanity mirror make life

easier. The GXE can be distinguished by the addition of black body side

moldings, which are body-colored on the top-of-the-line GLE.

In addition to its monochrome trim, the $16,069 GLE substitutes velour

for the GXE's knit fabric, and also includes a large tachometer and a remote

keyless entry system with an alarm.

Tires are another consideration. The XE and GXE replace the base model's

cheap-as-possible tires with sensible P175/70R-13 radials. They come on

the basic 13-inch steel wheels, but at least they have hubcaps. Handling

performance is further enhanced on the GLE model with lower profile P175/65R-14

tires on wider 5.5x14-inch aluminum alloy wheels that improve appearance

considerably. Fortunately, these wheels and tires can be ordered as an

option on the other models.

Adding a four-speed automatic transmission costs $800 on the XE and

GXE, $550 on the GLE.

Our GXE felt well-appointed, though the only option was the $499 anti-lock

braking system--a good price for this important safety feature--which raised

the bottom line to $15,718.