Being a publication primarily focused on luxury and performance, here at Ignition we normally don't pay a great deal of attention to regular everyday drivers like the Nissan Sentra. As good a car as it is, the Sentra doesn't really fit our coverage mandate.

However, with the reveal  of the 2017 Sentra SR Turbo at the Miami Auto Show, it looks like the compact Nissan sedan is soon going to warrant more of our attention. Why? The addition of the Sentra SR Turbo to the model range. Due to go on sale later this fall, this turbo Sentra is powered by a 1.6-litre direct-injected turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque, and is mated either to a six-speed manual or Xtronic CVT transmission.

All told, the Sentra SR Turbo will deliver 50 percent more horsepower and 40 percent more torque over the non-turbo Sentra. Exciting indeed! Suffice it to say, we look forward to getting our hands on one to see how it performs.

For more, check out Nissan Canada's official statement below. 

MIAMI, FLA/Mississauga, Ont. – The new 2017 Sentra SR Turbo made its world debut at the 46th annual Miami International Auto Show. Also making its debut at the show, which runs from September 10th through the 18th at the Miami Beach Convention Center, is the new 2017 Nissan Rogue. The new Sentra SR Turbo joins the popular Sentra sedan lineup later this fall in Nissan showrooms nationwide.

Sentra is Nissan's second best-selling vehicle in Canada with sales up 6.1 per cent this year (through August). The new Sentra SR Turbo is expected to help keep the sales momentum going by expanding its market reach.

At the heart of the SR Turbo is its new 1.6-litre Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG^TM) turbocharged engine that delivers a 50 per cent horsepower increase from the normally aspirated 1.8-litre Sentra SR powerplant. Rated at 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, the new SR Turbo engine offers 64 more horsepower and 52 more lb-ft of torque than non-turbo 2017 Sentra grades.  

To help handle the increased power and torque, the new Sentra SR Turbo also receives an enhanced body structure, revised steering system, larger front disc brakes, new 6-speed manual or Xtronic transmission with manual mode and unique suspension tuning. The result is improved acceleration from standing starts and highway passing, improved handling and enhanced ride comfort.

"The Sentra SR Turbo is designed for buyers who want all the attributes of traditional compact sedans but also desire some serious turbo performance," said Bert Brooks, senior manager, Product Planning, Nissan Canada Inc. "The SR Turbo builds upon the redesigned Sentra and adds 50 per cent more horsepower and more than 40 per cent more torque, as well as the upgrades where drivers will feel them. It's truly the complete package for compact car buyers and enthusiasts alike."

The SR Turbo Premium Package, the only option package available with the SR Turbo, includes Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), leather-appointed seating and Bose® Premium audio system with eight speakers.

Also part of the Premium Package is NissanConnect^SM with Navigation and Mobile Apps – with 5.8-inch colour touch-screen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for audio and navigation, SiriusXM® Traffic and SiriusXM® Travel Link® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) and NissanConnect Mobile Apps.

All Sentra SR models feature LED low beam projector headlights with LED accents, lower body side sill extensions, rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light, fog lights, chrome exhaust finisher, heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals, and unique design 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 205/50R17 all-season tires. Inside, Sentra SR includes sport interior trim, premium sport cloth seats, driver's seatback pocket, heated front seats, a 5.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display (ADAD) and standard Siri Eyes Free™ Voice Recognition.

In addition to the new Sentra SR Turbo, the 2017 Sentra is offered in three other grade levels: Sentra S (6MT and Xtronic), SV (Xtronic), and SL (Xtronic).

Photography courtesy of Nissan Canada