OREANDA-NEWS. The 2015 Nissan Sentra is the top Compact Car in the 2015 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study? (IQS), the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality. Sentra – also awarded an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" earlier this year – received the award yesterday at the Automotive Press Association (APA) Luncheon in Detroit. Additionally, the 2015 Nissan Quest earned the top spot in the Minivan segment.

Now in its 29th year, the Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 84,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2015 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. Initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study was fielded between February and May 2015.

"In the very competitive segment of compact sedans, Sentra continues to separate itself with a strong combination of quality, safety, value, style and more," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations. "Driven by owner feedback, the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study serves as an important benchmark for new vehicle quality, further demonstrating the worth of Sentra and Quest as top contenders in their respective segments."

The elegant, modern and refined exterior of the Sentra reflects a "professional" character targeted at buyers who aspire to drive something more premium than traditionally available in this segment. It features Nissan's bold signature trapezoid-shaped grille and large wraparound headlights with standard LED accents and LED taillights.

The refined look continues inside with a high-quality interior design featuring materials not usually found in compact vehicles, including soft-touch instrument panel and door armrests, available leather-appointed seating and available Maple wood-tone trim. Along with offering ample roominess in a compact-size exterior, including an outstanding 37.4 inches of rear seat legroom, the intuitive interior layout emphasizes driver control and outstanding seat comfort for all occupants.

Sentra utilizes a fuel-efficient 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, which along with the next-generation Xtronic transmission with sub-planetary gear, helps the Sentra FE+ S model deliver 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined – resulting in a more than 415-mile real-world driving range*.

Safety and security features standard on all 2015 Sentras include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; three-point front and rear seatbelts, front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors; and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).

Other available features range from Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control and a Bose® Premium audio system with 8 speakers, to Nissan Intelligent Key® keyless entry and push button ignition system and RearView Monitor. The 2015 Nissan Sentra is offered in six models: S 6MT, S CVT, FE+ S, SV, SR and SL.

The boldly styled Nissan Quest is offered in four well-equipped models: S, SV, SL and Platinum. It offers a range of family friendly features, including one-touch power sliding doors, quick release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, Advanced Climate Control System and an always-available rear storage well.

The sophisticated, modern exterior of the Quest combines fluid sculptural elements with a dynamic mass and crafted details. The low sliding door step-in height is helpful for small children or older adults getting into the 2nd or 3rd rows and to assist entry further, the 2nd row features a standard walk-in device for easier access to the 3rd row. A one-touch unlock/open power rear liftgate is standard on Quest SL and Platinum models. Third row power return seatbacks are standard on Quest Platinum.