Sentra Hatchback Coming Back?

Nissan Motor Co. is considering relaunching a hatchback version of its Sentra compact car in the U.S.

To help determine the market potential for the model, Nissan plans to track sales of the 5-door Chevrolet Cruze that’s due to hit the streets later this year, Tony Baehner, senior manager of product planning for Nissan North America, tells WardsAuto. But he cautions that the growing popularity of small crossover vehicles is eating into hatchback sales, which currently are dominated by the Ford Focus and Mazda3.

Nissan sold 3- and 5-door Sentras in the U.S. from 1982 to 1990. The Renault Megane—essentially a twin of the Sentra—already is available as a 5-door wagon in Europe.

Nissan also plans to offer more engines in the Sentra to better compete against its rivals, WardsAuto says. The only engine currently available in the Sentra is a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder unit, while its chief competitors all offer at least two choices.