It's easy to be overwhelmed by the imaginative concept cars at the Detroit Show but new models you can actually buy are what auto shows are all about. One of considerable relevance, as North America moves to smaller vehicles, is the Nissan Sentra. It seems like ages since Nissan offered a fresh new Sentra, making this car especially welcome.

Taking design cues from others in the Nissan line, the Sentra offers a more spacious interior, improved performance, and features that are decidedly upmarket... the latter following the European mode of small cars loaded with near-luxury options. Power comes from an all-new 16-valve 2.0-litre DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine with 135-plus hp and an estimated 140-plus lb-ft of torque. (The plusses are Nissan's, not mine. Exact figures are not yet established.) I'm impressed with the transmission options: a standard 6-speed manual and an optional second-generation CVT (continuously variable) automatic developed for quicker throttle response. Electric power steering is standard, ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution is optional.

The Sentra includes a floating shifter in a mini center-console jutting out from the bottom of the instrument panel. There's an overhead 8-disc CD holder and and available features include a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, audio input jack, and a Rockford Fosgate MP3-compatible CD-changer. Power locks and windows, air conditioning, full-length side-curtain airbags, and side airbags are standard. The Sentra goes on sale in the fall as a 2007, priced around $15,000.

For more on Nissan and the Sentra check this Detroit Free Press article.