Now running six years on the same design, Nissan's Sentra is among the oldest entries in the compact sedan segment. With only an option package adjustment this year, there’s not a lot to woo consumers away from competitive offerings, despite the Sentra’s blend of practical performance. Today, six years is just five years too long.

The Sentra offers six trims - 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR, 2.0 SL, SE-R, and sporty SE-R Spec V. For 2012, the 2.0 S trims now have the option of a Technology package that adds a navigation system with traffic, satellite radio and a USB port, but requires the Convenience package, which contains a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, keyless access and start and Bluetooth. While nice additions, they’re not enough to keep the Sentra fresh and competitive, especially when the class is filled with entrants like the Focus, Golf, Mazda3 and Cruze. They all offer better handling, more power, more efficiency and newer designs.

2.0 trims are predictably powered by a 2.0-liter engine producing 140 horsepower, with the base 2.0 trim getting a 6-speed manual or CVT. The remaining trims get no such choice, with the CVT as the sole transmission, excepting the top-tier SE-R Spec V, which gets a 6-speed manual as well. SE-R and SE-R Spec V trims get a displacement bump by way of a 2.5-liter engine with 177 horses in the former and 200 even in the latter.

In the aftermath of the last redesign, the Sentra impressed with its list of standard features. While the years have made that list less impressive, it still comes well-equipped even in base trim. Traction and stability control, antilock brakes and daytime running lights are all standard along with six airbags, and the interior offers air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, bucket seats and a respectable power package. 2.0 S and SR trims add a power steering wheel and mirrors, alloy wheels, cruise control, iPod interface and remote keyless entry, while the SL gets the aforementioned Technology package as standard equipment.

With the performance-oriented SE-R trims, you’ll enjoy 4-wheel antilock discs, a sport suspension and 17-inch alloys, with the SE-R Spec V adding an even more aggressive suspension and summer tires instead of the standard SE-R’s all-seasons. With the stiffer suspensions, the Sentra wanders too far into jarring abruptness rather than nimble confidence. This makes the SE-R the best option of the bunch, with its stronger engine and the best suspension in the lineup. The Spec V is simply too stiff without an equal increase in actual performance.

Sadly, that seems to be the story overall for the Sentra – the negatives simply outweigh the positives. More specifically, the positives of the competition far outweigh those of the Sentra. It just can’t compete. Even worse, there are no scheduled redesigns for this aging entrant anytime soon, especially after a mild warming over in 2010. For now, it’s best to simply pass this one over.