A redesigned Sentra is due for 2006 as the first vehicle developed by Nissan with its French partner, Renault. It's structurally related to Renault's latest Euro-market Megane, which means a taller, roomier Sentra with a longer wheelbase, plus unique styling. Though Megane won Europe's 2003 Car of the Year award, Nissan stresses that new-Sentra powertrains, suspension and other underskin components will be Nissan's own, not Renault's. And Sentra will still be sourced from Japan, not France. We'd expect current engines to carry over with various improvements, but it's unclear whether Nissan will offer 2- and 4-dr hatchbacks like Renault or stick with "trunked" sedans.

For 2007, Sentra will reportedly add a hybrid powertrain option, the first from Nissan for regular retail sale. The gasoline-electric system is licensed from Toyota and may also be supplied by Japan's number-one automaker, though we can't confirm that. Powertrain specs are also unknown right now, but don't be surprised if they duplicate the Hybrid Synergy Drive of Toyota's much-in-demand new-generation Prius.