The best feature in any car, the one that can make the biggest difference in your life, is one you hope you never have to use: Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.
These “secret” features relate to safety and are always vigilant and aware. They might not be obvious or listed as primary features. The engineers who design these safety features aim to save lives, not to make fancy proclamations. They just want the features to work and to prevent collisions.
One feature I’ve always appreciated is related to avoiding crashes. Intelligent Forward Collision Warning is becoming more common. What surprises me is that it’s available as a standard feature in the 2024 Nissan Sentra, which has a base price of $21,180. You read that right — what was once a luxury car feature is now available in an affordable sedan.
The rise of crossovers and SUVs
I have to lament a fact with you. I don’t test many cars anymore. Most are crossovers and SUVs these days because that’s what you, the consumer, want. I’m still a car guy through and through. Give me a sporty sedan that’s low to the ground and I’m happy. The Sentra has a new body design that is sleek and stylish. It’s a fun little car to drive.
How Intelligent Forward Collision Warning works
Intelligent Forward Collision Warning in the Sentra can sense when you are driving too close to the car in front of you. I’m not one of those people who will never hear the beeping sound and see the lights. I experienced the feature twice during my testing period.
The Sentra reads the location of a vehicle in front of you. If you get too close, it will beep once to get your attention. If you don’t react, there are multiple beeps to get your attention. They are not so loud that you will overreact, but they let you know it’s time to brake — the alert system works wonders.
I also experienced the multiple beeps. I wouldn’t say I was in imminent danger. The problem was that the car in front of me started to brake quickly. The Sentra was trying to alert me that it was time to react now instead of later.
Why this feature is worth it
I do believe this safety feature in the 2024 Nissan Sentra is worth upgrading to if you are shopping for a new car. I wish it was available in more cars on the road. But I’m pleased that it’s included on a compact sedan like this. Kudos to Nissan.