Nissan Sylphy test drive

NISSAN’S new signature trapezoidal front grille and Xenon headlamps give the Sylphy a premium look. photos by aida sevilla-mendoza

IN THE COCKPIT, luminiscent meters, leather seats, matte silver trim, XTronic CVT.

Whenever the Nissan Sentra is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is a taxicab or a dowdy entry-level compact sedan. All that is changing now that the Sylphy, the Sentra’s presumed successor in the keenly competed C segment, has been launched on the market by Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI)

In direct contrast with the Sentra, the 2014 Sylphy transcends the C segment with its exquisite, class-above features.  Instead of highlighting sporty or high-performance aspirations like other players in the C segment do with their spoilers and aero body kits, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. focused on a premium look and feel both outside and inside, class-leading comfort and spaciousness and efficient engineering.

NISSAN’S new 1.8-liter MRA8DE engine with Twin C-VTC and Dual Injector System delivers 129 hp (131 ps) and 174 Nm max torque.

The fully redesigned third generation Sylphy, known in Japan as the Bluebird Sylphy, was unveiled at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show.  Since its debut in 2012, 480,000 units of the new Sylphy have been sold in 80 countries worldwide.  One of Nissan’s core global models to be marketed in 120 countries, it was introduced in Manila by NPI last March together with the Altima, which is sold in other markets as the Teana or Maxima.

SUBTLE. The Sylphy’s exterior design is not the kind that immediately grabs attention, but rather the kind that grows on you and impresses you gradually, subtly with its sleek elegance. A lower roofline and beltline give the Sylphy a forward-looking stance. The car’s aerodynamic shape provides lower air resistance and excellent under floor air flow to achieve a coefficient of drag of 0.29.

A LOWER roofline and beltline give the Sylphy a forward-looking stance while LED taillights enhance the premium look.

At the same time, Nissan’s new signature trapezoidal chromed front grille, diamond-inspired Xenon headlights supplemented by six LED daytime running accent lights that sparkle like tiny jewels, matched by six LED accent lights at the back surrounding horseshoe-shaped combination taillights, chrome finished door handles and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels create a distinctive, luxurious presence for the Sylphy on the road.

The premium look and feel plus practicality are carried over into the ultraspacious cabin with its start/stop push button, impeccable fit and finish, soft-touch materials, matte silver trim, luminescent meters, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with handsome stitching, automatic dual zone climate control with rear aircon vents, six-speaker sound system, front center console with retractable cup holders, center armrest for rear seat passengers with cupholders and utility storage pockets in the door panels.

There is a large multi-information display screen integrated into the instrument panel, but it shows a limited amount of info at any one time.  The driver has to continuously cycle between displays.  The screen is blank most of the time, which is a waste.

NISSAN claims that the Sylphy is the roomiest in the compact sedan segment with more knee room and shoulder room.

CLASS-LEADING. Built on a stretched platform and a class-leading wheelbase of 2,700 millimeters, the third generation Sylphy is 50 mm shorter than its predecessor but 60 mm wider.  This translates into  shoulder room increasing by 30 mm, while rear legroom expands to 680 mm.  The cavernous trunk space of 510 liters is made possible by the torsion beam rear suspension. Under the trunk mat is a full-size spare wheel.

Aside from its high quality, roomy interior, the Sylphy is noted for its quiet, comfortable ride. It soaks up road imperfections and bumps.  NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) have been reduced by an improved frame, stiffer cross member and added insulation.  A longer suspension travel works together with high-response dampers to minimize vibration.

The top-of-the-line Sylphy, which I test-drove, is powered by a new lightweight 1.8-liter MR8ADE engine featuring Twin C-VTC (Twin Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control system), dual injectors and a “diamond-like” carbon coating that reduces friction for a smoother, more fuel-efficient driving performance.  The enhanced XTronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with revised internals helps to improve the smooth delivery of the MR8ADE powerplant’s 129 horsepower (131 ps) and 174 Newton-meters max torque.  The XTronic CVT, by the way, does not have virtual pre-programmed ratios available via manual selection.  You can only choose between the regular “D” driving mode, “L” for low ratios or push a Sport button on the gear level for more aggressive shifting.

BRISK. The Sylphy takes off from standstill briskly and crisply enough, but requires harder pedal work for expressway overtaking.  The electric power steering feels adequately weighted and offers satisfying feedback, which encourages you to take corners with more confidence—although the Sylphy displays some body lean around corners. After all, the Sylphy is not a sports sedan, but it goes where you point it, accelerates effortlessly and offers a smooth, creamy ride.  Nissan focused on fuel economy when they redesigned the Sylphy. Nissan claims 15.6 kilometers per liter based on Japan’s JC08 mode, but around 10 kpl is more likely.

HUGE trunk space of 510 liters is made possible by the torsion beam rear suspension.

The Sylphy’s brakes are strong without being grabby, thanks to the upgrade of the rear brakes from drums to discs. MacPherson struts up front and torsion beam at the rear are the standard suspension system in the C segment and the Sylphy does not transcend that.  The safety features of the full-spec Sylphy sold here are dual SRS airbags, antilock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA), intelligent key system with push button engine start and automatic on/off headlamps.

In Malaysia, on the other hand, the Sylphy has six airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control, and Traction Control System aside from the usual ABS with EBD and BA.  Most probably, NPI omitted those features to keep the retail price affordable at P998,000 for the 1.8-liter Upper CVT Sylphy.  Bottom line, the new Nissan Sylphy CVT with its premium styling, spacious, fully kitted cabin and fuel economy ranks among the C segment’s front liners.