STYLING takes a step-up from the previous Sentra, and Sylphy’s new look conveys a sense of sophisticated elegance. Photos by Charles E. Buban
Nissan could have named this car Katana, that graceful yet formidable Japanese sword. Or they could have chosen an enigmatic badge like XB-111. Alas, we will all have to get used to “Sylphy,” which Nissan resurrected to rename its latest global compact car model.
Sylphy, which was coined from the word sylph—those graceful elemental spirits of the air—replaces the aging Sentra brand.
For Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI), the new name is symbolic as the Japanese car brand recently underwent a reboot. Before last February’s merger, the Nissan brand was represented by two companies: Universal Motors Corp. assembled and sold the utility vehicle range, such as the Patrol and Urvan, while Nissan Motor Philippines Inc. assembled and sold passenger cars such as the Sentra and Teana sedans.
THE SYLPHY is Nissan’s new compact global sedan that will be sold in more than 120 markets worldwide.
NPI hopes that the new compact sedan’s distinctive sophistication, elegance and refinement will give its renaming strategy a very visible boost.
First shown
The P988,000 Sylphy was first shown at last year’s Beijing Auto Show in China. Nissan said that this car has been developed with a primary focus on both exterior and interior design, at the same time keeping the well-received features of the outgoing car.
INSIDE, Sylphy’s soft pad trim provides a premium interior feel.
Indeed, the designers at Nissan deserve a big pat on the back for giving the Sylphy an upmarket look: The lower roofline and beltline give it a forward-moving stance. From the side, the flowing character line runs from the curved front fender to the rear combination lights (which feature a large, bold horseshoe-shaped design LED lights). Such aerodynamic body shape is said to provide lower air resistance and optimized underfloor airflow, enabling it to achieve the coefficient of drag of 0.29.
The Sylphy features Nissan’s new signature trapezoidal grille flanked by two large Xenon headlamps, each equipped with ubiquitous LED daytime running lights.
Climbing in, it is immediately evident that Nissan designers have put in efforts for the cabin. Fit and finish is very good, complemented by the suede-like trim that is almost silky smooth (the 1.8-liter variant has leather seats), evoking the finest sense of tactile aesthetics. Also notable is the push start/stop button, factory-fitted audio (Sony) system (with six speakers) and dual-zone climate control.
New engine
THE SYLPHY has an optimized interior layout that creates ample rear legroom. PHOTOS BY CHARLES E. BUBAN
The Sylphy this writer recently drove is powered by the latest 1.8-liter MRA8DE Twin CVTC (continuously variable valve timing control) engine that generates a maximum power output of 129 horsepower (at 6,000 revolutions per minute) and torque of 174 Newton-meter (at 3,600 rpm). The only transmission available for this variant is Nissan’s own Xtronic CVT (the Sylphy is also available in 1.6 variant in either Xtronic CVT or five-speed manual).
The new transmission incorporates a subplanetary gear claimed to smoothen shifting and minimize power losses. Compared to previous Nissan transmission, the new unit is claimed to be 13 percent lighter in weight and 10 percent more compact. Internal friction, meanwhile, is reduced by as much as 30 percent.
This results in improved fuel economy of around 16 percent (15.6 kilometers per liter using JC08 mode), according to Nissan. While this writer achieved only 12 kpl during the test drive, this mark is already commendable considering the numerous encounters of traffic congestion.
Not surprisingly, the steering is light, making the Sylphy easy to maneuver on crowded streets. Ride is very compliant, the suspension soaking up the roads’ imperfections and bumps.
Perhaps the most noteworthy improvement of the Sylphy is a quantum leap in safety over its predecessor, with driver and passenger SRS airbags, antilock brake system with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist (which means no more scary moments during sudden brakes). The brakes themselves are upgraded to an all-disc setup.
With the new Sylphy, NPI is, indeed, back with a vengeance in the compact family sedan segment, ready to do battle with its usual rival.
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