Over the past two generations (first generation being the Nissan Sunny), the Nissan Sylphy has watched a parade of new mid-size sedans come to the market to steal away its share of the pie.
As a result, the Sylphy - while a rather competent car in its own right - slowly and steadily slipped off buyers' radar. Considering that such a segment is often highly contested with capable cars like the Altis and the Jetta, this was definitely not how Nissan wanted its sedan to end up.
With the third and latest generation Sylphy, it's a good time for Nissan to take the highlight.
Exterior
On first glance, the Sylphy appears to be a smaller version of the Almera. It's not a bad thing, really, considering that its peers were receiving exterior designs that looked modern and upscale.
While the previous Sylphy had a rather dowdy exterior, no thanks to its awkward proportions and large headlamps, the new Sylphy will garner more eyes with its standard LED highlight accents, trapezoid chrome grill and an overall sophisticated but simple sheet metal that will welcome Toyota and Honda owners without shunning current fans.
As a result, the Sylphy - while a rather competent car in its own right - slowly and steadily slipped off buyers' radar. Considering that such a segment is often highly contested with capable cars like the Altis and the Jetta, this was definitely not how Nissan wanted its sedan to end up.
With the third and latest generation Sylphy, it's a good time for Nissan to take the highlight.
Exterior
On first glance, the Sylphy appears to be a smaller version of the Almera. It's not a bad thing, really, considering that its peers were receiving exterior designs that looked modern and upscale.
While the previous Sylphy had a rather dowdy exterior, no thanks to its awkward proportions and large headlamps, the new Sylphy will garner more eyes with its standard LED highlight accents, trapezoid chrome grill and an overall sophisticated but simple sheet metal that will welcome Toyota and Honda owners without shunning current fans.
Although necessary changes were made to the car, the Nissan Sylphy still isn't the best looking of the lot but it's definitely closing the gap and Nissan is making the car standout in a segment that's probably as compelling as Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxies.
Measuring 4,625mm long, 1,760mm wide and 1,495mm tall, the sedan appears more squat than the previous model, too. The fact that the Sylphy now has some stylistic touches to it plays a huge part in giving the car a more appealing stance in general.
Interior
While many may beg to differ, sedans like the Sylphy are like appliance vehicles. It's created by the practical-minded for the practical-minded. Commuting from point to point in a comfortable manner is its top priority and the Sylphy neither fails nor disappoint.
The cabin has ample space to fit five occupants with ease and the 510 litres of boot space will come in handy for hauling luggage and is definitely more than enough to throw in your grocery bags and baskets for the Sunday family picnic.
Although we much prefer the cabin of the 1.8-litre, with its wood trims and all, the 1.6-litre isn't that bad. Still, it does appear tacky and dull, no thanks to the extensive use of plastics.
While many may beg to differ, sedans like the Sylphy are like appliance vehicles. It's created by the practical-minded for the practical-minded. Commuting from point to point in a comfortable manner is its top priority and the Sylphy neither fails nor disappoint.
The cabin has ample space to fit five occupants with ease and the 510 litres of boot space will come in handy for hauling luggage and is definitely more than enough to throw in your grocery bags and baskets for the Sunday family picnic.
Although we much prefer the cabin of the 1.8-litre, with its wood trims and all, the 1.6-litre isn't that bad. Still, it does appear tacky and dull, no thanks to the extensive use of plastics.
But on the hindsight, what it does do is give you a sense of vault-like security. It's no Murano or Teana, but the Sylphy has its highlights.
Fit and finish is exemplary, with no sharp edges or awkwardly shaped plastics that are commonly seen in some cars in this segment.
In fact, it's one of those cases where it feels like the cabin of the Sylphy is crafted out of a block of material, as opposed to countless interlocking bits and pieces.
The layout is, much like the exterior, clean and inoffensive. Controls are logically laid out and are within reach to the driver while seats are snug and supportive enough to take passengers on long driving trips.
Fit and finish is exemplary, with no sharp edges or awkwardly shaped plastics that are commonly seen in some cars in this segment.
In fact, it's one of those cases where it feels like the cabin of the Sylphy is crafted out of a block of material, as opposed to countless interlocking bits and pieces.
The layout is, much like the exterior, clean and inoffensive. Controls are logically laid out and are within reach to the driver while seats are snug and supportive enough to take passengers on long driving trips.
The Drive
The Sylphy will not set your heart racing and it'll certainly not leave a trail of fire on the tarmac. But what it'll do is provide you with a rather peppy and smooth drive, thanks to the capable 1.6-litre powerplant that's married to the CVT gearbox.
While many will argue (and they're right) that this uninspiring transmission takes away the Sylphy's sporting flair, the car performs well around town and even on highways. The fact that the car smoothens out road imperfections helps carry passengers in comfort as well.
The only downside of such a comfortable car is the inability to keep body roll in check. It takes courage to push the car hard around bends because more often than not, you'll find yourself wondering when it'll stray off the road, no thanks to the steering that transmits no information from the road.
The Sylphy will not set your heart racing and it'll certainly not leave a trail of fire on the tarmac. But what it'll do is provide you with a rather peppy and smooth drive, thanks to the capable 1.6-litre powerplant that's married to the CVT gearbox.
While many will argue (and they're right) that this uninspiring transmission takes away the Sylphy's sporting flair, the car performs well around town and even on highways. The fact that the car smoothens out road imperfections helps carry passengers in comfort as well.
The only downside of such a comfortable car is the inability to keep body roll in check. It takes courage to push the car hard around bends because more often than not, you'll find yourself wondering when it'll stray off the road, no thanks to the steering that transmits no information from the road.
Conclusion
The Nissan Sylphy has been living in the shadows of its peers in its segment. But considering how competitive the market is and how cars like the Altis and Jetta are tough to match, it's understandable.
At $106,800 (as of 26th April 2013), the Sylphy is one of the most affordable and decent mid-size sedans in the market. Granted this car isn't going to set your pulse racing, its sole focus is on cabin comfort and fuel efficiency.
And for that, the Sylphy has nailed it.
The Nissan Sylphy has been living in the shadows of its peers in its segment. But considering how competitive the market is and how cars like the Altis and Jetta are tough to match, it's understandable.
At $106,800 (as of 26th April 2013), the Sylphy is one of the most affordable and decent mid-size sedans in the market. Granted this car isn't going to set your pulse racing, its sole focus is on cabin comfort and fuel efficiency.
And for that, the Sylphy has nailed it.
