KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — Edaran Tan Chong Motors Sdn Bhd launched the new Nissan Sylphy today. Originally launched in Japan at the end of 2012, it has finally made its way to our shores. This move effectively puts the Nissan back into the fight in the Mid-sized sedan car segment against the likes of the Toyota Altis, Honda Civic, the very recently launched Mazda 3 and the CKD Volkswagen Jetta that was launched just a day ago. Also in this closely fought segment are the Korean brands Kia and Hyundai with the Cerato and Elantra respectively. Car buyers will have a field day trying to make up their minds which car to buy; that is a good sign for us, the consumer, because we now have a much wider base to choose from.
The new Sylphy goes a step down in engine size, from the previous 133 PS, 191Nm torque 2.0 litre engine down to a 1.8 litre, 131PS, 174Nm torque engine. The new 1.8 litre engine features dual variable valve timing, and promises to be more fuel efficient, mooted at 15.6 kilometres per litre or 6.41 litres per 100 kilometres (in JC08 mode). Drive is to the front wheels through a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT), and overall power is down only 2PS, although the maximum torque difference of 17Nm may make a difference to some of the more performance-oriented buyers.
The new Sylphy is built on what seems to be an extended platform, having the same 2,700mm wheelbase (distance between the centres of the front and rear wheels), a good indicator of the cabin space; coincidentally, the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and the Toyota Altis share the exact wheelbase dimensions. Overall length is 5mm shorter than the previous model, but the new model is 60mm wider, and 20 kg heavier for the 1.8E (base model) while the 1.8VL is another 10 kg more.
With the wider width, the new Sylphy admittedly has more presence than its predecessor, and should find a following amongst the Nissan stalwarts. It stands 15 mm taller, and the overall car is quite pleasant looking in an austere kind of way, reminding me of a down-sized Teana, and will go down well with more mature audiences. Two variants are available, the 1.8E base model and the 1.8VL, a higher specked variant with leather seats, bigger wheels and a navigation system. The 1.8E comes with 16-inch alloy wheels while the 1.8VL is fitted with 17-inch alloys and lower profile tyres. Projector Xenon headlights and fog lamps are available with the VL variant only.
The new Sylphy has disc brakes at the rear, a sore point with the previous model, and a sure sign that Edaran Tan Chong Motors are listening to their customers. Just as a point in passing, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) are included in all variants, as is a 6-airbag system (Driver and passenger seats and full length side curtains). The good news is that both variants are equipped with Nissan’s VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), otherwise known as VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) or ESP (Electronic Stability Control) in other makes, and incorporates TCS (Traction Control System). For the uninitiated, the VDC and TCS are electronic aids that use the ABS system to help stabilize the car should the driver make a mistake such as going into a bend too fast.
The overall package that we see in the Nissan Sylphy looks to be quite comprehensive; despite its slight power disadvantage to its competitors, it doesn’t mean that the driving dynamics would be affected at normal driving speeds. Besides, the retail price of RM111,900 (for the 1.8E), and RM121,900 (for the 1.8VL) could be compelling factors. Keep a lookout for our test drive impressions if and when we get a test car.
