C-segment sedan gets the brand’s latest family look, plus a posher and roomier interior.
Nissan seems busy with its sedans…
This is the all-new Sylphy, Nissan’s C-segment contender that is making its debut at the Shanghai motor show.
On the other side of the planet in New York, Nissan is premiering its redesigned B-segment sedan called Versa in the US and Almera in Thailand.
The design of both the Almera and Sylphy comes in line with the brand’s latest design language like the V-shaped nose and floating-roof feel.
But it’s the cabin where Nissan has made the Sylphy more avant-garde than in its predecessor via the use of materials that are claimed to have a higher level of perceptive quality.
The Sylphy is longer, wider and lower than ever to help for a more athletic appearance and, according to Nissan, better roadholding. The 2,710mm wheelbase has grown by 10mm giving more legroom.
Any hybrids in sight?
The only engine announced for the Sylphy in China is 1.6-litre petrol, a third evolution of the HR16DE unit, hooked up to CVT automatic.
No ratings were disclosed, but the outgoing engine had 116hp in Thai-spec form (costing 833,000-895,000 baht) and a higher 190hp derived from a direct-injected turbocharged 1.6 known as MR16DDT (1.015 million baht).
No kind of electrification has been divulged yet, but Nissan has thrown the latest in driving aids from its Nissan Intelligent Mobility package into Sylphy.
When will it come to Thailand?
The previous model, which is still on sale in Thailand, has never been updated despite a mid-life facelift being applied in other markets a few years ago.
It’s claimed by sources that the new Sylphy should be coming in 2020 possibly with some other engines, as well.
Nissan may also wish to avoid the introduction of two all-new rivals this year: Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla, the latter expected with a new hybrid option.
