The all-new Nissan Sylphy – launched

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The All-New Sylphy has been launched by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) on 29 April 2014. Promising outstanding driving characteristics, elegant design, spacious and quiet interior, incorporating the latest technologies for excellent performance and improved fuel economy, Malaysians aren’t spoiled for choice when it comes to the C segment sedan.

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At the launch, Director of Marketing and Product Planning of ETCM, Mr. Tan Keng Meng said: “ETCM is proud to introduce the third generation All-New Nissan Sylphy to the Malaysian motorists. Built on an All-New platform and it has a completely new design that incorporates improvement in every area. With a sophisticated package combining premium design, a class-above in comfort and spaciousness; adding on class-leading safety features, we believe that the All-New Sylphy will represent a high value choice and discerning for the consumers. The All-New Nissan Sylphy is imported as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) model imported from Thailand.”

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Design

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The new third generation Nissan Sylphy features a new three dimensional Nissan signature chrome front grille integrated with six LED accentuated headlamps. The entire front now looks arrow-sharp, with a small bulge at the bonnet to create a strong, powerful front.

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There are two trims available; opt for the pricier 1.8VL and you’ll get projector xenon headlamps with auto levelling and washer. The more affordable 1.8E has halogen with manual levelling.

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Measuring 4,615mm in length (shorter than its predecessor which was 4,665mm) , 1,760mm in width (wider from 1,700mm) and 1,495mm (lower from 1,510mm) in height with a wheelbase of 2,700mm (same as before), the All-New Nissan Sylphy provides class-above comfort with its ample space and refined interior design. The interior spaciousness is enhanced with an increase of 30mm shoulder room and a generous space of 680mm rear legroom. From the side view, the flowing character line runs from the curved front fender to the rear combination lights – I’ll be honest, it kinda reminded me somewhat of the old Hyundai Avante.

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The 1.8E comes with 195/60 R16 whereas the 1.8VL has 205/50 R17.

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Large bold horseshoe-shaped design LED lights that blends well with the entire rear and carries the front arrow motif design.

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The All-New Nissan Sylphy has 510 litres of luggage space capacity, which is one of the best in its class. The only other C segment sedan that has a boot this big is the Volkswagen Jetta.

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Performance

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The All-New Sylphy is powered by the 1.8L MRA8DE Twin CVTC engine (no more 2.0litre MR20DE engine as found in the predecessor), providing 131PS @6,000rpm (down by only 2PS despite 0.2cc smaller engine capacity) and peak torque of 174Nm @ 3,600rpm (down from 191Nm). No official 0-100kph from Nissan but looking at the spec sheet, the Sylphy is more geared as a cruiser instead of a bruiser.

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The all-new engine is matched with the next generation XCVT (Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission) with a sub-planetary gear for smooth shifting with minimised power losses. Its new aerodynamic body shape provides lower air resistance and optimised under floor airflow to achieve coefficient of drag of 0.29. Do note that the claimed 15.6km/litre fuel efficiency is based on the JC08 test mode which runs up to a top speed of 82kph (the guys at Paultan did an article about the JC08 mode HERE). With most motorist doing at least 110kph on a clear highway, expect the FC rating to be slightly higher.

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Ride and Handling

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One thing we can all agree; Nissan makes one of the smoothest and quietest vehicles around and the Sylphy in all likelihood will also have these characteristics. Improvements such as strengthening body rigidity, efficiently placed acoustic insulation materials and utilization of a vibration-absorbing suspension has been made to further reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). More to report once a test drive is arranged.

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Cabin Convenience

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Fit and finish is given high marks with the Sylphy’s interior. Soft plastics are used on the dashboard which features flowing lines of bird wings and the overall theme is black with matt silver inserts. The final result is an upmarket premium feel that won’t lose to any continental makes.

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The steering wheel comes with auto cruise control, audio control, Bluetooth handsfree and Multi-Info Display (MID) controls and is also tilt and reach adjustable.

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The top spec 1.8VL is offered with an intelligent key and push-start ignition, something that allows drivers to lock and unlock doors & trunk, start the engine and drive away without removing the key from the purse or pocket thereby reducing the period where one is most vulnerable in a car park – which is what you will be getting in the 1.8E with the standard remote and key.

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The Fine Vision Meter Cluster with Multi-information Display (MID) and ECO mode indicator is another feature in providing more comfortable fatigue-free motoring.

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The standard headunit with AM-FM radio with CD, MP3, Bluetooth and AUX-In input is offered by the 1.8E while the 1.8VL gets 4.3″ front display with the same functions as the E headunit but additional reverse camera and iPod connectivity. Pay RM3,300 more and you reward yourself with a 6.5″ 2-DIN Touch screen headunit with navigation, SD card & USB playback as well as full iPod/iPhone controls.

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Other features include a Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control system that creates a comfortable environment for all passengers in the VL while the E variant makes do with a manual single zone system.

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The glove compartment is huge and deep but this can be a problem as small items such as Smart Tags may roll deep into the crevice, making it impossible for you to reach for it while remaining buckled up since it’s positioned low on the dashboard.

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Sitting behind is an absolute joy. Similar to the Almera, rear legroom is excellent, allowing even tall passengers to cross their legs in a long journey. Seat material is different between the 2 variants; E grade has fabric while the VL spec as shown in the picture above comes with all leather.

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Rear air conditioning vents are getting pretty standard nowadays. Notice there is a panel below the vents? Those are duds and serve no function.

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Unfortunately, the rear bench is no foldable. Instead, you have a small opening in the middle, behind the rear arm rest for you to reach into the trunk so you can probably load long items with a small diameter but bigger crates won’t be able to protrude into the cabin from the boot.

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Safety

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The All-New Sylphy offers top safety features that prioritise driver and passengers. It is equipped with class-leading six SRS airbags (increased from only 2 in the predecessor), VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) together with a host of control safety systems including ABS (Anti-locking braking system), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce distribution), BA (Brake Assist System) and TCS (Traction Control System), which help the driver stay in control and avoid danger in emergency situations. These advanced features enhance the vehicle’s stability and prevent slides on slippery roads. The All-New Sylphy comes with the new four-wheel disc brake system. Other safety features include Xenon headlights with auto levelling and washers (1.8VL only), rear view camera (1.8VL only), front seat belt with load limiters and pre-tensioners, high strength body construction and front construction for pedestrian protection.

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On the launch theme of The All-New Nissan Sylphy, Mr Tan said: “ ‘Embrace Distinction’ is embodied in the tagline of the All-New Nissan Sylphy as it reflects attitude and style, forging a sense of self-created values that resonates with one’s personal identity. All in all, the All-New Nissan Sylphy offer a unique proposition that exceeds the C segment in its exquisiteness in class-above features as it shifts to a more premium scale.” .

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Specification

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1.8E

Exterior

• Halogen headlamp with manual leveling
• Manual foldable side mirrors
• LED high mount stop lamp
• 195/60/R16 wheels

Ownership and Maintenance

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The All-New Nissan Sylphy is available in 2 variants, 1.8 E and 1.8 VL. The choice of five colours includes the All-New Cayenne Red, Premium Black, Bronze Gold, Diamond White and Brilliant Silver. The on-the-road price (without insurance) of the All-New Sylphy is RM 111,900 (RM115,817 with insurance) for 1.8E and RM 121,900 (RM126,093 with insurance) for 1.8 VL, with a warranty of 3-years or 100,000KMs, whichever comes first. Bookings and test drive are now available at Nissan Showrooms nationwide.   In conjunction with the Launch of the All-New Nissan Sylphy, ETCM offers the first 1,000 customers Solar Gard Armorcoat Tinting for free.   For more information on all Nissan models in Malaysia, please visit www.nissan.com.my or www.sylphy.com.my

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  APPENDIX   ACCESSORY Package  

NO.	ITEM	UNIT PRICE (RM)
1.	Door Visor	320
2.	Trunk Tray	200
3.	LED Kicking Plate	400
4.	Sport Pedal	200
5.	Multimedia Navigator-        6.5 inch wide 2-DIN Touch Screen Navigator-        Auto-engaged Rear View Monitor –        Play music & video via SD card, USB drive & Bluetooth –        Bluetooth hands-free, Phonebook download, USB charging & Audio –        Full iPod/iPhone control	3,300
6.	NAVIGATOR PACKAGE –        6.5″ Multimedia Navigator-        Door Visor –        Sport Pedal –        Trunk Tray –        LED Stainless Steel Kicking Plate	3,800

 

NO.	TINTING	UNIT PRICE (RM)
1.	V-Kool	3,100
2.	Solar Gard Armorcoat	1,600
3.	Solar Gard	1,400