Nissan Sylphy

On the inside, the Nissan Sylphy has a mix of sporty and sophisticated elements. However, the overall layout feels a bit out-of-trend.

The V-shaped steering wheel with silver accents looks unique and premium at the same time. The instrument console, on the other hand, isn’t too flashy and lacks modernity as it has no proper MID screen.

Talking about the central console, while the AC vents have a very unique scoop-like design. The touchscreen music system and surround for it as well as buttons for automatic climate control are laid out in a very plain manner.

The overall space and comfort levels are not the segment-best, but the Sylphy does provide ample cabin space, with sufficient legroom, headroom, and shoulder room to seat three adults with ease. In terms of features, the Sylphy isn’t quite outstanding and is decently equipped with essentials, such as touchscreen infotainment system, dual zone climate control, leather upholstery, keyless entry with push-button start, and cruise control.

The Philippine-spec Nissan Sylphy is not the facelifted version available globally and is the pre-facelift version, which gradually has begun to show age.

At the front, the Sylphy sports Nissan’s characteristic trapezoidal grille with chrome slats which do give it a premium touch. The pullback reindeer headlamps, in Nissan’s terminology, do appear nice. And thanks to the presence of projector headlamps and daytime running LEDs the sedan looks premium as well.

The side profile of the Nissan Sylphy looks quite sophisticated, thanks to the presence of smooth curves flowing all the way from the front fender to the edges of the tail lamps. The multi-spoke alloy wheels and chrome garnish on the door handles and window waistline manages to eradicate the drabness associated with the age of the car a bit.

At the rear, the tail lamps with LED inserts are designed in the same fashion as that of the headlamps, which give it an aggressive and stylish stance.

The Nissan Sylphy has been equipped with a suspension system of MacPherson struts with stabilizer at the front and a torsion beam with stabilizer at the rear, making the ride quality as smooth as supple as possible. The sedan comes with the options of 16-inch and 17-inch wheels, which have been equipped with meatier tyres for equal balance between ride and handling. Given the absence of disc brakes at the rear, the braking performance could have been better.

The Nissan Sylphy is fitted with a choice of two engines under the hood, both of which are petrol powered. While the smaller engine is a 1.6-litre motor which generates 116 PS of power and 154 Nm of torque, the 1.8-litre mill pumps out 131 PS of power and 174 Nm of torque. While the 1.6-litre petrol engine is offered with both the options of a 5-speed manual and  CVT. The 1.8-litre engine is paired to a CVT gearbox.

Despite being a premium sedan, the Nissan Sylphy lacks in several modern safety features, which is quite disappointing. The Nissan Sylphy covers up only the basics, such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, cruise control, reverse parking sensors, reverse camera, and immobiliser.

In this era of offering cutting-edge technology and gizmos, the Nissan Sylphy is one particular model which sticks to its old-school roots. This theme might not go well with the younger set of buyers, however, the mature ones will appreciate the levels of comfort and refinement the car offers. The only thing Nissan now needs to do is freshen up the car with new design elements and modern comfort, convenience, and safety features.