Yahoo Autos 2013 Nissan Sylphy Previews Next Nissan Sentra
Nissan unveiled its Chinese-market Sylphy at the Beijing auto show. Normally, we don’t pay much attention to Chinese-market cars, but this Sylphy is our first look at Nissan’s new compact sedan, meaning it’s pretty much the Sentra we’re scheduled to get this summer.
A new 1.8-liter four, mated to a next-gen Xtronic continuously variable transmission, powers the new global car. The centerpiece of this new engine is an emphasis on improved fuel economy, as is the norm in the ultra-competitive compact segment. A longer stroke and variable valve timing promise to improve combustion efficiency, while new internal coatings aim to minimize friction and inertial losses. If we end up getting the 1.8 here, it will mean downsizing from the current car’s 2.0-liter, which is in line with what Nissan has done with the Versa.
The Sylphy, and thus our new Sentra, will get LED-bordered headlights, LED taillights, and a more muscular shape at the rear. If it looks familiar to you, it should; Nissan unveiled its latest Altima earlier this month at the New York auto show, which looks largely the same—although slightly bigger. Nissan touts generous shoulder- and legroom as well as trunk capacity among the best in its class. On the gadget front, the Sylphy will get dual-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, and pushbutton start.
The Chinese-edition Sylphy will go on sale in mid-2012, with the rest of the major global markets receiving first shipments between then and 2014. Expect Nissan to unveil the Sentra and release more details about it this summer.
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