Nissan Sylphy 1.8 (B17) launched – RM112k-122k

At long last, the B17 Nissan Sylphy is officially launched in Malaysia, at the Grand Hyatt hotel in KL.

Motivation comes from a new 1.8 litre MRA8DE four-cylinder engine that produces 131 PS at 6,000 rpm and 174 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. This mill, featuring Twin C-VTC and a ‘diamond-like’ carbon coating, is mated to an Xtronic CVT that’s now lighter with less friction. Fuel economy is a claimed 15.6 km per litre on the JC08 cycle.

Built on a stretched V platform, the new Nissan Sylphy is 4,615 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and 1,495 mm tall, making it 50 mm shorter than its predecessor, but a whole 60 mm wider, increasing shoulder room by 30 mm. The class-leading 2,700 mm wheelbase remains, affording 680 mm of rear legroom, while the boot, containing a full-size spare wheel, holds a cavernous 510 litres.

Noise and vibration have been reduced, thanks to an improved frame, stiffer cross member and added insulation. A longer suspension travel works together with high-response dampers to improve vibration absorption. Forward visibility is also enhanced; from a 35.6 degree viewing angle on the old car to 36.5 degrees.

E and VL variants are available. Standard on both are wing mirror indicators, speed-sensitive electric power steering, steering wheel controls, cruise control, six speakers and a Fine Vision Meter with Eco indicator.

The E gets halogen reflector headlamps, 16-inch alloys with 195/60 Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 tyres, a urethane steering wheel and gear lever, silver interior trim, manual air-con, fabric seats and a basic radio with CD, AUX and Bluetooth.

The VL adds quite a bit more – on the outside, you’ll see auto self-levelling xenon projector headlamps with washers, LED positioning lamps, front fog lamps, 205/50 R17 alloys with ContiPremiumContact 2 tyres, auto-folding wing mirrors and a boot spoiler with integrated LED third brake lamp.

Inside the VL, there’s keyless entry and start, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, chrome-surrounded instrument dials, silver patterned interior trim, auto dual-zone air-con with rear vents, leather seats and a 4.3-inch central display with CD, MP3, USB, AUX, Bluetooth, iPod and a reverse camera.

Most importantly, you get ABS, EBD, BA, all-round disc brakes, 6 airbags, VDC and TCS – no matter what variant you buy.

Fully-imported (CBU) from Thailand, the E is priced at RM111,900; the VL at RM121,900, OTR without insurance (with insurance, RM115,817 and RM126,093). A 3-year/100,000-km warranty is included.

You can choose from Cayenne Red (new), Premium Black, Bronze Gold, Diamond White and Brilliant Silver body colours. The first 1,000 Sylphy buyers stand to get Solar Gard Armorcoat Tinting for free.