Nissan Sylphy

Nissan Sylphy
Overview
Manufacturer	Nissan
Production	2000–present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car
Chronology
Predecessor	Nissan Pulsar Nissan Presea

The Nissan Sylphy (previously until 2012 known as Nissan Bluebird Sylphy) is a compact car, produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan, as the successor to the Nissan Pulsar. Built since 2000 and currently in its third generation, the second generation is still manufactured for certain markets. Sylphy has also been marketed under several other model names in export markets, including Pulsar and Sentra.

The initial Bluebird Sylphy nameplate was a continuation for the larger Nissan Bluebird which was phased out in 2001. It was renamed the Nissan Sylphy in 2012.

First generation (G10, N16, 2000–2005)

First generation (G10, N16)
2000–2003 Nissan Bluebird Sylphy sedan (Japan)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Almera Nissan Pulsar Nissan Sentra Nissan Sunny Renault Samsung SM3 Renault Scala
Production	2000–2005 2005–2014 (Malaysia)
Assembly	Japan: Oppama Plant, Yokosuka, Kanagawa China: Guangzhou (DMCL) Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur Philippines: Santa Rosa City Taiwan: Miaoli Thailand: Samut Prakan United Kingdom: Washington, Tyne and Wear
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive Transverse front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Platform	Nissan MS platform
Powertrain
Engine	1.3 L QG13DE I4 (petrol) 1.5 L QG15DE I4 (petrol) 1.5 L K9K I4 (t/c diesel) 1.6 L QG16DE I4 (petrol) 1.8 L QG18DE I4 (petrol) 2.0 L QR20DD I4 (petrol) 2.2 L YD22DDT I4 (t/c diesel) 2.2 L YD22DDTi I4 (t/c diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length	4,495 mm (177.0 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,445 mm (56.9 in)
Curb weight	1,130–1,220 kg (2,490–2,690 lb)

2003–2005 Nissan Bluebird Sylphy sedan (Japan)

2005–2008 Nissan Sunny Neo GL sedan (Indonesia)

Nissan launched the G10 or N16 series Bluebird Sylphy in 2000 as replacement in the Japanese market for the Nissan Pulsar (N15), and it was exclusive to Japanese dealerships called Nissan Blue Stage. The model code of "G10" used in Japan differed from most other markets which retained the legacy N-series (N16) naming scheme inherited from the Pulsar. The change in name from Pulsar to Bluebird Slyphy in Japan came about as Nissan was about to phase out the long-running Bluebird, and this kept the old name alive. Export markets received this same vehicle under a myriad of alternative names: Almera in Europe and Brunei; Pulsar in Australasia; Sentra in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan; plus Sunny in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and the Middle East. It was not available in North America instead there was the successful Sunny based Nissan Sentra (B15).

Bluebird Sylphy was made available in a single body style, a four-door sedan. The factory in the UK also manufactured three- and five-door hatchback versions—with limited exports outside of Europe. These European models featured slightly different frontal styling—a unique grille, bonnet and bumper accommodated the headlamp design shared with Japanese models. Some European markets also received the sedan model, which featured the same frontal styling as the hatchbacks.

The new platform spawned a compact MPV version (the Nissan Almera Tino or Nissan Tino) for the first time. The Nissan Wingroad continued to be sold as the Pulsar wagon or Almera Traveller in many countries.

The original release Bluebird Sylphy had a vertical chrome grille with Nissan emblem on the bonnet. In 2003, Bluebird Sylphy received minor changes with a revised grille (with the Nissan emblem moved onto the grille) and an all-new rear end with Teana (J31)-inspired tail lights. This update also applied to the Sunny and Sentra models in Southeast Asia. Australian Pulsar sedans received the same update, although a horizontally-stated grille featured instead.

In October 2005, the second generation Nissan Bluebird Sylphy (G11 series) was previewed at the Tokyo Motor Show. In Japan, the Nissan Tiida hatchback and Tiida Latio sedan replaced also replaced the G10/N16 range, particularly in export markets where the G11 was not offered.

Although the release of the G11 series Sylphy and Tiida signified the withdrawal of the G10/N16 from many markets, it was facelifted for an October 2005 release as a budget model to sit beneath the G11 Slyphy and Tiida in Southeast Asian markets such as Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. This more substantial front-end facelift allowed for the fitment of reshaped headlamps, a revised front bumper and fenders, and a new grille and bonnet.^[1]

Marketing

Asia

2005–2014 Nissan Sentra Sport sedan (Malaysia)

In Japan, the Nissan Revival Plan was implemented, and saw the reorganization of Nissan's Japanese dealership network, introducing Nissan Red Stage as the sole provider of all Sunny/Pulsar vehicle platforms formerly available at Nissan Satio/Nissan Cherry/Nissan Prince locations. Engine choices comprised the 1.5- QG15DE, 1.6- QG16DE, 1.8- QG18DE, and the 2.0-litre QR20DD. A five-speed manual transmission is only available for the 1.5-litre, the other models featuring a four-speed automatic transmission with the 2.0l motor mated to a CVT. The four-wheel drive version was only offered with the 1.8-litre model.

In Thailand, where the Sunny name was used, alongside the sedan, the five-door was also sold (imported from the UK). Consequently, each body style has a different front end. China, Singapore and Sri Lanka also received the sedan model only under the Sunny name. In China, it was produced by the Dongfeng Motor Company, a joint venture with Nissan.

In Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan, the Bluebird Sylphy is sold as the Nissan Sentra. For Indonesia, Nissan sold the Sentra between 2002 and 2004 in small numbers for private buyers in a single trim level, the 1.8 Super Saloon. It featured standard ABS, dual airbags, leather interior, and CD player with MP3. The facelifted model N16, the Sunny Neo was powered by the 1.6-litre engine was and intended for taxi use only.

After the Japanese production ended in 2005, the N16 maintained in production in Malaysia and the Philippines as the Sentra—albeit, sporting new front-end styling treatment. The models for Malaysia are SG and SG-L, with the choice of Comfort or Luxury Package. The Sunny continued to be offered in Singapore until 2009 in the following trim levels: EX Saloon, Super Saloon, and Luxury Edition. Exclusive for the local market, the Malaysian-built N16 was made available until 2014 as the Sentra Sport 1.6 in Comfort and Luxury trim levels. It is unrelated to the North American Sentra.

Australasia

2000–2003 Nissan Pulsar 1.8 ST sedan (Australia)

2004–2005 Nissan Pulsar 1.8 ST-L sedan (Australia)

In Australia and New Zealand, Nissan continued to use the Pulsar name for the N16 series. The four-door sedan sourced from Japan and the five-door hatchback from the UK were offered. Consequently, each body style has a different front end.

Trim levels were LX, ST, Q and Ti. Engine choices consisted of the 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrols. Power output was 88 kW (118 hp) and 94 kW (126 hp). The four-door was available in four trim levels—an LX with the 1.6, the ST and Ti with the 1.8-litre engine as standard, and a Q version with the 1.8-litre and a sportier level of trim, including a rear spoiler and alloy wheels. In the five-door range there was no LX version. Nissan launched the hatchback model with the ST trim level and a sporty Q version. As such, all hatches were 1.8-litre powered. The base-model LX sedan came with a driver's airbag, air-conditioning, remote locking and power mirrors, although no anti-lock brakes (ABS) or power windows were offered. The ST five-door gained an extra front airbag, whereas the four-door model did not have one as standard. In Ti form, the four-door gained both front airbags, ABS, climate control air-conditioning, alloy wheels and power windows. The Q model was similar to the Ti four-door, although there were slight discrepancies between the sedan and hatch, with the latter version having an extra air-bag and 15-inch alloy wheels versus the 14-inch alloys on the sedan.

2000–2003 Nissan Pulsar ST-L sedan (Australia)  2004–2005 Nissan Pulsar 1.8 ST-L sedan (Australia)  2001–2002 Nissan Pulsar 1.8 ST 5-door (Australia)  2001–2002 Nissan Pulsar 1.8 ST 5-door (Australia)

Europe

For the European market, Nissan sold the N16 series as the second generation Nissan Almera from 2000. Produced in the United Kingdom, the Almera range comprised three- and five-door hatchbacks and the less common sedan. Compared to other markets, the European-manufactured cars featured unique frontal styling—while the headlamps remained common with Japanese models—a restyled grille, bonnet, and bumper did feature. A facelift was released in 2003, with production continuing until the Almera's demise in 2006.

2000–2003 Nissan Almera sedan  2000–2003 Nissan Almera sedan  2000–2003 Nissan Almera 5-door  2003–2006 Nissan Almera 5-door  2003–2006 Nissan Almera 3-door

Renault Samsung SM3

Since 2006, a derivative of the Bluebird Sylphy, the Renault Samsung SM3 was sold in Ukraine and Russia as the Nissan Almera Classic. The same year, the car was launched in Central and South America as Nissan Almera, (except in Chile where it was sold as a Samsung). Also since 2007, the Renault Samsung SM3 is sold as the Nissan Sunny in the Middle East,^[2] with a solitary trim that comes with a 1.5-litre engine. The Samsung SM3 is also sold as the Renault Scala in Mexico,^[3][4] Egypt^[5] and Colombia.^[6]

Nissan Almera Classic sedan  Nissan Almera Classic sedan  Renault Scala sedan

Second generation (G11, 2005–2012)

Second generation (G11)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Bluebird (Taiwan) Nissan Sylphy (Malaysia) Nissan Almera (Russia)
Production	2005–2012 (Japan) 2006–present (China) 2012–present (Russia)
Assembly	Japan: Oppama Plant, Yokosuka, Kanagawa China: Guangzhou (DMCL) Malaysia: Serendah (TCMA) Russia: Tolyatti Taiwan: Miaoli
Body and chassis
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform	Nissan B platform
Related	Nissan Sentra B16 Dongfeng Fengshen A60
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L HR15DE I4 (petrol) 1.6 L HR16DE I4 (petrol) 2.0 L MR20DE I4 (petrol)
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic CVT automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length	4,610 mm (181.5 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,510 mm (59.4 in)
Curb weight	1,160–1,250 kg (2,560–2,760 lb)

Nissan Sylphy (Malaysia)

The G11 series Bluebird Sylphy uses Nissan's B platform,^[7] and the model code is G11. This car was launched at the Tokyo Motor Show 2005.

In Japan it replaced the Nissan Sunny (B15) and the previous Bluebird Sylphy as Nissan's compact sedan.The Nissan Bluebird Sylphy uses the same engine as the Nissan Tiida/Versa/Latio, which is the HR15DE 1.5 L engine and a whole new MR20DE 2.0 L engine. The 2.0 L version of Nissan Bluebird Sylphy uses Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (Xtronic-CVT). This combination results in smooth and powerful acceleration combined with the fuel economy of a 1.8 L engine.

The Sylphy has the most spacious interior space due to its enlarged wheelbase (2700 mm) and the biggest boot (504 L) in its class. The rear legroom almost matches that of the Nissan Teana and Toyota Camry.

Starting from 2008, the Bluebird Sylphy is also available for the export market, as the Nissan Sylphy. The Sylphy is sold in China, and some Southeast Asian countries. In Taiwan, the Yulon Motor Company is manufacturing the Bluebird Sylphy as the Nissan Bluebird.^[8]

In Russia, the Bluebird Sylphy has been available since 2012 as the Nissan Almera. The production started in fall of 2012 in the AvtoVAZ plant in Tolyatti. The car is available with the 1.6-liter 76 kW (102 hp) engine and five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Third generation (B17, 2012–present)

Third generation (B17)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Pulsar Nissan Sentra
Production	2012–present
Assembly	Japan: Nissan Oppama Plant, Yokosuka, Kanagawa China: Guangzhou (DMCL) Egypt: Giza Mexico: Aguascalientes Russia: Izhevsk (IzhAvto) Taiwan: Miaoli Thailand: Samut Prakan United States: Canton, Mississippi
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform	Nissan V platform
Related	Nissan Tiida (C12)
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L HR16DE I4 (petrol) 1.6 L MR16DDT I4 (t/c petrol) 1.8 L MRA8DE I4 (petrol)
Transmission	6-speed manual 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic CVT automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length	4,615 mm (181.7 in)
Width	1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Height	1,495 mm (58.9 in)
Curb weight	1,188–1,255 kg (2,619–2,767 lb)

The 2013 Nissan Sylphy was revealed at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, the design of car is based on aerodynamic and premium design with LED-bordered headlamps, LED tail lamps, sharp angled trunk lid and chrome trim and featuring large interior space and class leading trunk. It also features an intelligent key with push start button and a dual-zone climate control in certain markets. This car is to be debuted in over 120 countries around the world by 2014.^[9]

Marketing

Japan

In Japan, Nissan Sylphy debuted on 5 December 2012, and built at the Oppama plant in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The "Bluebird" nameplate was dropped from "Bluebird Sylphy".

Nissan Pulsar ST (Australia)

Interior

Africa

In South Africa, the B17 is called Nissan Sentra and comes in Acenta trim only, with 1.6-liter engine and five-speed manual or CVT automatic.

Asia

In China, Sylphy to be available with HR16DE 1.6-liter (93 kW/154Nm) or MRA8DE 1.8-liter engine (102 kW/174Nm) with a five-speed (six-speed in the 1.8) manual or CVT transmission. The equipment levels are 1.6 XE, 1.6 XL, 1.8 XE, 1.8 XL, and 1.8 XV; pricing is from around RMB119,000 to 169,000.^[10]

In Thailand, the second country to get the Sylphy, the car uses same engines as Chinese market version but the power is reduced somewhat (1.6 down from 93 kW to 85 kW and 1.8 down from 102 kW to 96 kW; torque remains unchanged). The Thai lineup consists of 1.6 S, 1.6 E, 1.6 V, and 1.8 V, all with standard features like air conditioner, CD player (the 1.8 V gets a color display audio system), electric windows and electrically adjustable and folding mirrors, with dual airbags across the range. There is a navigation option for the 1.8 V and dual zone climate control with rear air ventilation. The sales target is 20,000 units per year.^[11] Nissan also confirmed that they will be exporting Sylphys to the Australian and Middle Eastern markets in December 2012 or January 2013.^[12]

On 15 October 2015, Nissan Thailand introduced the MR16DDT into the Sylphy lineup during a mid-model refresh. Producing 140kW/240Nm, the MR16DDT is a direct injection, turbo petrol engine able to run on 95 or 91 RON, E10. Additionally, trim lines were reduced from eight to seven: 1.6 S, 1.6, E, 1.6 V. 1.6 SV, 1.8 V, 1.8SV, 1.6 DIG Turbo. Cruise control and NissanConnect were added to the trim options.^[13]

In the Philippines, The Nissan Sylphy unveiled on 7 March 2014, shortly after the Nissan press event, alongside the Nissan Altima mid-size sedan. The Sylphy, replacing the N16 Sentra, comes in white, black, gray, silver, and bronze.

On 29 April 2014, the Sylphy has made its debut in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.^[14][15] Aerodynamic design, spacious interior and comes with safety features such as 6 SRS airbags, VDC, TCS, ABS, EBD and BA. There are two variants available in the market, 1.8E and the more luxurious 1.8VL.^[16] These are complete built unit from Thailand.

In the Middle East, it's called Nissan Sentra and available with 1.6- and 1.8-litre engines.

Australia

The Nissan Pulsar nameplate has returned to the Australian and New Zealand markets on 28 February 2013. Announced at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney in October 2012 and available in three trim levels: ST, ST-L, and Ti. Manual and CVT automatic transmissions are available (manual available in ST and ST-L models only). All models feature six airbags, alloy wheels, Bluetooth and cruise control; the ST-L gets added leather gear shift and steering wheel, fog lamps, and a rear spoiler while the Ti adds Xenon headlamps, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, and rear view camera. Pricing starts from AU$19,990 in ST manual to AU$28,990 in Ti and sales started in February 2013.^[17]

A five-door Pulsar hatchback was added later in 2013, but this is based on the Nissan Tiida (C12).

North America

In North America, this car is known as the Nissan Sentra for the 2013 model year. It's longer than the previous generation Sentra by 2.3in, with a 0.6in longer wheelbase, but 150 lb lighter than its predecessor. It's only available with a new 1.8-liter engine with 130HP and 128 lb-ft of torque and mated with 6-speed manual or CVT transmission, and return combined 34mpg EPA fuel economy (30 city/39 highway). The FE+ version available in S and SL models can returns 40mpg highway.

Trim levels in US are S, SL, SR and SV; the SR is the sporting model, come with rear spoiler, 17" alloy wheels and silver trim. Satellite navigation, intelligent key with start button, and dual-zone climate control are available in high spec models.^[18]

In Canada, the only trim levels are S and SV; SL and SR models are options for SV models. Air conditioning is an option in both S and SV models. Pricing starts from CA$14,848.^[19]

The Sentra is built at Nissan's Canton, Mississippi plant since December 2012.^[20] However, early units were built in Mexico.

South America

In Brazil, the B17 is called as Nissan Sentra and come with 2.0-liter flex-fuel engine.

References

1. Tan, Paul (13 October 2005). "New Nissan Sentra facelift in Malaysia". Paul Tan's Automotive News. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
2. "Nissan Sunny Ultimate Car Buyer Guide". drivearabia.com. Retrieved 7 July 2008.
3. "Renault Scala". Renault.com.mx. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
4. CHACAL (30 May 2010). "Renault Scala llega a Mexico – Mundoautomotor México". Mundoautomotor.com.mx. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
5. "Renault Scala on ContactCars.com – Egypt". ContactCars.com. Retrieved 14 November 2010.
6. "Sofasa-Renault presentó el sedán Scala en Colombia – Principales noticias de Colombia y el mundo". Eltiempo.Com. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
7. "Motor Trader Car News". motortrader.com.my.
8. http://www.nissan.com.tw/car/bluebird/index.asp
9. "Nissan's Re-imagined New Global Sedan World Previewed at Beijing".
10. "Nissan Sylphy specifications (Chinese market , in Chinese)".
11. "New Nissan Sylphy debut in Thailand".
12. "Nissan Sylphy debut in Thailand".
13. http://www.nissan.co.th/en/Vehicles/Sylphy.aspx
14. "Nissan Sylphy 2014 Malaysia Infohub". Paul Tan's Automotive News.
15. "2014 Nissan Sylphy Makes Malaysian Debut: From RM112k For Two Variants". LiveLifeDrive.com. Archived from the original on 2 May 2014.
16. Astro Digital Publications Sdn Bhd. "Car Malaysia - Article". carmalaysia.my.
17. "Nissan's Pulsar price pitch".
18. "New 2013 Nissan Sentra is Larger Yet Lighter and More Efficient, Returns up to 40MPG".
19. "All-New 2013 Nissan Sentra".
20. "Canton Can (Nissan news report)".

External links

• JDM Nissan Bluebird Sylphy official website
• MALAYSIA All-New Nissan Sylphy Official Website