In the auto industry, new strategies and new models cannot be introduced ‘overnight’. This is a business where product development takes a few years so whatever you see now was planned some years back and again, it must have been very frustrating waiting for these new models to finally be ready for launch in 2007 and 2008. Of course, ETCM has been rewarded for its perseverance as each of the new models – the Latio launched last June and then the Grand Livina launched in December – has proven to be extremely popular. In fact, demand for the Grand Livina exceeded forecasts and forced them to start a second shift at their new plant earlier than planned.

Now comes the third brand new model – the Sylphy – which slots into a new segment in the local Nissan line-up. Though having a 2-litre engine, it is not positioned as a successor to the Cefiro (the Teana, sold in limited numbers due to being a CBU import,  does that)  but is a spiritual successor to the Altima of the mid-1990s.

The Sylphy (the name is derived from the word ‘sylph’) has not featured prominently outside Japan because in most markets, there have been other models for the segment it covers. In fact, Malaysia is probably only the third righthand drive market for this particular model and the only one assembling it locally. The dimensions and packaging were deemed just right for this market and Nissan was willing to run a development program to provide a variant for local assembly (CKD). However, because few other countries needed such a model, the degree to which the Sylphy could be tailored for export was limited and the one for Malaysia is very largely the same as the one sold in Japan.

“Normally, a CKD model will have differences from the Japanese Domestic Model (JDM) to suit local requirements and also to cater for localization. With the Sylphy,  this approach was not taken at the outset because of the limited volume,” said a product planner at ETCM. He went on to explain that many JDM parts were retained so no extra cost would be incurred in making separate parts for the Malaysian variant. One example is the wheels which have a 4x100 PCD (pitch circle diameter or the distances between the holes for the studs) whereas many other models usually have a larger PCD. The 15-inch wheels are also something more common in Japan.

“It also helps a lot that the Free Trade Agreement with Japan was signed in time for us to get the CKD parts much cheaper since the import duties have been virtually abolished. Nevertheless, we do intend to localize certain parts as time goes on since it can cut costs further,” he said.

Another reason why ETCM was keen to add the Sylphy to its locally-assembled range was because its platform is basically the same as the one used for the Latio and Grand Livina. A common platform, typically the basic architecture of a model and various major components, is important to reduce production costs. Not only can common parts be used (which owners do not see anyway) but from the assembly point of view, it is also more efficient and provides much-needed economies of scale.

The Sylphy platform is the largest of the B-platform variants and this platform was jointly developed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance so it is also used by Renault for some of its models. Some elements, eg the unusually deep glovebox, are requirements from the French side as Europeans like to store large bottles of water in there.

The elegant exterior style takes after the Teana, especially in the rear roof pillar area. The frontal presentation has the Nissan ‘corporate face’ with the distinctive horizontal chrome grille flanked by large headlamps. Those lighting units provide 50% better illumination than most others as they have a Complex Surface Reflector design. Because of the curved flanks, it’s hard to know where the front is so a little bulge at the top of each headlight serves as a ‘marker’ for the driver to judge distances.

Under the bonnet is a larger version of the 1.8-litre engine used in the Latio which means it comes from the MR family which was jointly developed by Nissan and Renault. The MR20DE engine, as it is known, has the same 80 mm bore but a longer stroke to increase displacement to 1997 cc. Apart from the now-standard twincam 16-valve cylinder head, this all-aluminium 4-cylinder engine also has continuously-variable valve timing control (CVTC) on the intake side to optimize air/fuel delivery for all driving conditions. ‘Drive-by-wire’ technology enhances responsiveness while reducing less efficient mechanical interfaces, while balance shafts iron out vibrations. Other notable features of the MR20DE engine include the silent chain and mirror finishing on certain components to reduce internal friction.

MR20DE engine which replaces QR20DE engine has better torque in the low and midrange as dyno chart shows

While the engine is noteworthy, what’s really exciting about this new Nissan is the transmission as it is the first time that ETCM is offering a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in a locally-assembled Nissan model. And this is not just any ordinary CVT either: called the XTRONIC, this transmission has been given high marks in industry circles because of its efficiency and ability to cope with high torque from larger engines such as the 3.5-litre V6 of the Murano SUV.

For those still unfamiliar with the CVT, think of it as an automatic transmission without gears, which is really what it is. Rather than gears, there are two variable-diameter pulleys that move back and forth apart from each other to create ‘gear ratios’. This, in effect, creates an ‘infinite’ number of ratios and transitions are super-smooth although to give drivers a more familiar feel, there are pre-set positions. For the Sylphy application, the range between the highest and lowest ratios is 2.349:1 to 0.394:1 while the final drive ratio is 5.401:1 (don’t be shocked… this is not a conventional transmission!).

Flexible but strong steel belt for CVT can take large amounts of torque, increasing reliability and durability

Also contributing to the superiority of the XTRONIC CVT is the presence of a torque converter (which is not present in all CVTs). The torque converter provides a lock-up capability for more direct transfer of  torque over a very wide speed range.

Why the XTRONIC CVT is more efficient than a conventional automatic transmission

Suspension has 'ripple control' design which smoothens ride

As mentioned earlier, the platform is similar to the Latio’s except that the wheelbase is extended by 100 mm to 2700 mm. The suspension is therefore the same too with MacPherson struts in front and a torsion beam at the rear. The shock absorbers have a “ripple control” feature which, from experience with the Latio, does a pretty good job of smoothening the ride by absorbing high-frequency vibrations from road irregularities and also keeping the tyres ‘glued’ to the road surface. Also contributing to greater ride comfort is the dual-stage pre-loaded valve system on the front and rear shock absorbers.

To reduce power losses, the rack and pinion steering system gets power assistance from an electric motor instead of an engine-driven hydraulic pump. The electric motor, situated along the steering column, provides assistance in varying degrees and helps improve fuel economy by a claimed 3% when compared to a conventional power steering system. Incidentally, the Sylphy’s turning circle of 5.3 metres is commendable for its size.

For brakes (which have ABS+EBD+Brake Assist), the Sylphy uses ventilated discs in front and drums behind. 15-inch alloy wheels shod with Japanese-made Yokohamas sized at 195/65 are standard fitment.

The materials for the cabin are high quality and even the cherry wood trim has a classy look and feel. Whether this refinement is due to Nissan’s association with Renault is uncertain but it is definitely a praiseworthy modern interior design.

With the Sylphy, ETCM has simplified the choices to a Comfort Package and a Luxury Package. The former, which costs RM112,800 has a long and generous equipment list that includes an auto-on light system (switches on the lights when the outside is dark), speed-sensitive intermittent variable wiper system (calibrated to car’s speed), 2-stage remote keyless entry system, folding door mirrors, anti-microbacterial coating on the steering wheel and automatic climate control. The Sylphy with Luxury Package – which costs RM116,800 - includes leather upholstery, 6-CD audio system with mp3 capability and full tinting. Even without tinting, the standard glass provided can cut 87% of harmful UV radiation.

Customers can also take the items individually and for tinting there are three choices with prices ranging from RM1200 to RM1800. The audio system costs RM1000 on its own and there’s also a boot tray (useful for wet items) that is priced at RM380.

The new assembly plant at Serendah in Selangor is able to cater to a variety of boy colours at its advanced paintshop and for the Sylphy, there are 6 choices: Cecil Blue, Chardonnay Gold, Tungsten Silver, Twilight Grey, Sapphire Black and Brilliant White.

ETCM is looking at selling up to 350 units a month and at launch time today, it was mentioned that there are already 800 orders. Having learnt from the experience with the Grand Livina, the company began assembly a few months earlier to build up stocks so that delivery will not be delayed.

Visit the official Nissan Sylphy website to know more or to locate a dealer for a test-drive

Talk about the new Sylphy in the MTM Forum

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