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Sylphy Turbo: Oomph with comfort

Sylphy Turbo: Oomph with comfort

THIS NISSAN COMPACT WITH A NEW, POWERFUL ENGINE WILL LEAVE THE COROLLA, CIVIC, MAZDA3 AND FOCUS SNIFFING THE DUST

During the past several years, Nissan has been busy expanding its model range in Thailand.
 
Exciting models like the Juke, although not assembled locally, have proven to become a big hit thanks to their stylish yet unconventional design and attractive pricing, and yesterday the automaker introduced its first hybrid model here – the XTrail Hybrid.
Having a large model line- up doesn’t mean every model will become a success, and some of the “interesting” vehicles from Nissan that haven’t drawn much attention have included the Pulsar Turbo hatchback offered last year. But Nissan hasn’t given up – which is a good thing – and is now offering a turbocharged version of the Sylphy compact sedan.

Sylphy Turbo: Oomph with comfort

Compared to the standard 1.6and 1.8- litre models, the Sylphy Turbo not only provides dramatically improved performance but also comes with some sporty upgrades. The Sylphy Turbo is originally an export model from Thailand to Australia, where there is larger demand for high-power models, and Nissan has decided to offer it to its Thai customers as well.
Of course, the highlight of the car is the new power plant option that puts the Sylphy in a different league altogether in terms of performance. The turbocharged 4-cylinder DOHC 16- valve direct- injection engine is capable of pumping out as much as 190 horsepower, while the 240Nm of torque is available right from 2,4005,200rpm, giving you endless acceleration when mated with the CVT ( Continuously Variable Transmission).
The gearbox may not be fun to use in automatic mode, despite the availability of a 6-speed manual mode, but it nevertheless is good at transmitting forces efficiently as well as offering better fuel economy than regular automatics. Another setback here is the engine note that is far from exciting, sounding just like the standard model.
The engine and transmission team up to give the Sylphy Turbo the best straight-line performance in its segment. Yes, it’s gonna whack the Corolla, Civic, Mazda3 and Focus on any given day, and many people are going to be surprised.
That’s because the Sylphy Turbo looks basically like the normally aspirated models, as the add-ons don’t really stand out – whether it’s the 17inch alloy wheels, carbon- design sideview mirrors, side skirts and front/rear bumper. The large chrome grille on the front looks more luxurious than sporty, and it kinds of put you off when you’re driving a car with this type of performance. You actually want something that’s more “Nismo” here.

Sylphy Turbo: Oomph with comfort

The 205/ 50 R17 tyres give the Sylphy a sturdier feel and helps sharpen the steering a bit compared to the lower models with 195/60 R16 tyres, but in general the suspension set-up is tuned towards ride comfort rather than neck-braking grip.
So the Sylphy Turbo will appeal to customers who want extra oomph from the engine, but still want to enjoy the luxury and comfort, and in this respect this car might just be it.
Apart from the comfortable ride, the Sylphy Turbo offers a spacious cabin with good legroom for all and all sorts of add-ons.
The black interior contrasts with the silver-coloured trim and the only sporty upgrade here seems to be the two sports pedals. The 3-spoke steering wheel offers a nice grip and comes with a host of control buttons, including cruise control.
Both front seats are electrically powered, and the rear seat backrest has an access port to the luggage compartment that can also be used when storing long objects.
In terms of safety, you get VDC ( Vehicle Dynamic Control), TCS ( Traction Control System), ABS brakes with ABD and BA and six airbags (dual front, side and curtain).

Sylphy Turbo: Oomph with comfort

There’s also a navigation system plus a rearview camera, along with automatic climate control, automatic switching headlights, Nissan Connect (with Facebook, Google Search and Voice Recognition) and electric sunroof. On top of this there’s an “Eco Mode” that helps guide the driver towards economical driving, although it would be hard to refrain from pushing this car when you have the opportunity.
In my point of view, what this car needs most is availability of sports suspension and a brake upgrade to match the increased power and torque, as well as a good-sounding exhaust muffler.
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