Enter the Nissan Sylphy. Distancing itself from the utter disaster that was the last-generation Sentra (may it rest in peace), the Sylphy is Nissan’s way of starting fresh; creating a brand-new market image that sorely lacked with the Sentra. And it all starts with the looks. Knowing quite well everyone else has ‘sportiness’ nailed down tightly; Nissan instead went for something much refined and stately. The overall silhouette looks elongated giving emphasis towards Sylphy’s planted stance. The rounded frontend gives it visual height while the bulging character line does the same from the profile. The rear successfully echoes the front but adds that signature touch: arrow-shaped LED tail lamps. The larger greenhouse lends a more top-heavy look, but it’s thankfully balanced by the 17-inch rollers.
As the top-spec 1.8V, it gets a nice, solid list of interior amenities and creature comforts. Leather comes as standard as does dual-zone climate control (with rear vents), a keyless entry system with push-button engine start/stop, and a Sony 2-DIN audio system with six speakers. It feels like a solid, well put together car with great fit and finish and material choices used throughout. The only gripe is that at P 998,000 it desperately needs Bluetooth. Bluetooth audio streaming is a great bonus, but at the very least, the Sony audio system should have Bluetooth hands-free telephony. If a sub-P 500,000 car has it as standard equipment, a car double the value should consider that standard too.