Photos of China’s all-new Nissan Sylphy compact
sedan were leaked on the web today. What that means for us is that, we get an early view of North America’s next generation 2020 Sentra
compact sedan, expected later this year. The
current Nissan Sentra first debuted as the Sylphy in China and the same
scenario may repeat with the new generation model. Something else that makes
this theory plausible is the design of the new Nissan Sylphy in Chinese
specification.
It totally suits the styling
language adopted by Nissan sedans in North America in recent years, first with
the Maxima and more recently with the Altima. Built by Dongfeng-Nissan, the new
Sylphy is longer, wider and lower than the current model. It’s 4,651 mm long, 1,815 mm wide and 1,450 mm high, with a wheelbase
stretched 12 mm to 2,712 mm.
All these changes in dimensions appear to have had a
positive impact on the car’s appearance, giving it a more athletic, expressive
look. The front end adopts Nissan’s signature V-motion grille, sleeker
headlights with a boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, a low bonnet and a restyled bumper
with sharp lines. The side view reveals the kick-up C-pillars and 17-inch alloys, while
the rear view is dominated by a pair of new LED taillights and a reshaped
bumper that integrates a diffuser-like element.
The Chinese-market compact sedan will feature an
updated 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine rated at 137 hp — 13 hp more than the current model. Transmission choices will
include a standard manual transmission or an optional CVT in China.
The all-new Nissan Sylphy is expected to debut at
the Shanghai Auto Show on April 16. As for America’s 2020 Nissan Sentra, expect
it to debut sometime this year — the earliest venue would be the New York Auto
Show that starts a day after the Shanghai show.
