Nissan Sylphy

First generation (G10, N16, 2000–2005)

Nissan launched the G10 or N16 series Bluebird Sylphy in August 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 Sylphy 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, Sri Lanka 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 luxuriously equipped small 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 February 2003, the 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.

Marketing

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.

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.

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.

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, with a solitary trim that comes with a 1.5-litre engine. The Samsung SM3 is also sold as the Renault Scala in Mexico, Egypt and Colombia.

Second generation (G11, 2005–2012)

The G11 series Bluebird Sylphy uses Nissan's B platform, 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.

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)

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.

Marketing

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".

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.

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.

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. Nissan also confirmed that they would be exporting Sylphys to the Australian and Middle Eastern markets in December 2012 or January 2013.

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.

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. 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. 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.

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.

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

In North America, the third country to get the Sylphy after China and Thailand, 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.

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.

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

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

In Trinidad and Tobago, the B17 is called the Nissan Sentra. It is sold and serviced by Massy Motors, the dealership chain for the Nissan brand locally.