Next-Generation Nissan Sentra Previewed By All-New Sylphy

The 2019 Auto Shanghai continues – following yesterday's debuts of several Volkswagen SUV models and the all-electric Aston Martin Rapide E, today we are taking a look at the sedan segment. More precisely, the new Nissan Sylphy – the version of the Sentra customers in China are getting. This is an all-new model, which should arrive at some point in the near future at showrooms in the United States.

The Japanese company has given the compact vehicle a significantly wider stance and lower center of gravity, which not only make the car look good but also improve handling and road manners. The exterior is formed around what Nissan calls the design concepts of "vigor" and "confidence" – a low but muscular side profile and pronounced fascia give the new Sylphy a distinctive look and a drag coefficient of just 0.26. To put that number into context, it equals the drag coefficient of the mighty Nissan GT-R.

The interior is also almost completely overhauled and now features a three-outlet air conditioning system and two displays – an eight-inch one for the infotainment system and a seven-inch color instrument cluster providing driving information. As part of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite of technologies, the infotainment system offers "seamless smartphone connectivity and intelligent voice command."

Under the hood is what Nissan describes as an all-new intelligent drive engine with Xtronic variable transmission. Unfortunately, the automaker does not provide exact technical specifications but promises the new motor delivers "a linear, smooth driving experience." Additionally, engineers have also modified the steering and suspension, and have enhanced the overall body rigidity to "improve handling and deliver a more solid driving feel."

One of the new systems the new Sylphy uses is called the Integrated Dynamic Control Module and uses "targeted brake applications after the vehicle encounters a bump or undulation to immediately improve the level of the body, enhancing ride quality."