Distinctive, high-quality interior is just as important in car design as how fast the car goes, if not even more.
RIDZWAN A. RAHIM takes a look at what Nissan has to offer to occupants of its cars under its ‘Modern Living’ concept.
| Cars need to be comfy as we spend a large part of our day in them. |
| Clutter-free instrument panel and scratch-resistant Masumi fabric seats make the Sylphy a cosy environment to be in. |
| The S-motion design theme, seen here on the instrument panel, blends very well with the beautifully sculpted leather seats. |
UPON stepping inside the new Nissan Sylphy 2.0L CVTC, one of the things a person will notice is its minimalist dashboard.
Unlike the dashboard of other sedans, the Sylphy’s dashboard has few buttons or controls on it.
But everything that matters is there, prominent and within reach. For example, the three clearly labeled and homogeneous dials below the radio/CD changer make climate control a cinch, even if one is stepping inside the car for the first time.
The seats are beautifully sculpted, comfortable and provide enough lateral support, whether they are clad in leather or the scratch-proof Masumi fabric.
A leather steering wheel with anti-bacterial properties adds to the overall result, which is a mobile space as relaxed and as comfortable as any other living space.
The Sylphy’s distinctive, high-quality interior is a result of Nissan’s Modern Living concept that stresses advanced design values in cabins, which the carmaker has adopted since 2003.
Beginning with the Teana luxury sedan that year, Nissan has expanded the concept into its other cars, the latest being the Sylphy.
Why the preoccupation with interiors?
“Having a distinct brand identity is becoming increasingly important for automakers in today’s fiercely competitive environment,” says Shiro Nakamura, chief creative officer at Nissan.
“To differentiate our products, we focus on popular Japanese attitudes and ideas about living space and ambience. As seen in our ancient teahouses, there is a tradition here of higher priority on the interior of the structure, where guests are received, than on the exterior. When travelling, Japanese people traditionally cared more about comfort than speed as well.”
Nissan’s design team began emphasising on interior designs when it realised the car has become a space wherein people spend a large part of their day.
Women, in particular, have indicated that they want a car that is comfortable and has a stylish interior.
“Traditional expectations for automotive interiors centred on luxury or beauty,” says Takashi Nakajima, product chief designer. “In introducing the Modern Living concept with the Teana, we wanted to challenge that tradition.”
In traditional Japanese architecture, comfortable spaces are created by carefully balancing lines and surfaces, employing natural materials and eliminating excess decoration.
In the Sylphy, the large cabin forms the basis for the roomy and relaxing interior and an S-motion design theme provides a tangible expression of the Modern Living concept.
Distinctive S-shaped curves and are expressed in smooth and richly varied sculpted body lines.
S-motion is further reflected in a curved, dual-toned instrument panel, providing space around the driver and an open, airy space for the front passenger. It also boasts quality materials, including the fine cherry wood grain finish and metallic linings.
Styling aside, a high level of functionality has also been built into the Sylphy.
A case in point is the storage compartment incorporated into the center console. The lid of the console opens 180 degrees to the rear, providing every occupant in the car access to the compartment which is capable of neatly storing anything from a large handbag to a shopping bag.
To top everything off, Nissan’s third generation Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) provides smooth and seamless ratio changes, maintaining optimum torque at any given power demand. The Sylphy is also easy on the conscience with its eco-friendly 16km per litre fuel consumption.
• NOTE: For more information about the Nissan Sylphy 2.0L CVTC, call Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-88-8368 or visit www.sylphy.com.my.
