Nissan Bluebird Sylphy 2005-2012 used car review

The Nissan Bluebird Sylphy offers the interior space of a medium sized car at a small-car price and with small-car running costs.

The Bluebird Sylphy is closely related to the Nissan Pulsar and Nissan Tiida. It shares some of the same components in a larger and more luxurious package and is targeted at older, more conservative buyers. It is soft, quiet and refined to drive. This generation Bluebird was not sold new in New Zealand. The previous generation and the generation that followed both made their way here badged as Pulsar.

The rounded styling continues inside. Both the dashboard and seats are uniquely styled to look plump and rounded – almost like vintage furniture. That might not be to many modern tastes. The gauges are set in pods and are large, simple and easy to read. The centre console is trimmed in a matte-finished wood. In our review vehicle, a touchscreen infotainment system has been fitted - it will need a band expander to receive local stations.

The seats are large, soft and supportive. The driver’s seat is adjusted by electric controls. Legroom in the rear is extensive – Nissan claims the Bluebird has as much legroom as a Toyota Camry because the back of the front seats are sculpted to create more space. 

Our reviewer is 182cm tall and was able to sit behind a front seat adjusted for him with room to spare. The rear bench is roomy, though shaped to be more comfortable for two people than three. The centre position features a large lump in the back to better support the window passengers. It also misses out on a headrest.

The boot is best in class. At 504 litres it can handle at least two large suitcases and one medium suitcase. The rear seats do not fold down and there’s a ski port in the centre for passing through long and narrow items. The boot opening is broad and low, which makes loading relatively easy.

It doesn’t feel like it wants to be pushed hard and the CVT, although smooth, will rev the engine hard when you do. Everything else feels very light and soft. The steering can be turned with one finger and there is little feedback from the front wheels. There is plenty of body roll when cornered quickly, although there is lots of grip and the handling is safe. The bonus is that the ride is very comfortable. Bumps and imperfections in the road are easily absorbed.

Towbars are available from non-official suppliers, rated at 500kg (unbraked), which is a small trailer, or up to 1,200kg (braked), a small boat. That’s an excellent rating for a small to medium sized car.

Visibility from the driver's seat is fine looking forward. However, the shape of the rear makes it difficult to see how close the car is to whatever is behind it. G and Axis models get a reversing camera and a second camera showing how close the car is to the kerb. We would recommend adding a camera if you buy a Bluebird without one. You can do this yourself from $50 or have it done by a professional from $200.

That’s a known problem in Japan - Nissan has recalled and replaced the piece in many vehicles. Nissan New Zealand will not carry out this recall here. You can quickly order the part from overseas on the internet for a few hundred dollars. Unfortunately, it takes many hours of professional labour to install as it involves wiring and the airbags. A second option is putting a cosmetic dash mat on top - available for around $50.

The M model is available with optional all-wheel drive and a four-speed automatic transmission.

This review covers the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy for model years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Review vehicle supplied by City Motor Group.

*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.