Wannabe racer

HANDS up those who remember the Nissan Sentra SE-R. Hmm, not that many. Probably because it was never sold in Singapore and because big engines in small cars and the Singapore COE/road tax system just don't gel. The Nissan Sentra was basically the Nissan Sylphy SSS for the Gen Y automotive enthusiast. Nissan took a run-of-the-mill Sentra (which was essentially a Sunny in Singapore) and plonked in a 2.5-litre higher output four-cylinder together with some go-faster parts and basically you got a pseudo pocket rocket.

The Sylphy SSS is not going to be a mini GTR but for those who have never driven something more exciting than, say, a Toyota Corolla or Honda Jazz, the 190 hp, 1.6-litre turbocharged Sylphy SSS will make your lips curl upwards. And if not into a smile, at least into a knowing smirk at other road users who don't know. Oh, and for the uninitiated, SSS stand for Super Sports Sedan.

In terms of styling, the SSS receives the typical boyracer treatment of a bootlid spoiler, sideskirts and a front chin spoiler. Larger 17-inch rims wrapped in 205/50R17 tyres provide the footwear but the SSS still looks more pretender than predator. Xenon lamps are standard and so is a stance lowered by 30 mm all around. The Sylphy isn't pretty and the dress-up bits can only help so much.