
The differences between the Classic Sylphy and the New Sylphy lie in their exterior and interior designs. Below are the detailed distinctions: Exterior Differences: The Sylphy features polygonal wheel hubs, while the Classic Sylphy has small conical protrusions on the headlights, making it easier for the driver to observe the distance to obstacles on either side of the front. The Classic Sylphy's side profile is defined by a prominent character line that runs from the headlights to the taillights, complemented by a short rear end, a parabolic-like roofline, and a long, low-slung front end. This design gives the car a dynamic and poised appearance, exuding a sense of readiness. The New Sylphy, on the other hand, emphasizes a family-friendly and comfortable style, with excellent comfort. Interior Differences: The Sylphy adds a center headrest in the rear seats and upgrades the seatbelts from two-point to three-point systems. The Classic Sylphy's interior features a dual-tone color scheme of gray and beige. The overall interior design of the Classic Sylphy leans towards a homely style, echoing its exterior. The gray and beige color scheme enhances a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The design differences between the Classic Sylphy and the new Sylphy are quite significant. I feel the classic version has a more conservative appearance, with square and simple lines, a traditional chrome front grille, and mostly halogen headlights, giving it a plain look. The new Sylphy is much more stylish, featuring a streamlined body design, eye-catching LED headlights, and a cleaner rear end. The interior has been upgraded with better materials, including soft-touch surfaces and stitching details, making the cabin feel more spacious. The trunk is also slightly larger, making it more suitable for young people or family users who prefer a modern style. The color options are more diverse, moving beyond basic black and white. During my test drive of the new model, I noticed a more open driving perspective and a more user-friendly button layout, reducing blind spots.

There are significant changes in terms of performance. I've studied the classic Sylphy which used the older 1.6L engine—its power was average, sufficient for city driving but a bit slow in high-speed acceleration, with an average fuel consumption around 7L. The new Sylphy has improved the engine, upgrading to a 1.8L or more efficient version, enhancing horsepower and making acceleration smoother, while reducing fuel consumption to below 6L, making it more economical for urban commuting. The transmission has also been optimized; the older model might have had some jerky shifts, but the new one is smoother and more fluid, plus it includes an eco mode to aid fuel efficiency. In terms of chassis tuning, the new model features a better-cushioned suspension system, providing more stability over bumpy roads with less jolting, resulting in an overall upgraded driving experience.

Technology features mark the dividing line between the old and new Sylphy models. The classic version basically comes with outdated rotary knob air conditioning and a small radio screen, lacking any sense of smart technology. The new Sylphy adds a large touchscreen that supports CarPlay connectivity, making navigation and music playback much more convenient. It also features an automatic air conditioning system with one-touch temperature adjustment, eliminating the need for manual fiddling. Safety improvements are even more significant—assistive features like blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning, which are largely absent in the classic version, come standard in the new model. This makes driving much more worry-free, especially on long highway trips.

In terms of price and value, the classic Sylphy has been discontinued, and its second-hand market price is very low, possibly available for just tens of thousands. Maintenance costs are cheap, and parts are easy to find. The new Sylphy has a slightly higher starting price, beginning at over a hundred thousand, but it has better resale value due to updated technology and design, allowing it to fetch a good price even after several years of use. New car maintenance requires professional inspections, but overall reliability is stronger. I recommend choosing a second-hand classic model if the budget is limited, and opting for the new version as a long-term investment for a more worry-free driving experience.


