What does the L gear in the Sylphy mean?

[DamianLynn]

Sylphy's L gear refers to the low gear mode of the transmission. When going downhill or descending a long slope, shifting to L gear can restrict the car's gear to automatically stay in low gear, allowing the vehicle to use engine braking during descent. This prevents the driver from having to continuously apply the brakes, which could lead to overheating of the brake pads and potential hazards. The 2020 Sylphy has dimensions of 4631mm in length, 1760mm in width, and 1503mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2700mm. It is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 84KW and a peak torque of 159NM, paired with a CVT transmission.

[MaverickLynn]

I've been driving a Nissan Sylphy for ten years, and the L gear stands for Low gear. It's especially useful when driving on mountain roads. For example, when going down a long steep slope, shifting to L gear makes the car slow down automatically, using the engine's power to drag the car, so you don't have to keep pressing the brakes. This not only saves brake pads but also ensures safety. L gear is also practical when climbing steep slopes, as the engine has more power, making it easier to ascend. Remember, it's best not to exceed 60 km/h when using L gear, and you rarely need it for regular city driving. Last month, I went on a self-drive trip to Zhangjiajie, and the continuous five-kilometer downhill was entirely controlled by L gear—the brake discs didn't even feel hot to the touch.

[MacPatrick]

The L gear in the Sylphy stands for Low gear, which is equivalent to the low-speed gear in a manual transmission. I hardly use it during my daily commute, but it becomes indispensable when driving on highways during heavy rain or navigating mountain roads. When engaging this gear, you can distinctly feel the engine sound becoming deeper, the speed being restrained, and the wheels as if being pulled by a rope. Especially on slippery roads during rainy or foggy days, the L gear provides more stable wheel traction, making the drive feel more secure. However, remember not to use it when parking on a garage slope. Last time I tried it, the tachometer needle shot up, scaring me into quickly switching back to D gear.

[StGrant]

As a frequent construction site visitor with my Nissan Sylphy, the L gear is a real lifesaver. Last week, I had to haul materials up a 30-degree dirt slope at the site. The D gear started slipping halfway up, but after shifting to L gear, the wheels gripped the ground firmly and climbed steadily. The mechanic explained that the principle is the transmission locks in 1st-2nd gear, keeping engine RPM high while limiting speed. L gear is also recommended for starting on snowy roads in winter to prevent wheel slip. Remember to reduce speed below 40 before shifting gears, otherwise, the transmission may jerk and vibrate.

[ThomasDella]

The L gear design of the Sylphy is actually quite clever. When engaged, the transmission is forced to stay in a lower gear, making the power output smoother when going down to the basement or over speed bumps, preventing the car from jerking. I've tested it—on the same slope, the D gear requires 20% throttle, while the L gear only needs 10% to hold steady on the slope. However, don't use it for extended periods on regular roads, as fuel consumption can be about 20% higher than in D gear. Once, a friend borrowed the car for mountain driving, and I specifically told him to use L gear on steep slopes. He later said it felt like having an electronic handbrake helping to control speed during hairpin turns.