Beijing Auto Show seems like the perfect place for Nissan to unveil a new global sedan. Global in the automotive dictionary means an economy model built for markets like China, India, or South America, where customers don’t’ really appreciate, and don’t need, European level of luxury and refinement. They just want something cheap, frugal and reliable.

The new Sylphy by Nissan fits in that category. Actually, it looks a bit too good for that category, but because of the world global it belongs to that category nonetheless. As a Chinese version of the Sentra, the Sylphy gets pretty much the same front grille, LED head and taillights. It’s an alright design for a mid-size global sedan.

The car has a very roomy interior as well, and is well-equipped for its class with stuff like include dual-zone air conditioning, Intelligent Key and keyless pushbutton ignition. With a suspension tuned for comfort and lots of noise and vibration-killing materials stuffed under the body, it should be a comfortable car too. It ticks all the right boxes.

As for the powertrains, the car will launch in China in mid 2012 with a 1.8 liter engine and next-generation XTRONIC CVT. It will gradually reach other emerging markets around the world by 2014.