On one hand we have the high-riding SUVs and crossovers, and on the other, mid-sized sedans, which are still the local bulk automotive commodity.
This segment has never been more competitive. Heavy hitters in the mid-sized segment include the standard-bearing Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, as well as the Chevrolet Malibu, Kia Optima, Mazda6, and Volkswagen Passat. What about Nissan?
Well, Nissan's very own Teana was first introduced in Singapore in 2003. Originally and more commonly known as the Cefiro, this nameplate was discontinued in 2008.
The sixth generation Teana replaces the previous model with three variants - a 2.0-litre, a 3.5-litre (arriving next year) as well as the 2.5-litre, which we have here with us.
Exterior
Borrowing styling cues from the Sylphy, the Teana appears to be gunning for a younger crowd. It dons Nissan's new design language, with a more robust front end, a sharp V-shaped chrome grille and a more aggressive-looking apron with a trapezoidal slatted intake.
The car sports new fog lamp housings, too, and the chrome strips that emanated from the fog lamps on the previous car are gone, although they continue to run along the side of the body.
There is now a more athletic look of the car thanks to the shoulder line, body crease and chrome strip sloping upwards towards the back.
The rear quarter window is also now smaller and the LED tail lamps mirror the inward kink of the headlamps. On the whole, the new Teana is curvier and more muscular than its predecessor.
Interior
Well-designed throughout, the Teana features a refined interior with excellent fit and finish that keeps stride with the rest of the vehicle's redesign, as well as its competition.
Leather-wrapped in most places with some traces of hard plastics, there is this conservative look that keeps things moving in an upscale direction.
Nissan claims that the Teana's seats were designed using NASA zero-gravity technology that helps to relieve pressure points, thus reducing fatigue. Well, regardless of their connection to NASA, these seats are comfortable indeed and perfect for road trips to our neighbouring country.
Well-designed throughout, the Teana features a refined interior with excellent fit and finish that keeps stride with the rest of the vehicle's redesign, as well as its competition.
Leather-wrapped in most places with some traces of hard plastics, there is this conservative look that keeps things moving in an upscale direction.
Nissan claims that the Teana's seats were designed using NASA zero-gravity technology that helps to relieve pressure points, thus reducing fatigue. Well, regardless of their connection to NASA, these seats are comfortable indeed and perfect for road trips to our neighbouring country.
The fabric seat covering has a soft, fuzzy texture similar to a stuffed teddy bear, and that contributes to the comfortable impression of the benches. Likewise, the headliner and sun visors are also covered in soft fabric.
At the rear, the Teana boasts good proportions. Passengers behind have been catered for excellent head and legroom as well as a 506 litres boot, which is slightly larger than most of its competitors, allowing it to easily swallow several golf bags.
The Drive
Under the bonnet sits a 2.5-litre in-line four engine that replaces the 2.5-litre V6 lump in the outgoing model. Producing 173bhp and 234Nm of torque, the new engine may have lesser power output than the previous model, but there is higher maximum torque available at lower revs.
Considering the fact that the new Teana is lighter than its predecessor by 21kg, picking up the pace is certainly more eager.
An XTronic CVT transmission is paired with the engine and the virtue of this gearbox is that it copes with the consequences of tall gearing better than some CVTs or conventional automatics.
Compared to them, a jarring downshift isn't required when accelerating to pass or maintaining speed up a hill. And instead of being whiney like the usual CVTs, this transmission is in fact more invisible to drivers than before, seamlessly adjusting its ratio in a refined and subtle way.
Under the bonnet sits a 2.5-litre in-line four engine that replaces the 2.5-litre V6 lump in the outgoing model. Producing 173bhp and 234Nm of torque, the new engine may have lesser power output than the previous model, but there is higher maximum torque available at lower revs.
Considering the fact that the new Teana is lighter than its predecessor by 21kg, picking up the pace is certainly more eager.
An XTronic CVT transmission is paired with the engine and the virtue of this gearbox is that it copes with the consequences of tall gearing better than some CVTs or conventional automatics.
Compared to them, a jarring downshift isn't required when accelerating to pass or maintaining speed up a hill. And instead of being whiney like the usual CVTs, this transmission is in fact more invisible to drivers than before, seamlessly adjusting its ratio in a refined and subtle way.
The electro-hydraulic steering is adequately weighted, reasonably quick and provides just enough feel. Through corners, slight body roll was apparent. But on the plus side, the soft suspension absorbs impacts from bumps and ruts beautifully.
Conclusion
Overall, the Teana may not be the coolest or the most engaging car to drive, but it holds its own with enough creaminess to rise nearly to the top.
Though the claimed fuel consumption was 13.3km/L, we fell a little short and only managed to achieve 9.8km/L with our heavy driving style.
Still, the mid-sized sedan is a strong execution and is worth considering for those looking for a comfortable and well-equipped transportation.
