Now, although the Nismo-fied Teana 2.5XV handles well and is definitely more fun to drive on winding roads, there is hardly any sacrifice when it comes to ride comfort.
Like the standard Teana, the Nismo-fied Teana continues to deliver smooth, supple comfort even over rough surfaces and uneven roads in some sections in Klang, Puchong and Kinrara where lesser cars would fear to tread.
The third-generation Nissan Teana D-segment sedan is the latest to be offered with optional Nismo upgrades consisting of the Aero and Performance packages.
The RM6,201 (inclusive of GST) Aero package offers a bolder look with Nismo front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts, a trunk lid spoiler and exhaust finishers for a stylish profile.
For a more exciting Nismo motoring experience, fork out RM16,960 (inclusive of GST) for the Performance package and besides the abovementioned accessories, you get Nismo sport springs, LMX6 18-inch alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres sized 235/45 ZR18.
To recap, Nismo or Nissan Motorsports International is the Japanese marque's performance brand, which has a long and rich history in racing.
Recently, we test drove the top-grade Teana 2.5XV armed with the Nismo Performance package and found a it to be better planted when tackling road curves, and feels even better to drive.
This is of course, in comparison with the standard Teana 2.5XV.
The enhanced road holding quality on our Nismo-fied Teana 2.5XV was largely due to the sport springs that lowered the car by 30mm and the low profile tyres on bigger rims (note: standard Teana 2.5XV has 215/55 R17 tyres).
Our test drive unit also had its front dashboard autographed by Nismo racing drivers Tsugio Matsuda and Ronnie Quintarelli when they launched the Teana Nismo Performance Package in Shah Alam last December.
Step inside the cabin, and you will find lots of goodies befitting a flagship executive sedan with a roomy interior that provides plenty of leg room, and adequate rear headroom for 1.7-metre adults.
The Teana 2.5XV has the luxuries you want in a car, including comfortable black leather upholstery, powered front seats, rear air-conditioning vents, an electric adjustable sunroof, a rear view camera system, a rear powered sunshade, and a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system with subwoofer and amplifier.
You also get a 5-inch touchscreen display for the reverse camera, navigation, USB port and bluetooth as well as dual-zone automatic climate control air-conditioning, keyless entry, push-start ignition, and speed-sensitive variable intermittent wipers.
Other premium amenities include xenon headlamps with automatic on/off function, and gas struts for the bonnet.
There are lots of storage spaces for small items, drinks, sunglasses, and powerbanks.
These include front seat back pockets, four door bins, two front cup holders, and a big centre storage box between the front seats which can easily store four 600ml bottles.
Regarding driving performance, there is plenty of grunt from the 173ps/234Nm 2.5-litre engine and silky smooth power delivery from the CVT (continuously variable transmission).
The electro-hydraulic power steering is light and precise, and the efficient cabin insulation translates into a quiet ride with little wind, engine and road noise intrusion.
The Nismo Performance package certainly adds a welcome spice to the Teana 2.5XV, which we find to be a highly refined, richly-equipped land yacht that is great for comfortable long-distance driving.
It's worth noting that the Nismo Performance package is factory fitted following Nissan Global Quality Standards and comes with a three-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever is first).
Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd also offers a best-in-industry seven-year/unlimited mileage warranty for all Nissan vehicles in Malaysia except the Navara pick-up truck where has a 5-year or 150,000km (whichever is first) warranty.
Nissan Teana 2.5XV with Nismo Performance Package
Engine: 2,488cc DOHC 16-valve, twin CVTC (continuously variable-valve timing control)
Maximum power: 173ps at 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 234Nm at 4,000rpm
Transmission: XTRONIC CVT (continuously variable transmission)
Features: Six airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, active understeer control, hill start assist, all-round disc brakes, ISOFIX child seat points, electric adjustable sunroof, Bose premium audio system with nine speakers, xenon headlamps with auto-levelling and washers, rear air-condition vents, rear view camera, 5-inch touchscreen display
Price: RM172,452.36 on-the-road with insurance (7-year unlimited mileage warranty)
Optional Nismo Performance Package: RM16,960 inclusive of GST
