While its predecessors were also renowned for their strong engines and roomy interior, we feel that the latest-generation Teana has taken its driving performance and comfort levels up by more than just a few notches.
We recently spent three days with the top-grade Teana 2.5XV, which was launched here last June and is priced at RM169,900 on-the-road with insurance.
Assembled at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies plant in Serendah, the Teana is also offered in two 2.0L variants which are priced at RM139,800 (2.0XE) and RM149,800 (2.0XL).
In our opinion, the Teana 2.5XV has a high level of refinement.
The cabin has nice features such as comfortable 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.
There is a lot of kit here, including dual-zone automatic climate control air-conditioning, keyless entry, push-start ignition and speed-sensitive variable intermittent wipers.
The Teana also has what Nissan calls Zero Gravity Inspired car seats, which are touted as reducing fatigue for occupants and providing the ideal posture to make long drives more pleasant.
According to Nissan, this “fatigue-free” seat technology was jointly developed with Yamazaki Laboratory at Keio University, Tokyo.
Now, we don’t think a 70km journey from Klang to Kampung Bukit Tinggi, Pahang for a meal with some friends can really be defined as a long drive.
But we found high levels of comfort, as well as smooth and responsive acceleration with three occupants in the car, and a quiet ride with little wind, engine and road noise intrusion.
Engine roar was quite muted, even when we stepped hard on the accelerator pedal, and the tachometer needle went close to the 6,500rpm red-line.
When we drove at 80kph using cruise control on smooth highways, the tachometer needle was at 1,250rpm.
At 110kph, the tachometer needle hovered around 1,700rpm.
The Teana’s electro-hydraulic power steering which can improve fuel economy, felt a tad light but it was precise.
We like the Teana’s handling stability and ride comfort which Nissan says is also due to the new multi-link rear suspension.
Fitted with Michelin Primacy LC tyres sized 215/55 R17, the Teana 2.5XV delivered smooth, supple comfort over rough surfaces and uneven roads.
There is a deep centre storage box between the two front seats, and we also found more than enough cubby holes to store small items like 600ml water bottles and cameras.
Boot luggage capacity is a cavernous 516 litres.
Also, the Teana continues to maintain its reputation of having best-in-class interior space.
It also has more rear legroom, compared with the previous model.
We also like its space-saving foot operated parking brake.
In summary, we think that the new Teana 2.5XV is quite well-equipped and offers a quiet and large cabin.
This vehicle is certainly a premium executive sedan that would make for long-distance driving enjoyable.
