Back in the mid-sized luxury fray – Cruising with the new Nissan Teana

At almost 11 years, the Nissan Cefiro has had one of the longest model runs in recent local automotive history. But despite several major and minor facelifts, the car has come to a point when plastic (and metal) surgery just won’t cut it. Especially not with the all-conquering new Toyota Camry decimating the field.

Hence the new P1.88 million Nissan Teana. One glance and you’ll see how much younger-looking it is compared to the Cefiro. In fact, fellow STAR writer Andy Leuterio had a new Audi A6 test unit with him during my week with the Teana and we couldn’t help noticing the striking similarities between the two cars’ styling, especially when viewed from their sides.

As is, the Teana wears its sleek, minimalist clothes well. The only problem is that it looks too much like its much more humble sibling, the Sentra, especially in the front and rear treatments. It’s better to have a new small car look like its bigger brother, but to have it the other way around tends to dilute the cache of the higher end model.

Thankfully, the similarities between the two Nissans is just skin deep, as the Teana is light years ahead in terms of build quality, refinement and performance. It’s made in Japan – and I’ve been to the Nissan plant there; so trust me, the robots putting together these cars are the best of the breed.

Slam the doors and the sound you’d hear could’ve been from a German luxury car. Panel gaps and seams are millimetric perfect. This same high level of craftsmanship pervades the interior. Start the engine and you’re greeted by the smooth whir of the starter followed by the smooth hum from the 2.3-liter 24-valve V6.

At speed, NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels are impressively low. Dynamically, the Teana is biased for comfort, both in terms of power and handling – although it will scoot and corner obediently and with impressive levels of control if you give it the spurs. Just don’t expect it to be a Japanese BMW that craves to attack corners and sprint from stoplights. 2.3 liters and a 4-speed automatic is just pushing it too small in this age of huge 3- and 3.5-liter V6-powered Camrys and Accords with 5-speed automatics. For everyday driving though, the Teana’s 173 ps and 22.9 kg-m of torque should satisfy 99% of all drivers.

Inside, this new mid-sized Nissan welcomes you with velvety soft black leather seats and warm wood trim. The luxury car ambience is heightened further by best-in-class legroom. Luxury car niceties abound, although the piece de resistance is the TV monitor that shows you a fish-eye view of what’s behind the car when you engage reverse. Previously, you’d have to buy a P10 million Mercedes S-class to enjoy this feature.

I also applaud the use of a Smart Key, that allows you to lock and unlock the doors as well as start the engine with the key in your pocket or purse.

Other noteworthy features include xenon headlamps, Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system, active head restraints, as well as front, side and curtain airbags.

All things considered, it’s impossible not to be impressed with the svelte, smooth new Teana. The only job for Nissan now is to identify the Teana’s target market and lock onto them before they get swayed by Toyota’s Camry.

THE GOOD
• Supple Euro-car ride
• Spacious interior
• Superb build quality
• Cool backup monitor
• Truly useful Smart Key system

THE BAD
• Looks too much like a Sentra
• Could use more power and torque
• Pricey

THE VERDICT
• A worthy, solid-performing, and much younger-looking successor to the venerable but aging Cefiro.