Nissan Teana

Nissan Teana Overview

The 2018 Nissan Teana is a third-generation D-segment 4-door midsize sedan first introduced in 2013 as the successor to the iconic Nissan Cefiro. Locally-assembled in Tan Chong Motor assembly plant in Serendah, the three variants on offer are the Nissan Teana 2.0 XE, Nissan Teana 2.0 XL and the Nissan Teana 2.5 XV.

The Nissan Teana codenamed the L33, shares most of the platform and mechanicals with its North American cousin, the Nissan Altima which is built and sold primarily in North America. Aimed squarely at the popular Toyota Camry, Nissan has got some serious competition. While on paper they managed to deliver for most parts, it remained the less popular choice among Malaysians comparatively.

Rivals for the Nissan Teana includes the likes of Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Volkswagen Passat and the Ford Mondeo. While offering similar if not better specifications, the Nissan Teana was competitively priced at RM 139,800 when launched.

Nissan Teana Design

The Nissan Teana was designed with luxury and comfort in mind. The word sleek is not usually associated with large D-segment sedans, yet this Nissan manages to hide its hefty size with sleek body lines and curves, accented by chrome trims. At the front, you are greeted by Nissan’s subtle front signature grill with seamlessly integrated xenon headlights.  The car arguably looks best from the side, where the curved wheel arches and the slopping roofline is clearly accentuated and makes for a sleek and elegant silhouette, much like the Mazda 6. Nicely integrated rear LED combination lamps and dual exhaust finisher at the back completes the overall dynamic design of the car.

Nissan Teana Dimension

The Nissan Teana is longer, wider, taller and also lighter compared to its closest rival, the Toyota Camry.  Yet one can argue that it is better proportioned and not as bulbous as its main rivals. 

Nissan Teana Interior

The Nissan Teana comes with an optional premium black leather interior and its Zero Gravity seats provides continuous support while reducing fatigue during long distance driving. Powered front seats allow the driver and front passenger to find that optimal seating position. Driver and passengers are also able to enjoy an expansive view through its powered glass sunroof, further enhancing the already spacious interior. Rear power sunshade provides shield from the sunlight and a little privacy when so desired. All these goodies are found in the 2.5XV variant.

It is business as usual for the driver upfront and that is not necessarily a bad thing. Buttons and dials are logically laid out typical of those in Japanese sedan of this class. Extensive use of soft touch material, leather surface as well as some chrome accents gives the interior a touch of luxury.

Nissan Teana Features

The Nissan Teana comes equipped with an Electro-hydraulic Power Steering with Audio, Advance Drive Assist (ADAD), Bluetooth Handsfree and Cruise Control. Other notable tech includes a 5-inch infotainment display with rear view camera, intelligent keyless entry, push start ignition button and Dual Zone Auto Climate Control. Also available is the 9 Speaker BOSE premium sound system for an expansive music experience like no other, elevating the premium and luxury experience to a whole new level.

In terms of safety, the Nissan Teana comes as standard a 6 SRS airbag, Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System (TCS), Active Understeer Control (AUC), ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), and Hill Start Assist (HSA) to help driver staying in control even in emergency situation.

Nissan Teana Driving Performance

Engine

The Nissan Teana is fitted with the QR25DE Twin CVTC Engine, promising cleaner combustion and better fuel economy. The XE and XL variant’s 2.0-Litre 4-cylinder engine produces a frankly appalling 136 PS at 5600 RPM and 190 Nm of torque at 4400 RPM. The XV variant’s 2.5-Litre on the other hand produces a more respectable 173 PS at 6000 RPM and 234 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM. Clearly, the Nissan Teana is not designed with performance in mind, but it more than makes up for it with the comfortable ride and luxurious interior.

Transmission

Power is sent to the front wheels via a Xtronic Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) that promises greater durability and fuel economy compared to its torque converter counterpart. It is also one of the more responsive CVT units around, with power translated seamlessly onto the road. Although throttle response is quick and acceleration is linear, spirited driving with the CVT is not recommended.

Nissan Teana Ride Comfort

The Teana's suspension set up provides greater stability and a more comfortable ride for both driver and the passengers. The noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) level is exceptional, dealing with road imperfection with poise and sophistication. The trade-off however is the Nissan Teana’s ability to tackle corners, where body roll is very apparent in its handling characteristic.

Nissan Teana Fuel Consumption

The official rated fuel economy is 7.4L/100KM for the 2.0L and 7.4L/100KM for the 2.5L variant, an average figure for the XL and XE variant but commendable for the XV variant considering the larger displacement and better performance.

Nissan Teana Conclusion

The very much underrated Nissan Teana presents an attractive proposition for the D-segment mid-size sedan in Malaysia. It offers superior practicality, comfort and more crucially affordability. While it is not the last word in performance and luxury, it certainly keeps its competition honest. As of 2020, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Volkswagen and Hyundai have all introduced their latest D-segment sedan into Malaysia. It is unfortunate that Tan Chong Motor decided to pull out of the D-segment competition entirely and will not be bringing in the latest update. Based on the new Nissan Altima in North America, it certainly looks promising, and it is a shame that Malaysian will missing out on the new-generation Nissan Teana.