Ah, Nissan. Once the darling of Malaysian buyers with legendary models like the Sunny and Cefiro, it is now being overtaken in sales by the likes of Mitsubishi. Still, there are a few exciting models that Malaysians are missing out on like the newest Nissan Teana.

Except that the Teana name is buried and what you’re seeing here is actually its successor in China called the Nissan Altima. Hardcore ETCM nerds would recognise the name being featured on the last-generation Bluebird that was sold here in the 1990s.

The L34 Altima was introduced in left-hand-drive markets like the United States and China in 2018 where D-segment sedans still command some attention from buyers. Nearly 5 years after it was launched, a facelift was previewed to the Chinese media ahead of its 29-September launch and immediately we like the way it looks.

Also read: What are the prettiest common cars ever sold in Malaysia?

For one, you might not even think it’s a Nissan at first glance with the front looking more like a Volkswagen Arteon. Not that it’s a bad thing to be compared to the finest-looking model to bear the people’s car logo.

Also read: Review: 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line facelift – Forget the compact execs

Still, there are some familiar Nissan design cues on the Altima facelift including the V-motion trapezoidal front grille which is hidden beneath the horizontal chrome inserts.

The rear is also as pretty as the front from the floating roof to the futuristic-looking LED taillights. Adding to the sporty vibe is the pair of square-shaped chrome exhausts on each side of the rear.

The Chinese-spec L34 Altima is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre KR20 petrol engine (248 PS/380 Nm) that sends power to the front wheels via a CVT automatic with 8 virtual gears. There is no news of a hybrid or an all-electric powertrain being offered for now.

Inside, the L34 Altima feels like a premium Nissan that you might wonder if it should’ve been badged as an Infiniti. The flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, rectangular air vents, floating infotainment screen, as well as the light brown upholstery and dash combine both luxury and sportiness better than either the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.

Also read: 2022 Toyota Camry vs Honda Accord – Will the real winner please stand up?

Features offered in the Chinese-spec L34 Altima include:

• Zero Gravity seats
• Wireless charger
• 9-speaker Bose sound system
• Active noise cancellation

Just like the smaller Almera here, the Altima is offered with AEB as standard in China but ProPilot Assist is only offered on the higher variants.

Also read: I used to dislike the Nissan Almera, but the N18 model changed it all

With the D-segment sedan all but nearing extinction as buyers swing towards SUVs and crossovers, it’s unlikely that this Nissan is coming to Malaysia.

Also read: SUV vs Sedan - Which is more comfortable?

It’s also never offered in Japan or Australia and with no presence in right-hand-drive (RHD) markets, the chances for the Altima/Teana to be available in Malaysia are becoming slim. Still, if you’re reminiscing over Nissan’s last D-segment sedan offered here, we have a buying guide for the last-gen Teana on what to look out for.

Also read: Buying a used Nissan Teana (L33) - a supremely comfortable sedan, from RM 55k