New Cefiro Page 2
Not surprising for the flagship model of the Nissan range locally, the interior appointments are of a high quality and the ambience is luxurious. The Brougham has a higher trim level with leather upholstery, cruise control and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. However, both versions feature electrically-powered front seats, fully-automatic air-conditioning system and a high-grade audio system with a 100-watt subwoofer. Like the new Serena, the Cefiro also comes with front parking sensors.
It seems that Nissan designers understand how today’s motorists have lots of odds and ends to stow in the cabin as they have thoughtfully provided many storage areas large and small. Even the top of the centre part of the dashboard has a small compartment and there is another one on the rear parcel shelf too. The boot, which is 80 litres larger with its 520-litre volume, can have its floor extended into the cabin by folding down one or both the rear backrests.
In the safety department, the new Cefiro is said to offer high levels of protection for its occupants. The all-new bodyshell is 30% more rigid and like many of today’s Nissans, it has been engineered to dissipate impact energy in various ways. Airbags are standard for the front passengers while the bumpers have been designed to absorb impacts up to 8 km/h.
For Active Safety, the Cefiro has a responsive power-assisted steering system (now with an aluminium pump), ABS for the 4-disc brake system and Brake Assist, which boosts braking power during emergency situations.
The chassis layout is basically the same in appearance but has many improvements to the suspension. At the front, the MacPherson
strut layout has an extra member to increase rigidity and wheel accuracy while the use of fluid-filled bushes for the transverse links cuts down road noise. Revision of the geometry has also reduce lift and dive.
The rear suspension, which is a multi-link type with Super Toe Control, has been redesigned by repositioning the lateral link behind the torsion beam. Fluid-filled bushes are also used for the trailing arms. As a result of the various changes, cornering stability and attitude are claimed to be improved while road noise is lower.
Considering that Nissan’s VQ engine series has been among the 10 Best Engines in the World since 1995 in the view of an American industry publication, it’s not surprising that the same 24-valve V6 engine family is retained for the new Cefiro.
Many improvements have been made since the previous generation and include the fitment of a variable intake mechanism as well as a high-efficiency metal catalyst in the exhaust system, to improve power and torque. Overall engine weight has been reduced by 20% due to greater use of aluminium for many components, including the block.
Power outputs are higher, 4% more (200 ps at 6400 rpm) for the 3.0-litre and 7% more (150 ps at 6400 rpm) for the 2.0-litre . Torque ratings have also improved similarly.
Only a 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission is available. This uses the Nissan E-Flow torque converter for greater efficiency through reduced frictional losses in the hydraulic drive.
ETCM is taking orders now so if you want to be among the first to own one in January, go visit the Nissan showroom now. The company is optimistic that the new Cefiro will be well received and remain a popular saloon among Malaysian executives. Monthly sales are forecast at 150 units, about the same as the present volume, with the Cefiro Excimo accounting for 75% of sales.
