2014 Nissan Teana L33 First Driving Impressions

2014 Nissan Teana L33 First Driving Impressions

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When the second-generation Teana was launched in 2010, it marked Nissan’s much-awaited return to Malaysia’s D-segment from a lengthy hiatus and offered buyers of mainstream tastes a third option alongside the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Code-named J32 internally by Nissan, the second-gen Teana was already a two-year old product by the time it reached Malaysia, and this crucially explains why the car is already feeling a little dated in comparison with its rivals and it also explains why a full model change is on its way just four years after the outgoing model’s launch.

The all-new third-generation L33 Teana comes hot on the heels of a similarly rejuvenated Nissan Sylphy, which stunned us not only with its amazingly sharp looks, but uncharacteristically comprehensive levels of kit. The new Teana follows the same path, and if this is the direction of future models, the days of Nissan vehicles being viewed as uncle’s cars may well indeed be behind us.

Overall design of the new Teana is sharper and sportier.


Variants

As before, the new Teana lines up with a choice of 2.0- and 2.5-litre engines with a crucial difference now being the presence of a mid-spec 2.0 XL model to go head on against the best-selling variants of the Accord and Camry. For Malaysian buyers, this is the sweet spot of the D-segment and it was simply amazing that Nissan did not even bother to compete in this niche with the J32.

The existing 2.0 XE and 2.5 XV variants remain, but both with equipment levels that are miles ahead of their respective predecessors – a change that crucially fixes a major shortcoming of the outgoing Teana. Compared to the outgoing J32 Teana 200 XE which did not even have steering-mounted audio controls, the new L33 2.0 XE gets very decent amenities such as smart keyless entry, engine start/stop button, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and rear air-con vents.

Reverse camera in the 2.0 XL and 2.5


Upgrading to the 2.0 XL adds automatic headlamps, electric front seats, leather upholstery, reverse camera, and Bluetooth handsfree function. These items make the XL a highly satisfactory mid-spec model and it is one that should suit most buyers shopping in this segment. Those who splash the cash for the 2.5 get upgraded with xenon headlights, sunroof, powered rear sunshade, and nine Bose speakers.

Even more praiseworthy is how, like in the new Sylphy, safety equipment is made standard across the board, which means all variants get six airbags, traction control, stability control, hill start assist, ABS, EBD, seat-belt pre-tensioners, ISOFIX mounts, and active understeer control.

Equipment levels are unusually high for a Nissan. Bose speakers for the 2.5.


Specifications

Although the same Nissan D platform of the J32 continues to form the basis of the new L33, much of the new Teana’s running gear are all-new. Most notable carryover item is in the engine room, where the all-aluminium MR20DE engine continues service in the 2.0-litre variant. Outputs are unchanged from before, with 134hp and 190Nm at your complete disposal.

In the 2.5, the predecessor’s creamy VQ25 V6 engine makes way for a new four-cylinder of the same capacity. Derived from the QR engine family, the new mill comes equipped with heavily revised internals and twin variable valve timing, making it a much different engine than an older powerplant of the same identification code that powered the previous generation X-Trail 2.5 amongst others.

Centre console storage is much improved from the outgoing model’s.


Compared to the outgoing VQ engine, the new QR four-pot makes 9hp less, but compensates with an additional 6Nm worth of torque, and improved fuel consumption of some 26.7% according to Nissan’s internal data – the new 2.5’s 13.3 km/l rated fuel consumption is remarkably close to the 2.0’s 13.5 km/l. Outputs of this engine, for the record, are 170hp and 234Nm.

Both engines of the Teana are paired to a heavily redesigned version of the X-Tronic CVT that was already seen in the previous model. As much as 70% of the transmission’s components are new, with internal friction reduced by a claimed 40%. The transmission’s ratio range is widened for improved flexibility, with 2.0-litre models getting a shorter final drive for improved take-off acceleration.

Projector headlamps are standard, but 2.0 (left) gets halogen bulbs as opposed to xenons on the 2.5.


Unlike many CVTs on the market today, Nissan, as before, did not bother with providing any manual overriding feature on the Teana. There is however a ‘Sport’ button which sets the transmission to a more aggressive shift pattern. There is also a ‘DS‘ gate on the transmission lever – putting the gear lever in this position triggers a simulated stepped transmission feel in which the CVT cycles through a set of fixed virtual ratios rather than sweep seamlessly through its range of ratios – a pleasant if unnecessary feature.

As you would expect of a D-segment vehicle, the Teana is independently sprung all-round with disc brakes similarly standard at four corners. Suspension setup follows the typical MacPherson front multi-link rear layout. Remarkably, the steering did not fully transition from hydraulic to electric assist, instead settling in between for an electro-hydraulic set-up that is said to offer the same fuel economy benefits of an electric power steering, but retains the same driving feel as a hydraulic rack.

2.5 gets a sunroof.


Exterior

Coming from the inoffensive if staid-looking J32, it is difficult to argue that Nissan did not do anything less than a fantastic job with the new L33 Teana. A sharp and expressive new fascia emphatically establishes a familial look with the new Sylphy, whilst the predecessor is given a slight nod with a familiar-looking window line and the trademark C-shaped tail light illumination.

With the J32’s D platform continuing to form the basis of the current Teana, we unsurprisingly find that the current model sports the same 2,775mm wheelbase as its predecessor. Front and rear tracks, however, are widened, and along with it the entire vehicle body, which now spans 35mm wider at 1,830mm. This additional width is satisfyingly conveyed in the the overall styling, and it consequently gives the new Teana a significantly more athletic appearance.

Family resemblance with the new Sylphy is obvious. Much more attractive looking than current model.


Interior

Nissan didn’t so much as lift the Teana’s interior as subjected it to a radical ground-up makeover. The J32’s minimalist approach is ditched in favour of a more modern and contemporary design that will undoubtedly extend its appeal to a younger age group. Selection of trim materials similarly reflect a renewed effort to lower the average age of potential owners. The predecessor’s beige colour scheme and wood trim now makes way for black panels and metallic inserts.

The centre console is also much improved in small item storage spaces. Of particular note is the impressively deep lidded bin at the base of the centre stack in which the USB slot and 12V power socket also reside. A pair of cupholders, another rectangular cubby hole, and a armrest centre console all combine to ensure more than adequate space to secure your keys, gadgets, and other trinkets.

The Teana’s marketing materials make much of its ‘space-inspired’ Zero Gravity Seats, and although the idea is not to make you feel weightless when seated, it supposedly features enhanced lumbar and pelvic support that is claimed to reduce load on your muscles and spinal cord, thus minimizing fatigue over long distances. Intelligently designed, though to our knowledge, there’s nothing there inspired from NASA or the Starship Enterprise.


Driving Experience

As its appearance suggests, the outgoing J32 Teana’s driving characteristic exhibits an honest and unashamed bias in favour of comfort and refinement, both qualities which rivals find difficult to match. It is a wonderful vehicle to be driven in over long distances, but behind the wheel, it’s a much less interesting experience.

The new L33 Teana demonstrates a clear objective to offer an added dose of driver engagement which the J32 missed. To start with, the new electro-hydraulic power steering offers a great deal more feedback than the J32’s hydraulic rack, and the suspension now sports a firmer set up that noticeably improves stability and cornering poise, although it also meant sacrificing the J32’s effortless grace over poor surfaces.

A surprising discovery is that between the 2.0- and 2.5-litre, there is no significant difference in ride quality despite differences in overall weight and rim size. We had half-expected the 2.0-litre model to exhibit greater ride comfort thanks to its smaller rims and higher profile tyres, but differences are hardly noticeable, although its lighter engine did contribute to a sharper steering and better agility.

16-inch rims for the 2.0 (right) vs 17-inches for the 2.5.


Straight line performance for both variants are respectable but far from groundbreaking. Like its predecessor, both variants excel in overall refinement. The 2.0-litre engine understandably required harder work to coax brisk progress, but felt entirely adequate and hardly overwhelmed by the task at hand. For most buyers, the 2.0, now that it has the option of a high-specced XL variant, makes the 2.5 an unnecessary consideration.

Those that insist on the 2.5’s additional performance, however, will nevertheless find themselves with a pleasingly smooth and effortless powertrain at their disposal. The previous model’s V6 will still be missed, however; its silky smooth delivery and quiet but deep-voiced sound track was a highlight of the J32’s driving experience.


Conclusion

Though the new Teana has lost some of the silky smoothness that characterized its predecessor, it is difficult to conclude that the new model isn’t a much improved vehicle in many aspects. Its sharper styling inside out immediately gives rise to a more aspirational product, and an improved kit count similarly improves the Teana’s competitiveness as a package. Standardization of a generous safety package is worth repeating and highlighting.

Overall verdict of the new Teana will have to wait for confirmation of its official prices, which have yet to be announced. Indications are largely positive, and like the new Sylphy, we expect the new Teana to be a winner. Order books are open effective today if you’re interested. Anticipate a slight increase from the outgoing model’s RM141k – RM173k pricing range with the mid-spec 2.0XL nestled neatly in between.


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