Let’s start with the engines. The 2.0 litre models get the same MR20DE CVTC engine with 136 PS at 5,600 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. Moving to the 2.5 litre variant, a new four-cylinder QR25DE Twin-CVTC motor replaces the older car’s famed VQ-series V6 engine. It gets 173 PS at 6,000 rpm and 234 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm (loss of 9 PS, but with 6 Nm more – the latter peaking 400 rpm earlier than before).
Paired to a new-generation Xtronic CVT gearbox (70% new components, 40%
less friction and wider ratio coverage), fuel efficiency remains as one
of Nissan’s strong points. The 2.0 litre models are claimed to return
13.5 kilometres per litre (7.4 l/100 km), while the flagship variant
does 13.3 km/l (7.5 l/100 km). For comparison, the old Teana 2.5 V6
consumed 21% more fuel, at 10.5 km/l (9.5 l/100km).
The front thrones, by the way, are dubbed ‘Zero-Gravity Seats’. Nissan says it used findings by NASA to design these thrones that come closest to a “neutral posture” – a relaxed position that the human body takes in a weightless environment. They’re also designed to improve blood flow, thus helping to reduce fatigue over long journeys.
While the 2,775 mm-long wheelbase has been kept unchanged, the new Teana has improved rear knee- and leg-room by having revised front seat back design and interior B-pillar and door covers. The boot has grown to 516 litres too, up 10 litres from before.
Moving on to the list of equipment, all models get dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-con vents, full-colour Advance Drive Display within the instrument cluster, cruise control and keyless entry and start system. Tilt/telescopic-adjustable leather steering wheel and 60:40 split-folding rear seats is standard fare too.
Opting for the mid-sped 2.0XL adds auto lights, powered front seats, leather upholstery and a 5.0-inch colour screen head unit with built-in Bluetooth connectivity and reverse camera. Self-levelling xenon headlamps, auto-dimming rear view mirror, sunroof, nine-speaker Bose Premium Audio System, LED mood lamps and a powered rear sun shade are all reserved to the range-topping 2.5XV.
No matter which variant you choose, however, the long list of safety
features is identical. 6 airbags, ABS, hill-start assist, Active
Understeer Control (AUC) and two ISOFIX anchors are all fitted as
standard across the range. First the Sylphy, and now this. Well done,
Edaran Tan Chong Motor. Well done indeed.
Unique to Nissan’s D-segment sedan offering is the “Teana Total Care” premium service package, which includes direct access to service managers, specially-assigned priority service bays, a dedicated Teana technical support team, as well a 3-day follow up verification call process to ensure customer satisfaction. Assurance of delivery times and the ability to book service appointments through call/SMS/online are also thrown in.
Assembled in Tan Chong Motor Assemblies’ Serendah plant, the 2014 Nissan Teana is available in 5 colours: Storm Blue (new), Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black, Bronze Gold and Brilliant White. All variants come with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty.
Tan Chong targets sales of about 500 Teanas per month for the remainder of this year (compared to 1,600 units of the outgoing model sold in the whole of 2013), and plans to increase its market share within the D-segment from 5% currently to 25%. Tan Chong is optimistic it will be able to achieve this in 12 months, thanks to the improved specifications and lower prices compared to the previous generation Teana. The new Teana also has approximately 40% local parts content, which it says will translate to lower maintenance/repair costs compared to the previous gen.
