[sidindica]

(Disclaimer: The car driven was a basic level XL model, not the XV shown in the pics)

Nissan's flagship saloon, Teana, launched in 2007,never succeeded in India. Key factors like high price, confused positioning, poor marketing and step motherly treatment from Nissan limited the potential of this highly competent but massively underrated sedan to just a few hundred numbers.

Now Nissan has made amends and launched an all new model within a few months of its world premiere in China in our shores. being a CBU, again the car is highly priced but Nissan claims that it has addressed the car's weaknesses while improving in its strengths.

Can the new second generation avatar do the trick?

Nissan Teana 2.5 V6 X tronic CVT 6 speed

List Price (Ex showroom, Delhi in Rupees):

• VQ 25 DE 250 XL- 21,03,000
• VQ 25 DE 250 XV- 25,40,000

Specifications:

• Engine: 2498 cc, 24 valve DOHC V6
• Bore X stroke: 85.0 mm X 73.3 mm
• Max power: 182 ps@6000 RPM
• Max torque: 23.2 kg-m@ 4400 rpm
• Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
• Transmission: 6 speed Xtronic CVT
• Steering: Speed Sensitive Electronically assisted power rack and pinion
• Turning radius: 5.4 mm (250 XL), 5.8 mm (250 XV)
• Front suspension: Independent McPherson Strut
• Rear Suspension: Independent multi-link
• Brakes: 4 channel ABS with EBD and Brake assist
• Front: ventilated discs
• Rear: solid discs
• Wheels: 16” alloy in XL, 17” alloy in XV
• Tyres: 205/60 R16 (XL), 205/55 R17 (XV)

Key equipment:

Exterior

• Halogen headlamps
• Xenon headlamp with retractable washer*
• Electrical Adjustable & foldable door mirrors
• Turn Indicators on Door Mirrors
• Interior
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Leather and Wood Steering Wheel *
• Multi-fuction (steering wheel) *
• LED indirect Illumination of centre console*
• LED indirect Illumination of front & rear door grip*

Air-Conditioning

• Auto air conditioning dual zone
• Rear A/C Vents
• Plasma-cluster air conditioner*

Entertainment

• In dash 6 cd changer music system with AUX in
• Mp3 player with 6 speakers

Seats

• Leather seats
• Driver seat electrical adjustment
• Front passenger seat electrical adjustment*
• Driver seat lumbar adjustment*
• Ventilated front seats *
• Ottoman seat (front passenger) *
• Memory seat adjustments driver side*
• Comfort & Convenience Intelligent key with push button ignition
• Twin sunroof for panoramic view *
• Cruise control*
• Rear powered Sun shade*

Safety

• ABS +EBD +BA
• Dual front air bags
• Side airbags*
• Curtain airbags*
• Vehicle dynamics control (VDC)*

*only available in 250 XV, rest features are standard on both models.

What works:

• Classy styling inside and out
• Cozy and comfortable interiors
• Best in class couch like rear seat comfort
• Smooth and matured ride quality
• Plethora of features on XV
• Smooth and Sporty sounding award winning VQ V6 engine
• High quality fit and finish

What needs work:

• CVT box feels strained with engine running at high RPMS as a result of rubber band effect
• Horribly overpriced (XV)
• Under equipped XL version for asking price of over 20 lakhs
• Sparse dealer network
• Resale value questionable
• Sloppy handling
• Sluggish low rpm response
• Average audio sound quality

First impressions:

• Nissan addresses the previous teana’s core weaknesses with the new version but a high price and confused brand positioning will be a tough sell over other European rivals.

• Sparse dealer network and poor resale values will not help, either.

The look:

Nissan has burned the midnight oil to make sure that its new second generation teana addresses the weaknesses of its previous generation-bland feminine styling.

After 7 years, a fully redesigned version of the Teana (codename: j32)was unveiled at Beijing auto show in 2008 (earlier previewed by the intima concept) and the first impressions suggest that it looks better contoured and proportioned as compared to the dowdy previous gen.

Don’t be fooled by the pics, the car is extremely long in the flesh, longer even the camry, accord, sonata and superb. The long wheelbase generates tremendous space inside and also makes the car look better proportioned than the earlier one.

The front with its imposing tri-angular headlights (inspired by previous gen accord and now used in the latest Korean Sonata –also launched today) look pretty striking and give the car loads of character, flanked by the huge chrome grille with 3 horizontal stats with the corporate Nissan logo and a seamlessly contoured bonnet which unfortunately lacks quality gas struts when opened-simply inexcusable in a car this expensive- and merged with a trapezoidal front bumper with chrome inserts and round fog lights with a big air dam round off the design.

The side is no beauty queen but equally classy and has a huge central character waist line which runs from the front to the back and seamlessly merges with the taillights (LED) also look impressive. The design of the bonnet merging with the fender reminds you of the “bangle butt” but is better executed and lends some character to an otherwise drab look.

The rear is again convectional but helped by high mounted LED taillights and loads of chrome to add juice to the design.

Overall the car looks classy and stylish, though not worthy of an award, but better looking than the awkward accord, camry and superb at least.

Under the skin:

The new Nissan Teana uses Nissan’s widely used transverse mounted front engine FWD midsize/ large car platform called the “D” platform that also underpins the current altima and USA only maxima. The suspension setup is pretty simple-independent all round with McPherson Strut at front and multi link at the rear, this setup obviously more comfort oriented for chauffeur driven people rather than spirited driving (USA being the prime target market for this platform followed by Russia and China).

The chassis is more rigid and stiff and is aimed to provide a pillowy ride without sacrificing on stability. Build quality is typically Japanese with the body not feeling solid as the Passat or Superb and the doors do not shut with the satisfying thud, not necessarily a good thing. Surface fit and finish is top class with paint job and interior quality with high grade plastics used.

The inside story:

Open the door and you are greeted by vast expansive interiors with convincing shades of beige and wood, all superbly finished. The XL model has convectional leather upholstery whereas the high end XV gains a combination of plain leather and pebble beige inserts.

The dashboard is superbly designed and houses minimal controls for stereo and HVAC vents, ergonomically superb for both the driver and co-driver who no longer have to vouch or search here and there, all fall easily into hand. The central screen display shows the status of AC temperature (dual zone plasma cluster is standard on XV), radio settings and channel presets. The instrument cluster is crystal clear to read and has all the telltale signs, including a trip computer with a programmable service interval.

The control buttons are pretty nicely finished save for the few steering wheel buttons (for audio and cruise control, standard on XV and not available on XL) which feel pretty cheap. A big plus is the ventilated front seats which pump air through the cushions to keep you fresh after arriving from that hot sunny day, controls for which are located inside the front armrest. Sadly, seat warmers are not available.

Another comfort feature on the XV is that the front passenger seat has an adjustable cushion for proper support to the lower leg at varying angles (called the ottoman seat) which keep your body relaxed on those long trips.

Space up front is superb with acres of legroom and width at your disposal.
A person with 6 feet plus height (also including sardarjis) will feel instantly at home sitting in those seats, so comfy they are. The driving position is also superb with 8 way powered seats with 2 memory settings for the driver and tilt steering (sadly no telescopic ) means that drivers of many dimensions will feel comfortable. Under thigh support is fantastic, so is the lumbar support, adjustable for the driver. Headroom at front is good but could have been better due to limits of coupe-like roof line and half an inch eaten by the sunroof.

However, it’s the rear seat that is the Teana’s trump card. It easily beats the superb and also matches the Merc E class for comfort levels, feels better than your average couch and also acts as a rival to the best seats from a 5 star hotel. The seat base and cushioning are simply outstanding and the angle of inclination is optimized for highest levels of comfort, prime requirements of Russian, Chinese and of course, our markets. The rear AC vents pamper you even further.Boot space at over 500 liters is also pretty big.

Under thigh support is almost perfect and you feel fresh even after long travel hours spent in the car. Simply said, for chauffeur driven professionals who prefer comfort over anything else on a decent budget, this is the car for you. Want more, get the Merc S class.

The stereo is a simple single CD MP3 unit with aux-in jack and sound quality is just about average. Not good for heavy bass. A glaring omission is blue tooth connectivity and USB port for the stereo, many rivals which provide as standard.

[sidindica]

The heart of the matter:

Internationally the Teana is available with 3 engine options- a 3498cc V6, a 2495cc V6 and 1997cc in-line four, all with a CVT continuously variable transmission.

India gets the mid level engine with a 6 speed Xtronic CVT, a 2495 cc V6 which also powers some models of the US market altima. This VQ series engine is an evolution of the same 2.3 engine used in the previous Teana bu with modified Bore and Stroke, a new manifold and improved refinement and emissions with a new cylinder head. Power is up to 182 ps and torque is a respectable 23.2 kg-m at a high-ish 4400 rpm, a characteristic of CVT since it runs on high rpms.

The design is an all aluminium 24 valve DOHC and is fitted with Nissan's EGI/ECCS sequential MPFI system for improved economy and emissions.

Start the engine and the characteristic high rpm CVT behavior is immediately apparent. It sounds sporty but coarse at high rpm idling.
This engine is a series of long honored VQ engines by ward’s 10 best engines award for the past 10 years and are known for their sportiness, reliability and durability.

This engine is no different. However, the CVT does not let the engine completely harness its potential and the it feels sluggish from 0-100 kmph runs (claimed in 10.5 seconds), the transmission constantly trying to judge out the correct gear for city driving, and the inherent high rpm behavior of the engine also makes it a pain to drive on the city.

However, on the highway, the car behaves like a proper mile muncher and is relaxed on its 5th and 6th gears. Clearly the engine cries for a DSG setup found in the 370Z and that transmission will go a long way in improving the performance and efficiency of the engine.

Mid range is strong and the car is relaxed on 2000-3000 rpm range. Increase the speed and the motor becomes noisier, sometimes even touching the red line whenever there is an abrupt gear shift depending upon the driving style.

Clearly, while the motor has its strengths, the CVT box is the weakest link in the package. The DSG box has the potential to change games dramatically. Top speed is en estimated 210 kmph.

Ride, Handling and braking:

The target market for this car prefers ride comfort with soft suspension setup since it is positioned as a chauffeur driven car, rather than stiffly a sprung handler.

Ride at all speeds is the Teana’s trump card and the car glides over potholes and ridges effortlessly. Increase the speeds and the ride improves, but only just. Low speed ride is a bit jiggly with the car dismissing off decent sized potholes but only unsettled by giant sized ones.

Sitting at the sofa sized rear seat, imperfections are ironed out by the superbly tuned suspension and you really feel that roads have improved overnight, more so at mid to high speeds. It cossets you like no other car does, despite riding on 55 profile tyres on 17’ wheels.

Handling is not this big car’s forte. It feels more like a buick or lexus rather than a sporty Merc/ BMW, or in simple words, more Ameican rather than European. Though we did not get the opportunity to test the car to its limits, the massive torque steer is imminent.

Transverse mounted V6 mated to heavy power sapping CVT box driving the front wheels means massive weight up front, and the EPS steering, though speed sensitive, does not help matters. It feels sloppy and artificial at medium and high speeds with the wheel often have to be corrected to its position to get a decent communication with the chassis, which is all but existent.

Though a better handler than the camry, the accord handles far better than the Teana, though the VW twins are in a different league altogether. Low speed response is incredibly light with the car very easy to drive on city limits but often you are aware of the car’s massive dimensions and extra precautions, especially in the streets of Delhi, is to be taken care of.
Stability at high speeds is better than the accord with the car tracking dead straight but again, it does not feel secure or inspire confidence which you get in the passat or superb culprit mainly the steering which lacks grip and sometimes feels disconnected to the chassis.

Clearly, ride comfort takes a massive priority over handling and the car enjoys being driven in a sedate manner. Just don’t ask for more from the chassis.

Braking is superb as expected and the ABS cuts in at accurate times and to minimise the effort of heavy braking, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) aids in with brake assist (BA) to further keep you secure at rains when the car is prone to skidding. Pedal feel could be a bit better though.

Fuel Efficiency:

While the ARAI figures are not yet available, keeping in the mind the power sapping CVT and the 2.5 V6 combo, the car will never be easy on fuel.

In typical Delhi traffic with 90 % AC on, expect about 7-8 kmpl in the city and about 11-12 kmpl on the highway, pretty decent figures for a car of its size and weight.

Buying and owning:

Nissan has keenly priced the Teana at Rs.21,03,000 for the base XL version and Rs.25,40,000 for the XV version which gets all the goodies. However, being an import, the price feels outrageous and dangerously close to the German rivals, which command a better brand recognition, feel more upmarket and act as a status symbol for aspiring professionals, whom the car is targeted at. Certain essential equipment is still missing and the dealer network, only 6 dealers all over the country further limits its appeal.

But what really turns the tables in favors of Germans is that teana is often seen as a victim of ignored and confused positioning by Nissan which does not stand out in any area. Though the new car feels better in every dimension, what exactly is the target market?

The price suddenly makes the accord V6 look extremely good value, even though it is not as well equipped bu the numbers game tilts the favour to Honda. Then there are VW twins, Passat and superb, both cheaper and also available with diesel and DSG boxes.

Paying a lakh more also gets you the 320i or the C 200 kompressor, both cars dynamically superior, even though they feel a class seller when it comes to space and comfort. Brand value is another thing which Nissan, even in its 5th year of operation does not command in our country.

Nissan is in a process of appointing 9 more dealers by year end and eventually increasing to 35 by May 2010 when its new small car-micra rolls out for global markets from its new plant in Chennai.

Warranty coverage is limited with a 2 year/ 50,000 kms warranty, whichever is earlier from the date of sale.

Competition in this class offer far better warranties, also some offer extended warranties for increased peace of mind, which Nissan does not do.

But the biggest hurdle is Nissan’s products’ residual value, which can best be described as dreadful. A new X trail or teana depreciates alarmingly faster than rivals and often makes it difficult to sell on the seconds market, part attributed to limited dealer coverage and the high cost of maintenance.

Clearly Nissan has its work cut out in this area and as far as this parameter goes, it has more work to do.

Summing up:

Nissan's promise of improving Teana as a product has rightly succeded, with the car feeling better in every aspect and improving upon its USP-space and comfort for chauffeur driven businessman whom the car is primarily targeted at. The engine, though robbed by power sapping CVT is more than adequate for daily use and mechanically it should prove to be a reliable companion as with most of the Japanese products.

But it is not the product per se that Teana has its work cut out, its the other offerings from the competition in the same price bracket where the teana is placed. Again, Nissan has priced the car very high and you have far better offerings from different manufacturers which excel in key areas important to buyers.

Status, and brand equity, two of the most important criteria in this segment, goes against Nissan which is mainly seen as a budget Japanese manufacturer. Direct competition from Germans and Nissan's sparse dealer network also limits appeal. 5 years into the Indian market, Nissan could have done better in this regard.

There are only a few things that can save the Teana- promoting its USP-comfort and space with serene environment, aggressive marketing, brand building exercise, increasing the reach of this excellent product to a wider audience and re-considering their pricing strategy will help a lot to succeed in this market.

The new teana is a highly competent product. Now its upto Nissan to target professionals who value comfort over anything else and can give Nissan as a brand a second chance in the 25 lakh rupee segment,who have guts to try something different and convince them with mouth watering Warranty and maintenance packages and sprucing up the dealer network to make it succeed. But will it? only time will tell.

Or else, its a big opportunity gone lost. And when the mass produced micra comes out in may, its work is going to be cut out even further.

[vinaydas]

good review
even though the car is a jap it has a certain korean touch to it which sometimes makes it look cheap.

[harry10]

Overpriced indeed.
But interiors are really nice and stylish.
Nice review sid!

[jkdas]

Front lights copied from Accord, rear from Skoda/Merc and less gimmicks and space than Super Superb!

[karanraheja]

Doesnt the Teana look a tad like Hyundai i40 from front:-

[anekho]

Great review! That red display looks horribly tacky though.

Cheers

[blackasta]

Great detailed review sid.
One question: There do not seem to be any lock release button on the shift stick, am I missing something here?

While I was in US, almost every(temporary immigrant desi)body around me got an used nissan sentra/altima/maxima, and claimed that they match or even exceeded hondas (civic/accord) or toyotas (corolla/camry/avalon) in ownership cost and resale value.
Talk about cheap + VFM Nissans here!!

PS: I was only the second person in all my friend/office circle to get a Mazda!

[FlyingSpur]

Somehow I loved the old one. Regal looks and elegance beyond doubt. This new one, a mixed bag. Coming from a lover of beige interiors, this one has just too much of it inside! Very neat and clean finish though, I'm sure it's a high quality build. I love the Maxima abroad, I wish they brought it here.

[sidindica]

The dealers are themselves not happy with the pricing and think the car could have been priced at least Rs. 3 lakhs less. Just wait for 7 months, discounts will start.

[Caramelo]

i would pay for a 20 lacs rs camry because it has side and curtain airbags and ESP. and xenon lamps and sunroof !!! at 20 lacs. add to that the toyota brand name and value!! the base teana does not have these.

and why didn't they bring the new maxima here. it has 3.5 ltre engine which makes 295 hp. and totally new body design!! that would have looks more cooler.



and is it just me because, i feel sick in the all white everything fake wood trimmed cabin!!

for 25 lacs. you can get the skoda superb v6 which is 4x4. disguised quattro audi A4. with same power as 3.2 FSI but bigger in dimensions shape and brand and yeah cheap too!!


guys correct me if am wrong about any of this!!

[FlyingSpur]

Sometimes I wonder what Nissan and Volvo dealers must be thinking. How do they make money?

Originally Posted by Caramelo

i would pay for a 20 lacs rs camry because it has side and curtain airbags and ESP. and xenon lamps and sunroof !!! at 20 lacs. add to that the toyota brand name and value!! the base teana does not have these.

Best of luck finding a new one at that price.

[Sarvodaya]

We Indians are unlucky in the world of automobiles. Either we don't have choices when buying or when choices are there it would be out of reach. Nissan belongs to second one. They have products. They have already set up a facility in Chennai. Then why CBU Route. Has they done any marketing to position the Teana. Even after five years in Indian Market they have just six dealers. At this rate, Nissan will be history in the Indian market

[sandeep_s]

Good review Sid!!

How come they do not have Steptronic gear...even the rental altimas have that in US?

Clearly Nissan is not playing the game right in India. Its expensive and do not have the advantage what it usually has over honda/toyota in US.

[GTO]

Outstanding review, Sid! Rated 5 stars.

The Teana is a damn comfy car, excellent for the chauffeur-driven corporate types. Silky smooth engine, sofa back seats & great ride. The only thing that really works against it is the CBU pricing.

The feature list runs long, bested only the Skoda Superb, thus making me comment : The same hotel segment that makes the Camry customer is also buying the Teana. Teana sales over the last 6 months = 108 vs 141 for the Camry.

It easily beats the superb and also matches the Merc E class for comfort levels, feels better than your average couch and also acts as a rival to the best seats from a 5 star hotel. The seat base and cushioning are simply outstanding and the angle of inclination is optimized for highest levels of comfort, prime requirements of Russian, Chinese and of course, our markets. The rear AC vents pamper you even further.

Under thigh support is almost perfect and you feel fresh even after long travel hours spent in the car. Simply said, for chauffeur driven professionals who prefer comfort over anything else on a decent budget, this is the car for you. Want more, get the Merc S class.

Clearly, while the motor has its strengths, the CVT box is the weakest link in the package.

For the chauffeur-driven, this CVT make actually turn out to be an advantage (seamless power delivery).