Vehicle: 2006 Nissan Cefiro 230JM
Price as tested: HK$236800

Performance: The JDM Cefiro is available with three VQ engine. VQ20DE, VQ23DE and the familiar VQ35DE. The subject of our tester comes with VQ23DE which is good for 173 horses and 178 lb/ft of torque. Given the nearly 3800 pounds, this engine has provided decent grunt even when maximum torque arrives at 4400 rpm. Just like other VQs, this one has excellent NVH with top-notch refinement and smoothness. Since this engine is tuned for all-out comfort instead of performance, its unwilling to rev passed 4800rpm even with a smart 5-speed manumatic tranny. However, the bottom end torque is quite impressive for a family sedan with nearly 4k pounds. Its 5-speed auto tranny is willing to up and downshifts without any drama, however, it doesn’t allow driver to pushed into redline before upshift for engine protection.

Handling: Given Cefiro is based on the same chassis as North American Altima, Maxima and Murano; it doesn’t come as a surprise it has a stiff and rock-solid foundation to built on. However, unlike the Maxima and Altima which are sports-oriented, the Cefiro is a total comfort-oriented family sedan. When pushed through corners, there are tons of body rolls and understeer. The steering totally void of feedback and weight. However, it rides comfortably thanks to its soft suspension and springs. On highway speed, there are some kind of floatiness transforms into the cabin.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Cefiro scores decently on braking performance. Both the pedal feel and modulation are better than average while braking distance is acceptable given its weight. The brake assist won’t grab the right foot like some systems which need something to get used to.

Interior: Although the interior materials are nothing outstanding, it doesn’t come have cheapness that is so typical of any recent Nissan products. There are tastefully faux matte wood trim wrapped around the dashboard for warm. On the other hand, the instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Auto climate control is effective and cool fast in humid Southeast Asia weather. The leather seats are comfortable all around.

There are tons of head and legrooms on the back. Its large enough to seat three passengers at the back which speak for its volume.

Despite of its high liftover, Cefiro’s trunk space is impressive. There is one big thumb up and one down. The up is the use of the uninstrusive trunk hinges in a mainstream family sedan even with Nissan’s cost-cutting strategy. On the other hand, lack of fold-down rear seats is absoultely unacceptable even with such a large trunk.

Conclusion: The status of Cefiro in Asia is equal to Altima in North America, a family sedan that competes with Accord and Camry. On the other hand, Cefiro 350JM should be enough to compete with Lexus ES when wears an Infiniti I-Series emblem.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 NISSAN CEFIRO 230JM
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5