Vehicle: 2009 Nissan Teana 2.5 Deluxe
Price as tested: HK$309800

Performance: Unlike the Altima available on Stateside, which is motivated by a 4 and a V6. Teana, which only available in Asia, are available with V6s. You can opt for the optional VQ35DE in the flagship model. Or just stay with the VQ25DE as with our tester. As with all VQ we have driven before, this engine series to be considered as the world’s best when it comes to refinement, smoothness, quick and NVH level. Nissan has done an exceptional job when it comes to balance off all aspects of VQ engine, this VQ25DE is no exception. With CVTC variable valve timing, DOHC and 4-valve per cylinder; this engine is able to squeeze 182hp and 185 lb/ft of torque. While top end has certainly improved over the previous VQ20DE and VQ23DE previously resided in Cefiro, it still doesn’t feel as eager as its larger displacement silibings. What it really shines is 185 lb/ft of torque available with 4000rpm. Combined with Nissan’s proven Xtronic CVT, it really makes Teana a superb highway cruiser. We also have to mention Xtronic is one of the world’s finest CVT, about as good as Audi’s Multitronic which is the world standard. The Teana takes off in a serious manner thanks to decent throttle response even if the CVT doesn’t have manuatic mode.

Handling: Teana shares the platform with both Altima and Maxima, which means it begins with a very good fundamental. What it really surprise is given how softly sprung the Teana is, it remains as composed and civilized through the corners. The ride comfort is simply outstanding in the Teana. Although it feels soft and floaty, it never makes the driver feels lack of confidence thanks to its good calibrations of suspension. It actually exhibits level of confidence unseen in such a softly sprung cars before. However, we wish to see more suppleness dials in the suspension for more European-like ride quality. Teana’s level of softness feels more like a Lexus than a Mercedes. When pushed, body rolls are pronounced and understeer surfaced right before entering the limits. Steering has decent response but feels rather vague, its quite linear though. Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control works well for controlling understeer and oversteer in the Teana, which is a godsent given how soft this vehicle is.

Brakes: Teana’s 4-wheel discs and ABS provide equally confidence-inspiring braking feel despite of all its softness. The brake dive is well-controlled thanks to its great set of Electronic Brake Force Distribution or EBD. The pedal feel and modulation are balanced, with ABS only steps in necessarily.

Interior: What makes the Teana stands out in sea of family sedans is the interior comfort and ambience. Everything else is engineered for true comfort right from the wide, comfortable seats to the console that has a tasteful wood-trim finishes. With power seats and tilt/telescope steering, anyone can find a comfortable driving position easily.

The backseat is equally spacious with plenty of head and legrooms. Teana got a limo-like legroom which is a rarity in this class of family sedan.

At the back of the Teana, it got trunk hinges that are boxed in without hitting any cargos. While the trunk opening is wide and liftover is acceptable, the area between the top of the trunk to the sills are just too narrow.

Conclusion: If Nissan is able to bring the Teana 3.5 as an Infiniti I35, this car will definitely be a contender in a comfort-oriented luxury sedan segment currently dominated by the Lexus ES350. It also proves how good this Teana 2.5 already is when it comes to balance of all aspects. Its really is a very nice package.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Nissan Teana
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5