Nissan Maxima QX has proven itself as a solid and affordable business sedan. Now it is being replaced by the Nissan Teana. Will the newcomer be able to worthily replace its outdated predecessor?
2007 Nissan Teana
© Photo: Nissan
Background
The first generation of the Maxima QX debuted in 1994, the second in 2000, and in 2005 the model underwent a facelift. Compared to competitors, the car lost only in price, but not in equipment or technology.
The Japanese have always been famous for their ability to create harmonious and clean lines. Of course, there have been exceptions, but the Teana is not one of them. Perhaps it lacks the pomp expected of the business class, and it may seem inexpressive, but it exudes stateliness, harmony, and, most importantly, ideal proportions. There is nothing superfluous in the exterior, and that is appealing. Why try to look more expensive than you really are?
On the outside, the car may seem like a gray mouse, but inside there is a completely different atmosphere. The increased wheelbase has allowed for a truly spacious interior, the volume of which is impressive. At first, it even seems that you are in a car of a higher class. Large glazing, a massive dashboard, wide seats, luxurious both in shape and filling. It is felt that the designers sought to make the interior resemble a living room. And they succeeded. All that is missing is a fireplace in the center.
2007 Nissan Teana
© Photo: Nissan
The central console occupies a dominant position here and immediately attracts the eye. It houses the controls for the dual-zone climate control, the audio system, and the onboard computer, all of which use a common display. This same screen serves as the monitor for the rearview camera. This function is extremely useful when maneuvering in confined spaces: it not only shows the situation behind the car but also helps assess its dimensions thanks to a virtual corridor that the car must fit into.
However, there are also controversial solutions in the interior. We have already noted the comfort of the seats, but in the top trim, the front passenger seat has a built-in footrest and massager. There are no complaints about the footrest — it is really convenient on a long journey. But the massager raises questions. Why knead the passenger's back if such an option is much more needed by the driver? After all, the passenger can take any position to relax the muscles, while the driver is deprived of such an opportunity. Of course, the seat with eight adjustments allows you to find a comfortable position, but still.
Also puzzling is the inability of the rear seat back to fold down to increase the trunk. The stated 476 liters look impressive, but many classmates offer more and at the same time can expand the space. Moreover, the trunk opening is small: to get an item from the far corner, you literally have to crawl inside. However, these are all trifles, and anyone can criticize the designers.
2007 Nissan Teana
© Photo: Nissan
In our market, the Teana will be offered with three engines: an inline four-cylinder with a displacement of 2.0 liters and two V6s — 2.3 and 3.5 liters. The senior unit works in conjunction with a six-speed CVT. This combination is worthy of respect: acceleration to 100 km/h takes only eight seconds. The main thing is that gear changes are absolutely imperceptible, as if the gearbox has one very long gear. And the six gears exist only so that the driver can intervene in the transmission's operation. The weaker engines, naturally, are not as brisk, but their figures of 10.7 and 12.5 seconds are quite acceptable.
Being a business sedan, the Teana has a corresponding suspension. The car's ride is soft, even lulling. On uneven asphalt, the car sways smoothly, like a boat on waves. However, the Teana cannot stand transverse seams — at such moments the suspension seems to be replaced, and every impact of the wheels is clearly felt in the cabin. On a smooth road, the chassis pleases. Rolls in corners are also not noticed.
2007 Nissan Teana
© Photo: Nissan
Let us add that in our market, the Teana will be available in three versions: Elegance, Luxury, and Premium. It is clear that the top trim is equipped to the maximum, but the basic equipment is also very rich. Prices will range from $29,990 to $45,000.
From the Indian language, the name Teana translates as "dawn" or "beginning." And this dawn promises much good to those who start their day with such a car.
Interesting fact
From the language of the indigenous Americans, the word Teana translates as "dawn" or "beginning," as well as "beautiful sound of nature." The motto of the Nissan Teana is "a dynamic premium sedan for successful people, embodying the Japanese idea of modern luxury." Marketers see potential owners as confident people, satisfied with life and status-oriented. They are successful, firmly on their feet, and have good taste. Such drivers know cars well and appreciate the pleasure of driving. They need a model equally convenient for business and private trips, with a comfortable interior and a calming atmosphere. The main selection criteria are design, modern technology, quality, and safety. The Teana is produced at a Japanese plant in Kyushu.
2007 Nissan Teana
© Photo: Nissan
Handling
Overall, no complaints, except for minor shortcomings.
Interior
Aesthetic, spacious, and well-equipped.
Comfort
Good, except for the non-folding rear seat back.
Safety
The base version includes the main active and passive safety systems.
Price
Attractive range: $29,990–$45,000.
Technical specifications of the Nissan Teana VQ 3.5
4845/1765/1470 mm • V6; 3498 cm3; 245 hp at 6000 rpm • 6-speed CVT • 210 km/h; 7.9 s to 100 km/h • Competitors: Hyundai Grandeur, Toyota Camry
Pros and cons
+ Comfort, relatively low price, originality.
– Increased fuel consumption, insufficient practicality, inadequate suspension performance.
Our verdict
The Nissan Teana leaves a pleasant impression. The car is original in image and stylistically balanced. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped, apart from minor flaws. On the move, the car gives positive emotions. Like the Maxima QX, the Teana meets the canons of the business class, combining high safety with a moderate price.
© 5 Koleso