Monday 28 July 2014

2014 Nissan Teana L33 launched – RM140k-RM170k



Just launched, RM139,800 for the base 2.0XE, RM149,800 for the better-equipped 2.0XL and RM169,900 for the top-of-the-range 2.5XV (all prices OTR with insurance).

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).


Nissan claims to have improved the new Teana’s refinement and NVH as well, with new engine and exhaust mount designs, improved body rigidity and 30% more noise absorption materials. Also working to isolate the passengers from road vibrations are the seats themselves, which now feature multi-layered paddings.

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.

Offered as optional extras are V-Kool 4mil Security Film for RM4,200 and a trunk tray for RM250. The first 1,000 customers will get the former at a 50% discount, as well as special interest rates as low as 2.48% per annum.

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.

Nissan Elgrand Facelift MPV now in Malaysia, RM388k

Nissan Elgrand FL Malaysia-02

The facelifted Nissan Elgrand that we first saw late last year is now in Malaysia via the official channel. Edaran Tan Chong Motor has priced the big MPV at RM388,000 on-the-road without insurance. Buying official means that you’ll enjoy a 3-year/100,000 km factory warranty.

Like the original third-gen E52 (launched here in April 2012), the Elgrand facelift is powered by a VQ35DE 3.5 litre V6 engine offering 280 PS at 6,400 rpm and 344 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. The CVTC-equipped 6-pot is paired to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission, which has a 6-speed manual mode here. An ECO button makes its debut on the instrument binnacle.

Nissan Elgrand FL Malaysia-05

The Elgrand is a 7-seater MPV with a 2-2-3 configuration. The middle row consists of 2 individual captain seats with ottoman, which the front passenger also gets. No ottoman for the driver, of course, but he/she gets an 8-way power adjustable seat with memory. The third row can slide 240 mm forward to accomodate more luggage space if needed.

Specs have been improved. Highlighted kit for the facelifted MPV include front LED headlamps, multi-spoke 18-inch wheels, new Fine Vision meter with  5-inch colour Drive Assist Display between the dials and a leather steering wheel with MID and cruise control buttons.

Cabin trim is now in deep wood grain and the black leather seats have a diamond-shaped quilted pattern and brown double stitches. The pre-facelift interior looks like this.

Nissan Elgrand FL Malaysia-09

Safety wise, the Elgrand comes with 6 airbags (dual front, side, curtain), ABS, EBD and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). Nissan’s Around View Monitor provides a bird’s eye view of the vehicle to assist parking. This is done by stitching together images from four 180-degree wide-angle cameras.
Extras for the VIPs include 2 sunroofs, an entertainment system with 11-inch roof monitor and 2 wireless headphones. There are air vents for all rows, 2 powered sliding doors and a powered tailgate. Keyless entry and push start is standard.