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EXECUTIVE cars are for executives. There is no doubt
about this for mainstream models. From their look to
their feel, they are purely for executives.
Here is
where the Nissan Teana differs from the rest.
From the
first look, it is evident that the Teana is not only
after the rich, upper-class executive—it also appeals to
the younger, upward, mobile yuppie. That smile on its
face is simply too cute to be the all-forbidding
executive type.
The
configuration of the front grille, the xenon headlamps
and the bumper really gives a happy disposition to the
front of the car. The fog lamps actually depict dimples
on its cheeks.
The
lines are all too modern and fun, a far cry from the
traditional stern lines of the executive-type cars in
the market. It has 16-inch alloy wheels and 65-series
tires for young-looking legs.
The rear
is tucked up quite a bit, giving the impression of a
well-worked-out butt on a masculine figure.
And the
high-tech keyless system adds to the modern style of the
Teana. A word from the kids around my block that
describes the exterior is “cool.”
Now the
interior is the same story, a design that is more modern
than old school. The instrumentation is high-tech and
the dashboard contains plenty of technological savvy.
The most
distinct of these toys on the dash is the monitor
connected to a rear-view camera, which switches on when
the reverse gear is engaged and gives the driver a view
of the back, plus lines to follow for safely backing
up—the mark of a true car of the 21st century.
But the
one thing the Teana did not veer away from when it comes
to executive class is comfort. The leather of the seats
is plush and cool, and the legroom is generous and very
comfortable. In-car entertainment is very commendable,
with a seven-inch, full-color TV monitor hitched to a
six-speaker, six-disc CD changer audio system.
Under
the hood of the Teana lives the Nissan VQ23DE
six-cylinder 2.3-liter engine that has an output of 173
ps at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 22.9 kg-m at 4,400
rpm. This engine is hooked up to the electronically
controlled automatic transmission (E-CAT) that drives
the Teana around wonderfully.
Safety
includes the whole line of the alphabet from ABS, BA,
EBD, four-wheel disc brakes, dual front SRS air bags,
curtain air bags, side air bags, seat belts and more.
The headlights are also another wonder as they follow
the direction of the steering wheel, lighting up the
area to the left or the right of the car while it is
turning. And finally, it has an engine immobilizer that
stops the engine in case of unauthorized entry.
All of
this gives the Teana the initial reputation of being a
cool ride. Having a moon roof only adds to its coolness.
Of
course, the price is a bit too high for the ordinary
cool guy at P1.929 million. But hey, if you are a cool
yuppie, just work a little harder and you can get
yourself a Teana and all its coolness. |
