LUXURIOUS. That’s the only word I can think of to describe the 2011 Nissan Teana. I mean it’s such a gorgeous car that even Gollum would let go of that darned ring in exchange for a test-drive.

Of course, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. And I got to see for myself if there was any truth to all the rave reviews I’ve read when Nissan Motor Philippines Inc. (NMPI) graciously asked me to test its popular executive sedan.

The hype was true. That was the first thing I found out when I climbed in. I was disoriented for a moment. See, I couldn’t tell whether I was back inside the house or still in the car. But then I saw that the Teana’s interior looked better than my own living room. Nissan pulled off an unrivaled comfortable interior with premium quality materials, polished straight-grained wood, and rich leather seats that are made of fine quality soft leather. That brought me back to my senses.

The dashboard, door trim, and the rear parcel tray are all structured to appear like they’re part of a wall, giving the cabin a cozy, room-like ambiance. Additional space for the legs and shoulders was created by the inverse design of the trims.

The dashboard has improved with state-of-the-art features that will make your jaw drop. The center console (that stretches from the front to the rear) has a gentle arch. The Nissan Teana is uniquely equipped with a front passenger seat that features a power ottoman-style leg rest with power adjustment of the calf support position with careful consideration of individual physiques. The rear is wide enough that the center position should be comfortable for at least a short time. The keyless entry and ignition systems add to the modern and high-tech design of the classy limo.

The Teana appeals to both the CEO types as well as today’s set of young achievers. True, the car has the polite and classy appearance of an executive sedan, but it also has a somewhat subdued sporty and brute appeal. Take a close look at its 17-inch alloy stock wheels with 55-series tires and you’ll know what I mean. For me, it is also a combination of the best in Japanese and European design. It even has a Topload sunroof to boot.

The vehicle looks long due to its big rear bumper and the front grille fascia, which, I think, gives the car a very urban and contemporary presence. The Xenon headlamps as well as its fog lamps will give you more than enough road visibility during night drives. What’s even more attractive are the shapes of the rear quarter glass and door, which complement the figure of the headlight.

Under its hood is the new and award-winning VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6 engine that develops 252 ps at 6,000 rpm and a well-distributed maximum torque of 335 Nm at 4,400 rpm. You don’t have to stomp on the accelerator to feel the Teana’s power. Press the gas gently and the engine smoothly builds up speed. The engine is mated to a six-speed continuously variable transmission, with an adaptive shift control gearbox that adjusts to your driving style. In fact, it can be manually switched but works well enough on its own that manual shifting is never really necessary. Despite the engine’s strong torque being sent through the front wheels, torque steer is nonexistent.

Besides the engine and transmission, Nissan also developed the Platform D for the chassis to produce silence driving experiences. The independent strut with coil spring at the front and multi-links at the back also keep the cabin practically still despite bumps and potholes.

The Nissan Teana body structure is engineered for safety and protection. Safety features include dual front and passenger airbags, side airbags, antilock brake system with electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability program with brake assist and traction control system, and child safety rear door locks.

With the new Nissan Teana 3.5 XV, Nissan proves yet again why it gives other sedan builders serious competition.

Specifications

·         Vehicle 2011 Nissan Teana XV

·         Type Premium Executive

·         Engine 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve 6-cylinder

·         Maximum power 252 PS at 6000 rpm

·         Maximum torque 335 Nm at 4400 rpm

·         Transmission 6-speed A/T 

Dimensions

·         Length  4,850 mm

·         Width  1,795 mm

·         Height  1,475 mm

·         Wheelbase  2,275 mm

·         Wheel size and type 17-inch alloy        

·         Tire size 215/55V17

·         Price as tested P1.998 million