Nissan introduced new large sedan under Teana name (Maxima in Europe and USA) which will replace out-of-date Cefiro and Laurel models. Name Teana means "dawn" in native americans language. The main feature of the new car is originaly designed interior made in modern Japanese style. Interior is made with large wooden panels and high-quality plastics with seats better reminding convenient armchairs and sofa. Both front seats are equipped with powered adjustment mechanism, rear seat has large central armrest. The climate-control is separate for the front / rear seats and has separate temperature adjustments for both left and right seats.

New Teana is equipped with three types of engines - 2,3 liter and 3,5 liter V6 (VQ series), and 2,5 liter inline four (QR25DE). Engines have large reserve of power (173, 231 and 170 hp respectively), that is sufficient not only for city conditions, but also for high-speed highway driving. As for transmission, the car is equipped with new Xtronic variable ratio CVT (with 6-speed manual mode), and that is worlds first time for the front wheel driven car with 3,5 liter engine. In comparison with other types transmissions, Xtronic provides smoother and economicaly efficient acceleration. From the safety point of view, Teana meets latest requirements and has all necessary equipment from air bags to active headrests.

The main competitor of the new model is current Toyota Mark II. World sales volumes are planned around 100,000 units per year, 25,000 units on the Japanese market. Recommended price for front wheel driven model lays in limits from 2,250,000 yens (18,750 $) up to 3,190,000 yens (26,600 $). The 4WD version will cost from 2,450,000 yens (20,400 $) up to 2,770,000 yens (23,100 $).

Detailed review and test-drive of the new Nissan Teana will be published on our site in February - March.