Good Motoring
Blend of comfort, style, luxury
H. Kishie Singh

WALK up to the car with the key in your pocket, pull the door handle and, thanks to the keyless entry, the door unlocks. Give the credit to the intelligent key. It locks and unlocks doors and starts the engine without inserting the key. The key also has an inbuilt engine immobiliser. In short, you cannot start the engine, or open the doors, without the key. Enter the car and step into a world of unabashed luxury. You are completely surrounded by leather, a soft sensuous beige, that is appealing and also keeps the interiors cool.

The comfort to the driver and front passenger is of the highest standard, considering this is a 'D' segment car. The driver has an 8-way electronic adjustment with a two-stage treating operation and a memory. This means if there are two drivers or more, the seat will automatically adjust to the demands of the driver in the seat.

The front passenger seat is even more comfortable. It features an Ottoman style seat. Press a button, and a large leg-rest for the lower legs swings into place. Same as executive class on aircraft.

The driver snaps on the seat belts, and there is a button to start-stop the engine.

Press the start button and the VQ 25E engine whispers to life. This engine is the star of Nissan. Since 1995, it has been voted the world’s best engine. It is rated the best above BMW L6, Honda V6, Toyota V6, The GM V6 and Ford V8. The VQ 25E is also a V6 DOHC with an engine displacement of 2500 cc. This pumps out 134 ps at 6000 rpm and 228 nm of torque at 4400 rpm.

Mated to this engine is the auto gearbox, which is a CVT — continuously variable transmission. In short, no gearing, just a smooth transfer of power and speed as you accelerate.

Controlling the power and speed is a power- assisted rack and pinion steering which is speed sensitive. Meaning, in the parking lot the steering is soft and easy, but as the speed builds up, the steering gets less sensitive. A tremendous safety feature.

The other safety features include 6 airbags and front and side curtains. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) is aided by seat belts. Please keep in mind that airbags are supplemental; seat belts are the primary safety feature. Without seat belts, airbags can be dangerous.

Additional safety features include power-assisted brakes with ABS. Front disc brakes are ventilated; the rear are solid discs. The tyre size is 205/65 R 16. The suspension up front is independent strut, while the rear has independent multi-link.

Along with these normal safety features, the Teana has a vehicle dynamic control — VDC. This device controls brake and engine output to enhance vehicle stability when sensors detect that the vehicle may go into a skid.

The VDC can be switched on or off while driving.

The air-conditioning system is referred to as the plasmacluster air-conditioning. It has a larger evaporator, which provides quick and quiet cooling. The most outstanding feature of the plasmacluster AC is that odour-causing germs are neutralised and the cabin is always provided with fresh clean air.

To provide safe driving conditions after the sun goes down, Xenon headlamps, halogen headlamps, fog lamps and LED rear lamps are standard. They nestle at the four corners of the sleek and aero- dynamic shaped Teana.

The outstanding feature and one that is easily visible is the twin sunroof. The entire roof from the outside looks like a glass topped roof. The covering over the rear seat does not open. Referred to as a moon roof, it does provide an open-air feeling in the cabin. The glass filters out UV rays. The front opens to let in air and sun. A rather ingenious fitment not seen in any other car.

The Teana 250 XL is priced at Rs 21 lakh (approx). The 250 XV is Rs 25.40 lakh.

Happy motoring.