Good Motoring
Blend of comfort, style,
luxury
H. Kishie Singh
The comfort to the driver and the front passenger is of the highest standard, considering the Teana is a 'D' segment car
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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.
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