Nissan Teana

First generation (J31; 2003–2008)

The J31 series Teana was first introduced in February 2003 to the Japanese market as a sedan companion to the Nissan Murano with both vehicles exclusive to Japanese Nissan dealerships called Nissan Red Stage. It replaced the Nissan Bluebird and Nissan Cefiro in Japan, where it was considered a luxury car one level below the Nissan Skyline. This was because the exterior dimensions and engine displacement exceed regulations, and Japanese buyers are liable for additional costs as a result. The car was introduced with an optionally available internet-based, telematics and GPS navigation system called CarWings to Japanese drivers only.

The J31 Teana also follows the same chassis number pattern as the Nissan Maxima (J30).

In much of the world, the Teana is Nissan's largest front wheel drive sedan, while the Skyline and Fuga are rear-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive.

It was introduced a month later to other Asian markets like Singapore. In 2004, the car arrived on European shores replacing the Nissan Maxima QX.

Powering the Teana was either a 1998 cc, 2349 cc or 3498 cc engine which matched to automatic transmission. Trim levels were 200JK, 230JK, 230JM and 350JM. The car was based on the Nissan FF-L platform. In December 2005, the Teana received new headlights and taillights, chrome trimming on the bumpers, enlarged foglights, front legrests and newly designed gauges. The car was also shortened slightly, and the clear rear turn signals were replaced by amber ones. XTronic CVT was also mated to all the engines.

In the People's Republic of China, the Teana was manufactured by the Dongfeng Motor Company, a joint venture with Nissan. In the neighbouring country of Pakistan, the Teana was known as the Cefiro and was assembled in Karachi. In Taiwan it is manufactured by Yulon Motor. Additionally, it is sold in India, Russia, Ukraine as well as in New Zealand and Australia where it competes with the locally produced Mitsubishi 380 and Toyota Aurion under the Maxima badge. The first generation Teana was also assembled in Thailand for sale in the ASEAN market.

The Renault Samsung SM7 of South Korea is built on the Teana platform. In January 2005, Renault Samsung announced a lower-specification version of the Teana which it is sold as the second generation (A34R) Renault Samsung SM5 and, from 2008, as the Renault Safrane.

In some countries, the 200JK was not sold. Instead, the 230JK, basically a 230JM without the VQ23DE engine was sold. In Australia, the car was sold in ST-L, Ti and Ti-L guises, but the Ti-L model was dropped after the facelift in 2005.

In 2008, Nissan discontinued production of the J31.

Engines and specifications

The first generation Teana utilized a number of engines, namely the QR20DE, VQ23DE and a slightly detuned version of the VQ35DE.

Second generation (J32; 2008–2013)

Nissan revealed the second generation, redesigned Teana at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show.

The new Teana is based on the Nissan D platform also used by the new North American Nissan Maxima and Nissan Altima. Engine choices include a 3498 cc V6, a 2495 cc V6, a 2488 cc in-line four and 1997 cc in-line four, all with a continuously variable transmission. The car's design was previewed by the Intima concept car shown in October 2007.

Thus far, the car has been launched in Japan, Taiwan, India, Iran, Mauritius, Russia, China, Brunei, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia.

This generation was not sold in Europe, where its French cousin, the Renault Laguna was offered, alongside the longer Renault Latitude (a North American Maxima being introduced to Europe).

Nissan continues to offer an optionally available internet-based, telematics and GPS navigation system called CarWings to Japanese drivers only.

Badging

The first-generation Teana was sold under the name of Nissan Cefiro in Hong Kong, Singapore, Mauritius, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Latin America & Caribbean while it was sold under the name of Teana in Japan, Thailand, Philippines, India, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia & China. The car is known as the Maxima in Australia & New Zealand. The Teana shares most of the platform and mechanicals with its North American cousin, the Altima which is built and sold primarily in North America. The J32 has been sold in Australia as a Maxima since June 2009 with model designations of 250 ST-L, 350 ST-S and 350 Ti. These models have features unique to Australia & New Zealand including alloy wheel design, rear spoiler and interior upholstery fittings. In late 2011, all three Australian models received an equipment upgrade, with prices remaining unchanged. The Cefiro name has been discontinued on the second-generation line. Currently, it is unknown if the new Teana will continue to be sold as the Nissan Maxima in the other markets outside of North America, excluding Australia and New Zealand.

Specifications

The second generation Teana utilized different engines, namely the MR20DE (successor of the QR series), VQ25DE and the VQ35DE, which was tweaked to produce 20 more PS. Also Japan Domestic Model "FOUR" (AWD) used QR25DE engine.

Third generation (L33; 2013–present)

The third generation Teana was introduced in 2013 to some markets, essentially being a rebadged version of the North American Altima.