As is now the norm here at paultan.org, our series of like-for-like new vs old galleries of most major new cars here in Malaysia draws you a complete picture of what makes a new model, well, new. Now, it's the soon-to-be-launched 2014 Nissan Teana's turn to pose next to its older sibling, the 2013 Nissan Teana.
It's not until you put them side by side do you see the extent of the monumental direction change at play here. The Teana that we're familiar with - codenamed the J32 – has always been a little different than the rest of the traditional Japanese D-segment brigade. It was softer, calmer, and definitely less mainstream than say, a Toyota Camry.
That's not at all a bad thing to be. Not by a long shot. It carved its own unique niche among Malaysian executives, for whom only a Teana would do. The L32 Teana that's new for 2014 is a different animal yet again. This one is more aggressively-styled, even better equipped and yet no less luxurious inside. Appeal broadened, then.
This new 2014 Teana is indeed all-new. New looks inside and out, new engine and transmission, all check. Go through our exclusive like-for-like comparison gallery below, if you're feeling sceptical.
The 2.5 litre engine, meanwhile, has been changed from the J32's multi-award-winning VQ V6 engine to a newer four-cylinder QR25DE motor. Purists may not like the change, but few can really argue against the use of a new engine that's significantly more efficient than before. It's 2014 after all.
In any case, the new four-pot is less powerful but more torquey than the famed V6, making 172 hp and 234 Nm of twist compared to the old car's 182 hp and 228 Nm. Both send power to the front wheels through an Xtronic CVT gearbox, but the L33's tranny is of a newer design and is lighter and more efficient.
Look out for our full comprehensive review of the 2014 Nissan Teana tomorrow, which will cover both this flagship 2.5 XV model as well as the 2.0 litre variant. Without spoiling it for you, let's just say that with this new model and the still-fresh new Sylphy, Nissan is really on a roll.
Moving forward in the right way, some would say. Looking at this gallery alone, wouldn't you agree?
2014 Nissan Teana L33
2013 Nissan Teana J32
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