New Mitsuoka Galue (L33)

2016 Mitsuoka Galue

In the tradition of Mitsuoka kitting out modern Japanese cars with exterior cues similar to classic British luxury cars, the small Japanese carmaker has introduced us to the new Galue, which is now based on the current-generation Nissan Teana/Altima L33 midsize saloon. Because the previous model is usually a Teana in a Rolls-Royce suit, this new model is still a Teana in a Rolls-Royce suit while featuring some bits and bobs from the Teana L33.

2016 Mitsuoka Galue

There's no need to explain why this is basically a Nissan Teana L33 with some Rolls-Royce-inspired front and back like most Mitsuokas had for their so-called exclusivity because this is basically a Nissan Teana L33 in a Rolls Royce getup. And before I'm going to say it again and again before someone gets bored, the new Galue has some of the Teana's bits and bobs such as high-tensile steel and aluminum bodywork, three-spoke steering wheel, larger front door pockets, a higher dashboard, new instrumental panel, and a reclining front passenger seat.

2016 Mitsuoka Galue interior

2016 Mitsuoka Galue interior

The new Galue, like the Teana is based on, a QR25DE 4-cylinder, in-line, 16V engine with a Twin C-VTC system, which takes care of the intake and exhaust valves for added efficiency, and clean combustion, and is economical. It produces about a measly 170PS of power output and 245Nm of torque, connected to a new-generation XTRONIC CVT gearbox.

Because it's a million yen more than the Teana it's based on, the new Galue from Mitsuoka starts from 3,866,400 up to 4,644,000 Yen. That sounds a lot for a faux Rolls Royce but if you want your new Teana L33 to be more "exclusive" than the average Teana L33, book one of these and see if your next dinner date will turn out.

Available Colors: Waterfall Blue, Radiant Red, Diamond Black, Dark Metal Grey, Brilliant Silver, and Brilliant White Pearl.

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan Teana L33

2014 Nissan Teana

After six years at last, the Nissan Teana is now on its third-generation, and unlike its predecessors, the new Teana stays true to being a car as relaxing as a day off at a hot spring. This isn't what you are really supposed to be because even though this is an all-new model, the new model looks suspiciously familiar...

What's so familiar about it?

Beginning in the chassis code; it seems that Nissan no longer does the J thing and instead gave it the L letter so for this third-generation Teana, it's now labeled as L33. Not J33 as previously foretold, it's L33. It's a similar case we looked at on the Nissan Sylphy two years ago when at first glance, it should be coded G12 but instead, TB17 is the codename for the Sylphy. What's going on with those twists in the Nissan archives? There's got to be some conspiracy going on around here as to why full model changes now come with totally different chassis codes but this is no time for debunking stuff. I'm here to check out what's going on with the new Teana.

But hey, the new Teana kinda looks like...

I know, the new Teana is now an international-class midsize car, and by the looks of it, the new Teana is now a lot like North America's Nissan Altima, again in L33 chassis code, so for the first time in Teana history, it now rose into international status. Last year, it was launched in China and Thailand as well as Australia so by no means a coincidence, it tries to capture a much broader audience much the same thing as the X-TRAIL T32 crossover. Think of it like Nissan's idea of the "One Ford" approach, except this isn't Ford. Sorry...

Okay then, so what to expect?

2014 Nissan Teana

Because it was inspired by North America's Altima, the brand new Teana is beautiful to look at and as similar looking as its little brother, the Nissan Sylphy B17. Even though it's bigger than the old J32 six years ago, the new L33 Teana now weighs 10kg less thanks to extensive use of high-tensile steel and aluminum. Quite an improvement as such but seems so irrelevant to me.

The interior?

2014 Nissan Teana interior

2014 Nissan Teana interior

Speaking of the interior, the new Teana L33 is now well-civilized. There are numerous changes occurred such as the steering wheel, which is now three-spoke, a higher dashboard, front door pockets are now larger than the old one and now more usable, and the instrumental panel now comes with a screen display that displays lane departure and blind spot visual alerts.

Seating in one of these, though, and you might have the same experience as what you expect from European saloons. Why am I not surprised? If that wasn't enough, the trademark reclining front passenger seat, as what you get from previous models, stays because having this kind of seat is a trademark of the Teana's omotenashi trait. It tries to be a hospitable saloon and because it focused on being a comfortable car, feels like my mind's getting chilled now. The same experience as you expect from a groin massage or relaxing in the bathtub.

Is it mellow?

Mellow? What do you mean mellow? Well, it can be a lot too mellow for me but the new Teana comes with a multi-link suspension and MacPherson strut independent front suspension with a stabilizer steel bar and rebound spring. This means this new suspension system is capable of having a smoother ride, enhanced stability, and good traction. Wow, looks like Nissan is truly on a roll now, the new Teana L33 wants to be on par with its European rivals such as the VW Passat and the Peugeot 508.

What about performance?

Uh...you know what? You might wanna look away now because, for the new Teana L33, the only engine available is an updated QR25DE 4-cylinder, in-line, 16V engine with a Twin C-VTC system, which takes care of the intake and exhaust valves for added efficiency, clean combustion, and economical. It produces about a measly 170PS of power output and 245Nm of torque, connected to a new-generation XTRONIC CVT gearbox. I know CVTs can make a car boring but for the Teana L33, it matches the vehicle speed instead of closely, but you do get a little bit of a "rubber-band" trait.

With this powertrain, the fuel economy is a moderate 14.4km/L, as calculated by Japan's JC08 Mode standards. Quite a small improvement there, but an insider has told me that there's going to be a hybrid model in the works. That's too early to tell but a normal 2.5L petrol engine seems legit to us.

Should I buy one?

Well, of course, you can because the new Teana L33 now starts at 2,429,700 Japanese Yen, that's about a hundred thousand less than the outgoing J32 model, which makes it a great value for a saloon that now comes with an international status, a sophisticated suspension system, a nice interior, and a fuel-efficient engine that seems a bit legit. Seems legit but close enough.

Available colors: Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Dark Metal Grey Metallic, Diamond Black Pearl, Radiant Red Pearl Metallic, and Waterfall Blue Titanium Pearl Metallic.

Photo: Nissan Motor Corporation

Nissan Teana J32 Minor Change

Back in June 2008, Nissan launched the full model change of the Nissan Teana, which is designated as J32, and this adopted the term OMOTENASHI because of its hospitable character and the interior that calms your nerves. Now, for the 2013 Model Year, the Nissan Teana J32 gets its first minor change and well...not much of a minor change at all...

2013 Nissan Teana

2013 Nissan Teana

2013 Nissan Teana interior

Wanna know what changed on the Nissan Teana J32 for the 2013 Model Year? Well, what you can expect on the 2013 Nissan Teana are new design on the alloy rims (16-inch on the 250XL and 250XE model while the 350XV has 17-inch rims), taillamps, which already have LEDs arranged in a ‘C shape’, revised meter design, new instrument panel wood grain, and some new coloring on the switches that are responsible on the navigation, audio, and aircon. You would still expect the ottoman seat on the front that reclines but only if you're sitting next to the driver, the stylish glass roof, ventilated seats, and the BOSE Surround Sound System that delivers a well refined audio quality.

No change in the engine specifications here so you'll still have either the VQ35DE, the QR25DE, or the VQ25DE engine. For a quick summary, the QR25DE has a power output of 123kW(167PS)/5,600r.p.m. of power and 240Nm(24.5kg-m)/4,000r.p.m. of torque. It will get you through 10.4km/L of JC08-rated fuel economy and...annoyingly, it's available only in 4WD.

The VQ25DE though generates 136kW(185PS)/6,000r.p.m. of power and 232Nm(23.7kg-m)/4,400r.p.m. of torque, getting you through 11.4km/L of JC08 fuel economy and it is mated with the conventional XTRONIC-CVT.

Lastly, the top-of-the-line VQ35DE engine produces 185kW(252PS)/6,000r.p.m. of power and 335Nm(34.3kg-m)/4,400r.p.m. of torque. It is mated with the XTRONIC-CVT with 6-speed manual mode and promises 10.0km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's....10-15 Mode Test Cycle? Excuse me, Japan's now using the JC08 Test Cycle for comparing fuel economy but I'm afraid that Nissan never got the memo so the JC08 fuel economy of this....VQ35DE-powered Teana remains unknown for now...Sorry...

TEANA AXIS

2013 Nissan Teana Axis

2013 Nissan Teana Axis interior

For a bit of a VIP STYLE, Autech Japan provided a modified version of the Nissan Teana as part of the AUTECH AXIS range. This Autech-modified version of the Teana J32 gives you some bling on the blink of the eye and annoyingly, a massive show-off when this car parked at the Daikoku Parking Area. Specs remain the same but this unique look is what stands out the rest.

Available colors on the 2013 Teana are; Steel Blue, Franboise Red, Brilliant Silver, Deep Amethyst Gray, Sapphire Black, and Brilliant White Pearl.

My comment:

When I think of a Nissan Teana J32 minor change, it appears that the Yokohama-based carmaker didn't pay attention to the one they saw on China or Thailand when it comes to the front but when it comes to the J32's back, instrumental panel, rims, and....something, it appears that this is nearly half-perfect to be called a minor change. Sadly, nobody knows what is the JC08 fuel economy of the one with the VQ35DE engine and ahem, we don't involve on timing marks and engine curves because we don't do repair stuff!!! Anyway, this 2013 Teana is half perfect to keep the OMOTENASHI concept fresh and neat. And I'm sorry, with the base price of 2,821,350 Japanese Yen, I'm afraid that the price just went on the hike due to the strong Yen and I think that doesn't work even though the Teana competes against the Toyota Mark X and the Honda Accord.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Is Nissan ending the production of Teana?

2009 Nissan Teana

Earlier, I read a unsuspecting rumor on the internet saying that Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will cease production of the Teana midsize sedan, starting next year, because of sluggish sales and the continuation of the strong Yen.

That article was written in Japanese, but I managed to Google translate it.

Is there a possibility that Nissan will cease production of the Teana midsize sedan? Oh my...

In partial terms of "Omotenashi"

Omotenashi, Japanese for hospitality, is the main concept of the new Nissan Teana J32. Since the Nissan Teana debuted in the Philippines since the PIMS 2010, the word "omotenashi" has been spread for those who want to take a glimpse on this new premium midsize sedan.

Now, according to an article from Top Gear Philippines, Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. debuted a 3.5L V6 version of the Nissan Teana, and the pricing is just under the 2 million peso mark due to the JPEPA partnership. How's that for the word Omotenashi?

Most people looking for fuel efficiency can go for the 2.5L variant but for those looking for more of a "Brougham VIP", can go for the 3.5L variant. See if they care...

Mitsuoka New (Teana-based) Galue

Back when the Mitsuoka Galue debuted since 1996, this eccentric flagship sedan that looks more of a vintage sedan but pinned from the Nissan Crew is somewhat a mystery. Later, in 1999, the Galue evolved from Crew-based to Cedric-based. Then, in 2005, the Galue received another full model change that was based on the Nissan Fuga Y50, following with the limousine variant in October 2008. There is also a Corolla-based spin-off of the Galue, under the Galue 2-04 name.

2011 Mitsuoka Galue

Today, in November 11, 2010, this new-generation Galue is back in the flesh, only this time, based on the second-generation Nissan Teana. The New Galue remains its Rolls Royce-like front but the side view now pinned from the Nissan Teana. It seems unclear that how nostalgic this eccentric flagship sedan could be, but I guess hospitality is now the main prospective of the New Galue.

2011 Mitsuoka Galue

Because the Nissan Teana is front-wheel drive (FF), today's Mitsuoka Galue is now FF. It seems disappointing that I still like the Fuga-based Galue, but that's for a cause. With FF drive-train provides exceptional driving comfort on the road. Under the hood, the New Mitsuoka Galue offers three different engines available; the QR25DE engine, VQ25DE V6 engine, and the high-performance VQ35DE. Most 2.5L variants get Nissan's XTRONIC CVT, but the high-end 3.5L V6 variant is equipped with the XTRONIC CVT-M6. The New Galue always thinking about luxury as a premium medium-sized sedan not just how it looks, it knows how it feels to be inside Mitsuoka's flagship.

2011 Mitsuoka Galue interior

2011 Mitsuoka Galue interior

On the interior, hospitality is the main theme of the New Galue. Most features from the New Galue include leather steering wheel with audio and cruise control, dual sunroof, ottoman-equipped front passenger seat, ventilated seats for both the driver and front passenger, Bose Premium Surround Sound System, optional navigation system, every luxury detail offered to bring out the best of becoming Mitsuoka's flagship.

My thoughts about the New Galue:
What an oddity, today's Galue is like a mixture of a Rolls Royce Phantom and the Nissan Teana. Whatever that is, this is more of a mysterious flagship sedan no one ever heard of or even tried it because of its vintage exterior and modern interior, just like the other Mitsuoka cars. I expect to be inside of this New Galue because I already tasted the interior just like the second-generation Teana. Think about it, this is truly a work of art from Mitsuoka. Trying it can be a familiarity.

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.