SME towkays who love driving will appreciate the Accord, because it gives them all the comforts they need when rushing between meetings, plus the driveability they want when heading home. The Honda also has the size to make its presence felt in corporate car parks and to impress (or possibly intimidate) business associates.
Bosses who like safe bets will buy the Camry with confidence. It’s comfortable, reliable and well built. It’s also a known quality in business circles. Even though this saloon offers more equipment than excitement, and has about as much character as a household appliance, it’s ultimately the ideal package for people who value fuss-free motoring at a fair price.
The Teana is the most expensive vehicle here, in more ways than one. Its looks, appointments, general fit and finish – they are all quality stuff that make me think of an opulent Japanese Lancia. On the move, it rides like a limousine and cruises like an ocean liner, with on-board facilities to match. The Nissan isn’t perfect, of course. There are some cabin quality oversights, but these don’t really affect the exquisite ambience. The V6 engine could be sweeter, but it’s acceptable, as long as you don’t stretch it much. And there’s a slow-coach softness in the handling and braking, but it’s never unsafe or unbearable.
At the end of the day, the terrific Nissan Teana gets our vote.
Nissan Teana 2.5 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 2496cc
Cylinder layout V6
Valves 24, DOHC
Bore x stroke 85mm x 73.3mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Power 182bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 228Nm at 4400rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type CVT
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 200km/h
0-100km/h 9.6 seconds
Consumption Not available
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport 270
Size 215/55 R17
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 4
Traction Control Yes, with VDC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4850mm
Width 1795mm
Height 1485mm
Wheelbase 2775mm
Kerb Weight 1531kg
Power to Weight Ratio 118.9bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 11.4m
BUYING IT
Price $105,000 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Comfy, classy cabin, smooth, quiet ride, genuine stylishness
– Disappointing engine, unhurried cornering, some cheap plastics
Honda Accord 2.4 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 2354cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 87mm x 99mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Power 180bhp at 6500rpm
Torque 222Nm at 4300rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 5-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 210km/h
0-100km/h 9.5 seconds
Consumption Not available
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Energy MXV8
Size 225/50 R17
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 4
Traction Control Yes, with VSA
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4945mm
Width 1845mm
Height 1475mm
Wheelbase 2800mm
Kerb Weight 1550kg
Power to Weight Ratio 116.1bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 11.4m
BUYING IT
Price $100,900 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Exterior size, interior space, executive amenities, sporty dynamics
– Colour-sensitive styling, economical leather, no trip computer
Toyota Camry 2.4 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 2362cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 88.5mm x 96mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Power 167bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 224Nm at 4000rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 5-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 200km/h
0-100km/h 10 seconds
Consumption Not available
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Yokohama Aspec dB
Size 215/55 R17
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 4
Traction Control Yes, with VSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4825mm
Width 1820mm
Height 1470mm
Wheelbase 2775mm
Kerb Weight 1480kg
Power to Weight Ratio 112.8bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 11m
BUYING IT
Price $93,988 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Spacious cabin, big boot, balanced ride and handling, mechanical and fiscal reliability
– Inexpensive dash materials, numb driving experience, colourless character
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