Passed Over: Nissan Cefiro (2005)

May 22,2005

NIGEL MANSELL, PETE SAMPRAS AND MICHAEL JORDAN—what do these guys have in common? They’re great athletes in their respective fields, but all three didn’t know when to quit. Anyone who’s old enough, for example, will remember Mansell’s dismal last year in Formula One, a year when McLaren said that he was too fat to even fit into the cockpit. And like past champions who had far too much gut (and ego) to call it quits, the Nissan Cefiro is surging ahead as a model for 2005—approximately two years after its sell-by date.

Let’s point out the obvious: the Cefiro hasn’t always been on the ho-hum list. In the past, when it was still based on the venerable Skyline, it offered an inline-6 to match its rear-wheel drive layout. It was, for the most part, the Japanese version of America’s muscle car. When Nissan consolidated the Maxima and Cefiro into a single model, the result was a car that rocked in the industry in 1995. Media outfits agreed with Nissan when it was dubbed the ‘four-door sports car’. It had enough oomph to battle the more expensive European automobiles (even the ones with larger engines) while having more interior room, better ride and a quieter cabin.

When the Philippines witnessed the return of the Cefiro in 1997, it was a commercial success overnight. The combination of a potent 2.0-liter V6 engine, roomy cabin and high equipment levels made it the default choice for executives. It was still pummeling its rivals on the sales charts when it was refreshed. It gained even more equipment, some of which are industry firsts including an audio/video entertainment system and a power moon roof, while maintaining an affordable price tag. A full body change in 2002 added even more equipment such as an analogue clock, tufted leather seats and fine-meter gauges. Despite being more crisp and refined, the high admission price meant that the competition gained ground.

It was this situation that confronted Nissan Motor Philippines (NMPI) when it unveiled the 2005 Cefiro. It was a surprising and bold move since it was unveiled during the mid-year of 2004. Given that the current Cefiro platform is a decade old and an all-new model, dubbed Teana, was making waves elsewhere, everyone expected to finally see the current body to retire. This wasn’t the case. NMPI decided to stick it out for yet another year with the same body and platform that has been proven to be popular as a rental car. The difference though for this so-called ‘new’ model is an enlarged V6 engine. With 3.0-liters of displacement packing 220 horses now available and a price tag approximately two hundred thousand pesos less, Nissan hoped to gain the market it once ruled.

Well, at least that’s in theory. The truth couldn’t be farther. Even in its range-topping 300EX guise, this Nissan is proving to be well beyond the sell-by date. At the time when its chief rivals are offering high-tech and high-equipment, the Cefiro maintained the old Nissan formula for more bang for less buck. For those who haven’t sampled any of its next-generation rivals, the 2005 Cefiro still feels like a solid offering. The trademark VQ engine pushes well enough and the ride is still supple given that the 300EX has larger tires and alloys. It’s nicely equipped and finished even if all the AV gewgaws were removed.

Unfortunately, Nissan doesn’t enjoy a monopolistic grasp of the market segment. And by that token, the Cefiro has fallen badly behind the Accord, Camry and most probably even the recently unveiled Hyundai Sonata in all aspects whether it be by design, performance or refinement. After spending time with the Accord V6, we swapped it for the 300EX. Exterior alone shows a world of difference. Whereas the Accord, Camry and Sonata favor an angular look, the Cefiro remains ovoid—clearly a design remnant of the 1990’s. The lack of interesting lines, usually showcasing advancement in metal stamping and assembly, are conspicuously absent. And the ever popular alien hood ornament doesn’t exactly help things either.

The time warp feeling is equally felt in the interior. Instead of presenting a great driver’s environment, the Cefiro is well content with acres of beige plastic, faux wood and leather. While excellently finished, it’s immediately clear that things don’t look good behind the wheel. The driving position, despite the standard electronic adjustment, feels awkward at best. On the good day, the steering wheel is too close and the throttle too far; otherwise, it feels akin to practicing pilates. Moreover, the driving position is lower, making the Cefiro less confident to drive than it really is. Aside from the driver though, others will revel at the cavernous cabin that’s comfortable for four at the back.

On the road, the Cefiro feels larger than its mass would suggest. Though the steering has more directness than before, it’s still overly light, breaking down any sort of confidence during high-speed driving or heavy cornering. The live-axle rear suspension, makes the car floaty and susceptible to a bouncy ride when hitting shallow road ruts or uneven pavement. The brakes, though quantitatively better than some of its competition, is connected to a spongy brake pedal with a ridiculously long travel. Perhaps the only gem in the entire equation is the 3.0-liter V6 engine. It’s creamy smooth and responsive with still enough grunt to square off against the big boys. It out torques the competition too, making the 300EX the decisive king of stoplight duels. Its partner in crime, a 4-speed automatic, robs the 300EX of an ace here. The high gearing robs it of top-end power and fuel economy. And when poked hard enough, there’s noticeable shift shock.

In the end, while the Cefiro is marketed as a highly desirable 2005 model, it professes quite a different language. It may seem like an excellent mix of value and performance; but in the end, it appeals to those with bulging wallets and bellies rather than those who want to experience the thrill of a good drive. Behind all the wood, leather and countless facelifts, the Nissan Cefiro is simply a case of overstaying one’s welcome. It’s time to look forward for the next one.

By Ulysses Ang | Photos By Jason Ang

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