The Nissan Cefiro is a premium midsize sedan under the Japanese carmaker’s A31 series. It features a sporty European-styled exterior designed with smooth curves, chrome detailing, and subtle lines. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin packed with top of the line driver and passenger amenities. During its active years, Nissan Motor Company Ltd. offered the Cefiro that comes with several power unit options such as 2.0-liter, 2.5-liter, 3.0-liter, and 3.5-liter engine mated with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
Launch
The Nissan Cefiro A31 series was initially launched in 1988 as a replacement for the Nissan Laurel, the Nissan Bluebird, and the Nissan Violet. It was marketed to compete with the Toyota Cresta and the Toyota Chaser. On top of a superb engine, suspension setup, and platform, Nissan Motor Company Ltd. equipped the sedan with luxurious and modern features. The Japanese carmaker also produced left-hand variants of the sedan for the Latin American market.
In 1994, the A32 series was made available in Japan. The Nissan Cefiro received a sportier and bigger exterior. In other parts of the world, the sedan was offered as the Nissan Maxima. The A33 series was released in December 1998 bringing in more engine options.
In the Philippines, the Nissan Cefiro was made available in 1996. The sedan was also assembled in the Japanese carmaker’s production plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna from 1994 up to 2003. In 2004, the last series of the premium sedan was released locally as it was replaced by the Nissan Teana. Then, the Teana was replaced by the Altima.
Exterior
The Nissan Cefiro measures 4,915mm long, 1,821mm wide, and 1,481mm tall. It features a lengthened front and rear with chrome detailing. Highlights include a pair of halogen headlights, fog lights, body-colored front, and rear bumper, slotted chrome grille, power-folding side mirrors, body-colored side moldings and door handles, an optional sunroof, wide taillights, and a pair of 18-inch alloy wheels.
Interior
The Nissan Cefiro offers a roomy cabin courtesy of the sedan’s 2,825mm wheelbase. Notable interior features include the leather-wrapped steering wheel with leather-covered shift knob, aluminum door sills, a trip computer, aluminum dashboard trim, four-way adjustable passenger seats, an eight-way adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, 60/40 split-folding seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Technology & Safety Features
The Nissan Cefiro is fitted with a 160mm information center LCD monitor with multiple displays. For entertainment, the sedan comes with a Bose audio system with eight speakers.
In terms of safety, the Nissan Cefiro is built with an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, height-adjustable front seat belts, and three-point rear seatbelts.
Platform & Chassis
The Nissan Cefiro is equipped with an independent suspension with a stabilizer at the front and rear. It is also fitted with a sport suspension to guarantee a leveled-up performance.
Engine & Drivetrain
In the Philippines, the Nissan Cefiro is powered by a 3.0 VQ engine mated with a four-speed automatic transmission. It can deliver 163 horsepower with 190 Newton meters of torque.