Thursday, November 11, 2010

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.

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