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.

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.