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More than that, the my ownership experience with Nissan is less than enjoyable—in fact, its awful. Both our Maxima and Cefiro had big service nightmares, and this could once again tip the scales in favor of Honda and Toyota. Remember, the more parts and toys it has, the greater the chances that something will break down—especially if the reliability record of Nissan holds true. Nonetheless, it seems that Nissan is very confident with their new quality as the new Exalta’s servicing interval is every 10,000 kilometers—similar to the Honda Civic. However, the warranty is still the 50,000 kilometers / 2-year deal that all the Japanese dealers sans Honda is currently offering (the Civic has a 100,000 kilometer / 3-year warranty). Overall, the Nissan Exalta is one refined package—with a great interior and specifications. Personally, I would have wanted a simpler spec-ed car with less wood, but with more sporty appeal (e.g. bigger alloys, brushed aluminum or faux carbon fiber trim). For buyers out there, if interior space and handling is the main reason for buying a car, then go for the Honda Civic VTi-S. The VTEC may have won the battle on sheer performance, but the Exalta engine proves that Nissan can make a great engine much as it did with its wonderful VQ V6 engine. For quick sprints around town, the Honda Civic is the one to get, but I'd rather be sitting inside the Nissan Exalta for long trips (as long as its not in the backseat). Ownership? Because of the security of a longer warranty, the Honda Civic is the better choice. For people who like luxury features, then one has to look inside the Nissan showroom. The Exalta is surprisingly good as a whole package so far as to say that its interior is far more convincing and consistent than its main price rival, the Toyota Corolla Altis. As the subjective ratings go, the Exalta is equal in overall terms to the Civic. The Nissan offers a huge amount of kit and is great value for money. It may not be gunned for young people such as myself, but looking at the way the original Exalta sold, then it will be the definite choice of every Filipino family who’d like the luxury of a Mercedes-Benz or BMW at half-price. Other critics have gunned down the Exalta as the poor man's Cefiro, and to the untrained it may be so. However, beneath, it is one great alternative in the 1.6-liter sedan segment. |
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