UPDATE: Live gallery from the launch and official images added!

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has launched the Teana, its long awaited D-segment challenger earlier today. The Camry/Accord battler is locally assembled (at the Serendah plant) and competitively priced, unlike the previous generation CBU Teana which wasn't a big seller because it was so much more expensive than its peers. Three engine variants are available: a 2.0L, 2.5L and 3.5L, the latter two are V6 engines.

The entry level 2.0L is powered by the MR20DE engine as found in the Sylphy. As with the C-segment car, the four-cylinder engine with 136 PS and 190 Nm is paired to Nissan's Xtronic CVT gearbox, which has proven itself to be a smooth operator.

For extra motivation, the mid level model is powered by a 2.5-litre V6 engine from the famous VQ series. This 182 PS/228 Nm six-pot engine differs itself from rivals by having two extra cylinders and slightly better power/torque figures. It also comes with the same CVT gearbox as the 2.0L, which has an extra oil cooler with vents next to the fog lamps.

Those who want the ultimate Teana can opt for the 3.5L V6 engined variant (VQ35DE) with 252 PS and 326 Nm of torque. It also comes with Xtronic, but with six virtual ratios in a manual mode and without the above-mentioned oil cooler. Unlike the other two variants, the 3.5L is imported CBU from Japan.

The Teana looks huge from the outside but is actually slightly smaller in footprint than the Accord. The Nissan measures 4,850 mm long and 1,795 mm wide, which is smaller than the Honda's 4,945/1,845 mm. Wheelbase is 2,775 mm long, just 25 mm less than the Accord's. Boot volume is 506 litres.

The suspension setup is the conventional front strut, multi link rear combo, while brakes are all discs, with the front ones ventilated. The CKD cars wear 16-inch rubber while the 3.5L gets 17-inch rims with 215/55 tyres.

Equipment wise, the RM138,000 2.0L Comfort comes with ABS/EBD/Brake Assist, dual airbags, auto headlamps, push button ignition, dual-zone air con, 6CD changer with MP3/AUX input and multi-info display as standard. Add RM4,000 for the 2.0L Luxury, which adds on front parking sensors, leather upholstery and V-Kool tint.

Kit wise, the 2.5L V6 is where it really starts. On top of the above, you'll also enjoy auto levelling xenons, keyless entry and start (Nissan calls it Intelligent Key), front powered seats (8-way adjustable with memory for driver, 4-way for passenger), powered rear sunshade, steering wheel audio controls, side airbags and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control. The price is RM168,000.

Finally, the 3.5L V6 sets itself apart by having perforated and ventilated leather seats (beige coloured, as with other variants) plus an ottoman seat for the front passenger. There are also curtain airbags and a panaromic sunroof on this RM248,500 car. These introductory prices are OTR including insurance and are from now till the end of the year. ETCM has received over 1,000 bookings for the Teana.

Live images from the launch after the jump.