Nissan Grand Livina Facelift Launch

Nissan Grand Livina is a very popular MPV in Malaysia, so popular that it obtain the best selling non-national MPV. On this side of Perodua Alza/Proton Exora pricing, Nissan Grand Livina has been a default choice among the Malaysian family. Originally introduced in 2007, this is the second facelift which will extend its 6-year old into newer era with bold new front and rear design which bears no passing resemblance to the outgoing model.

Changes are extensive. Front end is totally new, it ditches the old look and in comes the new Nissan's corporate face that is more modern. The headlight, grille, hood, bumper and fender are all new. The grille is far classier than the rudimentary item on the old version. The rear end is similarly updated too, with redesigned tailgate, bumper and the rear light cluster is now bigger and it extends into the tailgate panel.

The interior makeover is more subtle, and Nissan concentrates more on the trimmings instead of design change. Basic dashboard architecture is retained, however, the color scheme has been changed from all-black affair to two-tone arrangement with black upper section and beige lower section for an added perceived space. The seats are upholstered in beige. The center console is now brightly painted, and the 1.8L variant gains wood trimming. The sense of opulence is further supplied by Nissan Sylphy derived steering wheel (new design) and stylish Fine Vision meter cluster make an appearance.  

Other than that, it is the Nissan Grand Livina that we used to know. This include the spacious cabin that accomodates 7 and the driving position is car-like (it is build on Latio platform which has MPV-like driving height) and it has numerous loading flexibility thanks to the split-folding second row seat. There's also second row aircond duct for an added comfort.

Powertrain unit is carried over wholesomely from the outgoing Grand Livina. This means that there are two engine option available; MR18DE 1,798cc (126PS,174Nm) paired with 4 speed automatic gearbox and HR16DE 1,598cc (105PS, 150Nm) driving via either 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic. Chassis mechanicals are McPhersons strut at the front coupled with torsion beam setup at the back, with the stopping hardware provided by ventilated disc/drum combo (ABS, EBD and BA standard on all variant).

Beyond the drivetrain and updated outlook, Nissan has also take the opportunity in this round of facelift to update the safety front with the inclusion of seat-belt pretension and load limiter. Also thrown in for the 1.8L version is the i-Key system which essentially is the keyless entry with twist switch starter system.

As for the pricing, the entry level 1.6L MT is pitched at RM86,880, 1.6AT at RM89,880 and the range topper 1.8L AT at RM99,880. As with the Nissan Almera, Nissan has opened up plenty of chance for customization with the Navi, Luxury, Family and Impul package. Detail description of each package is as below:

Navi Package (RM4,000 for 1.6L, RM3,700 for 1.8L)

Consist of: 6.5' Multimedia Navigation (with DVD player,iPod, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity and also rear view camera, 10.1' roof mounted LCD panel. 

Luxury Package (RM3,800 for 1.6L, RM3,500 for 1.8L)

Consist of: Leather upholstery for seat and door trim, window tinting (Solar Guard, with V-Kool Elite available for an additional RM1,500, LED stainless steel kick plates and door visors.

Family Package (RM7,000 for 1.6L, RM6,700 for 1.8L)

Combination of Navi and Luxury package.

Impul Package:

Consist of:

• Impul Complete Aerokit: RM3,500 (with 50% launch promotion discount)

• Impul Sports Suspension: RM2,800

• Impul Blast 2 Exhaust Muffler: RM1,800

• 17' Impul Aura SX-20 alloy rims set: RM4,500

• Goodyear Eagle F1 Directional Set : RM1,800

Small gallery can be found after the jump.

2014 Nissan X-Trail Gets Sleeker

Nissan unveiled its 2014 Nissan X-Trail at Frankfurt Motorshow today. The high-volume SUV for Nissan has ditched its body body of the previous two generations, and in comes the crossover styling theme adopted by other recent Nissan such as Qashqai, Murano and Juke. The vehicle will also be known as Nissan Rogue in North America. The new SUV is part of a high-volume global product built on the new jointly-developed platform between Nissan and Renault Common Module Family (CMF).

As mentioned earlier, Nissan decides to let go the conventional squared off lines of the previous generation which contributes to X-Trail muscular image and replaces it with a premium and dynamic appearance. The new design is characterized by sculptured muscular lines achieved by elegant curves and high wheel arches and feature a number of Nissan signature cues such as the ‘boomerang' rear lights, intricate headlights internals with LED daytime running lamps and the distinctive D-pillar design. 19' alloy wheel contributes to the road hugging impression. LED headlights for both high and low beams are standard on high grade models for an added design panache. In pursuit of design excellence, the practicality is not left behind, as it is the main mantra of this segment of vehicle. For example, the rear door can be open with 80 degrees of opening angle, greatly enhancing ingress and egress of the occupants, especially when the optional 7 seater layout is specified.

The current Nissan X-Trail has a similarly boxy interior design in tandem with squared off exterior theme. The new 2014 X-Trail is a complete opposite. The interior is adorned with premium features including chrome, geometric metallic and piano black finishes. Options include a sophisticated cloth fabric covering plus a full leather offering with contrasting stitch accents. The spacious interior has theatre-style seating and the option of two extra seats to make room for seven inside. Read more details after the jump.

Nissan Almera official launched in Malaysia - cheapest and largest in class

After probably the longest pre-launch hype in our market, Tan Chong Motor has officially launched its B Segment sedan, the Almera. Set to take the baton from the legendary Sunny model, the car will take the battle to the Toyota Vios and Honda City, just to name its fellow Japanese nemesis. In the Malaysian market at least, the Almera is also out to wrestle it out with local establishment in the shape of Proton Preve and Naza Forte.

In the market segment where asthetic take a back seat, Nissan Almera has a big opportunity to succeed. For one, it is the largest and has the lowest entry price compared to its fellow Japs rival. Measuring  4,425mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,500mm tall and wheelbase is 2,600mm, Almera is  vastly larger that Toyota Vios which is 4,300mm long, 1,700mm wide and 1,460 tall while it rides on a shorter 2,550mm wheelbase. Honda stylish City meanwhile is 4,395mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,475mm tall while the wheel distance stretched 2,550mm too.

There are 3 trims level to choose from. The entry level "E" model comes in manual and automatic option, which the former is priced at a surprise RM66,800, while the latter weights in at RM69,800. The next two trims level comes only with automatic gearbox (with a total of 4 ratios). The "V" spec is priced at RM76,800 while the range topper "VL" is priced at RM79,800.

There's only solely one engine option, i,e the HR15DE 1.5L mill, producing 99PS@6,000rpm and 134Nm@4,000rpm. The fuel tank is 41L in size and according to Nissan, it is good for 14.9km/L for the manual version. All version sits in 185/65 R15 tyres.

The entry level "E" model comes with 15" steel wheel with plastic cover and equipped with driver's airbag, ABS+EBD and manual airconditioning. Opting further up for the "V" spec will gain you an alloy wheel, chromed door inside handle, Fine Vision Meter and trunk illumination. The range-topper "VL" is further equipped with  keyless entry, starter button, audio control on steering wheel, automatic airconditioning and temperature display.

For the gadget geek, there are 3 accessories package to choose from. Luxury Package (RM3,500) will buy you LED side mirror indicator, LED-illuminated stainless steel kick plate, door visor, trunk tray, sport pedal, leather upholstery on seats and door trim and Solar Gard Armorcoat. The Navi Package (also RM3,500) is almost the same as the Luxury Package, but here the leather upholstery is replaced by the 6" multimedia navigation unit with rear view camera, DVD player and comes compatible with iPOD. The Premium Navi Package is essentially both of the previous package combined where you'll get both the sat-nav unit together with the leather. The price however is RM6,000.

There's also an IMPUL package, priced at RM9,500. The package consists of the front grille, all around skirting, rear spoiler, exhaust muffler, sports suspension with 25mm lower ride height and an option of either 16" or 17" alloys.

MMN already snapped some photos during the Star Motor Carnival so head to our previous post for the details of engine and chassis. The photos can be found after the jump.

Nissan Almera - the design detail photos

Nissan Almera is on display at the Star Motor Carnival in Bukit Jalil Stadium to give the chance to the public to see for themselves the car that Tan Chong is going to launch near the end of the year. The display car is fully accessible, in term if feeling the interior spaciousness, admiring the design detail and to familiarize oneself with the controversial exterior outlook.The blunt front snout and the stubby tail are the most "prominent" design features that the buyer need to be overcome. But, as proved by current Toyota Vios and previous generation Honda City, beauty is skin need and can only be appreciated by the rightful beholder instead of millions of internet bashers!

The front end of the car, with high and short hood

This is the rear end that is hanging post the wheel, the plunging roof line does not help asthetics

The specification of the car is very well known already, thanks to the preview last August. In essence, it is a B Segment challenger  but with an added panache in terms of dollar per meter square. Dimensionally, Nissan Almera is 4,425mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,500mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,600mm. This makes it vastly larger that Toyota Vios which is 4,300mm long, 1,700mm wide and 1,460 tall while it rides on a shorter 2,550mm wheelbase. Honda stylish City meanwhile is 4,395mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,475mm tall while the wheel distance stretched 2,550mm too. This clearly is going to give Almera a trump card in terms of cabin volume. As sampled at the Carnival, both front and rear legroom is massive. The design of the dashboard in front of the passenger is clever too, with recessed glovebox compartment ensuring front passenger knee won't necessitates the front seat to be slide back too much. However, the author found the rear headroom is a bit wanting if one sits straight instead of a more relaxed seating position. Boot space is however, voluminous at 490L.

Note the dashboard design on the left, which apart from being storage-friendly, it is also front legroom friendly

All the rear legroom you'll ever want, but headroom is a bit on a tight side

Equipment level on the premium version will lick Toyota Vios and Honda City. Features such as Intelligent Key with true keyless entry and push start button and auto climate control are really unheard in B Segment before. Nissan is also more elaborate in the instrument panel design, such as the circular climate control panel design, Fine Vision meter binnacle instead of plain back-lighted item, and a chromed interior door handles instead of silver painted item like its rivals. 

Nissan Almera is powered by HR15DE 1.5L mill producing 99PS@6,000rpm and 134Nm@4,000rpm. The fuel tank is 41L in size and according to Nissan, it is good for 14.9km/L for the manual version. Speaking about the transmission, 5MT will go along with the 4AT, which is as "modern" as many as its intended challenger in the segment.

Nissan Almera will be officially launched in around November. The indicative price is from RM70k to RM85k. Ordering book is already opened and you can consult your nearest Nissan dealer if the Almera interest you. Some more photos can be found after the jump.

Nissan Almera previewed - from RM70k, coming in Q4

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) previewed the forthcoming B Segment challenger, the Almera at the Pavilion KL, the first on the road show planned for this car. The preview also has quashed the question whether the car will be called Sunny or not, as it is clearly stated to be Almera. As for the road show, Nissan Almera will be on show at Pavillion KL until today 12th August 2012. Concurrently it is on show at Dataran Pahlawan Melaka for the same duration. The final stop will be at Queensbay Mall Penang during the Eid break of 16th August until 21st August. Seems the people up north will get to see the car for a longer period.

As described in MMN previous articles, Nissan Almera is powered by HR15DE 1.5L mill producing 99PS@6,000rpm and 134Nm@4,000rpm. The fuel tank is 41L in size and according to Nissan, it is good for 6.3L/100km for the manual version. Speaking about the transmission, 5MT will go along with the 4AT, which is on par with non-National B Segment best seller, Toyota Vios "level" of technology.

Dimensionally, Nissan Almera is 4,425mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,500mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,600mm. Comparatively, Toyota Vios is 4,300mm long, 1,700mm wide and 1,460 tall while it rides on a shorter 2,550mm wheelbase. Honda stylish City meanwhile is 4,395mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,475mm tall while the wheel distance stretched 2,550mm too. In terms of chassis, Nissan Almera shares a common type of McPhersons strut and torsion beam setup like the rest of its competitor. More details of Nissan Almera and photos of Singaporean spec cars can be traced back to MMN articles back in March 2012. Braking power is provided by ventilated disc at the front while the rears are taken care by those drums type. ABS and BA will save day upon calling. The car is quite lightweight too, as the base manual variant is just 5kg above the 1 tonne. More detail after the jump.

Nissan's Almera, B-Segment Vios challenger coming at RM70k+

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is set to capitalize in the lucrative foreign-brand B Segment market with the introduction of Nissan Almera. According to many sources, Nissan Almera will be launched in September 2012, which raised a question why the sales advertisement and Mudah.my adverts pop up so early. All the spyshots before this referred the car as Sunny/Almera as these are the names used interchangeably between various market, and if these adverts are anything to go by, it will indeed will be called Almera.

The advertisement in Mudah.my links are:

http://www.mudah.my/li?fs=1&ca=8_s&th=1&q=nissan+almera&cg=0&w=3

http://www.mudah.my/Nissan+Almera+1+5-16405678.htm

For Malaysian market, Nissan Almera will come in the 1.5L guise which means it is from the HR15DE variety punching out 99bhp and 134Nm. From the advert above, the car will be available with 5 speed manual gearbox, while the automatic transmission will be of the 4 speed variety. The quoted fuel efficiency figure from Singaporean version is 6.3L/100km and 6.9L/100km respectively for the manual and automatic version.

Dimensionally, Nissan Almera is 4,425mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,500mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,600mm. Comparatively, Toyota Vios is 4,300mm long, 1,700mm wide and 1,460 tall while it rides on a shorter 2,550mm wheelbase. Honda stylish City meanwhile is 4,395mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,475mm tall while the wheel distance stretched 2,550mm too. In terms of chassis, Nissan Almera shares a common type of McPhersons strut and torsion beam setup like the rest of its competitor. More details of Nissan Almera and photos of Singaporean spec cars can be traced back to MMN articles back in March 2012.

NASA-inspired seat for 2013 Nissan Altima

Nissan has developed a "zero-gravity" seats for the application of the 2013 Nissan Altima. Aimed to reduce the fatigue associated with long driving, the new seat design was conceptualized around the idea of supporting the occupants in weightless environment.

Nissan has been looking at the idea for quite some times, and for those auto-engineering savvy, you can check out the SAE papers about this, Development of New Driving Posture Focused on Biomechanical Loads and Evaluations of Physical Fatigue during Long-term Driving with new New Driving Posture. 

To reduce the tiredness on the occupants muscle, the muscle need to be relaxed in somewhat relaxed body posture in weightless environment. To achieve this, a patented varying support level in lumbar, midback and shoulder to position the occupant's spine in its natural position. The seat reacts to the occupant's load by holding the occupants in the natural spine position. The so-called natural position was determined based on 14 points along the seatback from the pelvis to the upperback. By doing do, the target loading value to a set of occupant's shape, the seat structure including the foam stiffness and bolster location were designed. 

The 2013 model year Altima is seat to be the first Nissan's production model to receive the technology. It will be eventually rolled out to all Nissan model. It seems that Nissan is one of the manufacturer that is very particular about the interior innovation. Sometimes in mid 90's Nissan introduced some kind of anti-bacterial technology for its Nissan March/Micra.

Nissan Leaf now in Malaysia - technical details + small gallery

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) launched the Pilot Program, where the member of the public can register their interest to the the Leaf Ambassador. Basically, apart from getting to enjoy the EV ride for a prolong period of up to 6 weeks, the selected ambassador will also have to enlighten, share and encourage the journey toward emission-free ride. The ambassador need to share the stories via any creative media. Full details can be read HERE. However, if you are only full of curiosity, and have the total lack of talent to share the stories, you can merely test drive the Nissan Leaf in Nissan's PJ showroom. So if you are keen to taste how the electric drivetrain feels like, you know where you should go.

Nissan Leaf was introduced to the Japan, US and Europe market towards the end of 2010.   The car embodied  Nissan's radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research. Key characteristics of the Nissan LEAF include zero-emission power train and platform, affordable pricing, distinctive design and real-world range of 160km. The car is powered by electric synchronous motor capable in producing 110bhp and 280Nm, where drive is channelled to the front wheel via a single speed direct drive. The car is powered by Lithium-ion battery with 24 KWh capacity, where its physical location is spread across the floor for packaging and mass optimization. Full charge of 8 hours is good for 160km, Nissan reckoned. According to Paultan blog, full charge will cost you around RM7.90 of electricity. So do your math to compare the equivalence to petrol-RM-mileage according to your respective car.

The innovative package is accommodated with the hatchback bodystyle. Nissan Leaf measures 4,445mm long, 1,770mm wide and 1,550mm tall. Wheelbase is 2,700mm. Kerb weight is quoted as 1,521kg. According to Nissan, the Leaf can sprint beyond 140 km/h, but we reckoned the mileage will be a lot less if you really floor it this way. Boot volume for the Nissan Leaf is 330L, competitive with C Segment hatchback.

ETCM has not yet announced the sales of its new EV car. However, in other market, Nissan Leaf is considered to be quite pricey, which is totally expected as the niche innovative component does not comes cheap. In UK, after deducting goverment grant, Nissan Leaf is priced at GBP25,990, around GBP10k more than the similarly-sized gasoline/diesel competitors. In Malaysia however, don't rule out the introduction of government incentives just like the NAP policy for the small capacity hybrid.

Small gallery can be found after the jump. 

Double launch for Nissan Malaysia - Elgrand & Murano FL

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) today revealed Nissan latest offerings to cater the top end of Malaysian buyer today. Pegged more than RM300k apiece, the model in questions are the Nissan Elgrand full size MPV and the updated second generation Nissan Murano. Priced at RM384,863 and RM318,882 respectively, it is clear that these cars are pitched at the higher end, exclusive Japanese car market.

First up is Nissan Elgrand. This gigantic MPV is the rivals to the equally massive Toyota Alphard/Vellfire in their homeland downtown Tokyo. Measuring massive 4,915mm long, the 7-seater MPV offers a truly business-class like seat comfort. Short of offering 5 course meal during the travel, Elgrand however does have the seat facilities equivalent to business class where 3 of the front 2 row are ottoman type, with adjustable foot rest for these seat, saved for the driver! The cabin is contained within the 3,000mm wheelbase, 1,850mm wide and 1,815mm tall. Fully flat floor features also enhanced the cabin usefulness in terms of passenger comfort and manoeuvrability. More details about Nissan Elgrand and Murano after the jump.

Nissan Almera/Sunny spied at Bukit Beruntung

The new Nissan Almera/Sunny has been spotted at one of the famous mamak's place in Bukit Beruntung today, just 6km from the Tan Chong Sg Choh assembly plant. Perhaps the tester is having a hearty breakfast with coffee while his test car is being photographed. 

The car is not exactly breakthrough news, as it has been launched in other market such as Singapore since last year. Basically the new Sunny/Almera sits on the V-Platform that underpinned the Nissan Micra/March, which explain it still has some of the tall-body traits of hatchback build-in the longer sedan body. In this region, the car is pitched as a competitor to the establishment of Toyota Vios and Honda City, although how it will be placed in relation to the Nissan Latio is still an unknown.

As the car has been launched elsewhere around the world, the final outlook is no longer a secret. The version spotted here is perhaps the basement spec, with no fog lights and wearing a steel wheel. The Almera measures 4,425mm long, 1,695mm wide and quite tall at 1,500mm height. The car sits on 2,600mm wheelbase. This means that the Almera is slightly bigger than the Latio which is 4,415mm long, 1,695mm wide and taller at 1,535mm tall. Wheelbase is similar at 2,600mm. This has put the Almera as a bigger model not only to Latio, but also to the Honda City and Toyota Vios. Boot volume however is smaller than the Honda's at 490L. For the table of comparison for all mid-sized sedan in Malaysia, refer to MMN posting about P3-21A HERE.

While the Thailand market received the HR12DE 3 cylinder 1,198cc with CVTC valvetrain kicking out puny 79PS and 106Nm for frills-free motoring paired to either CVT or 5 speed manual, out version is likely to be similar in specs with the Singaporean version which is powered by a bigger HR15DE engine which displaced 1,498cc and punching out 99bhp and 134Nm. The downside of this drivetrain package is is paired with the archaic 4 speed automatic transmission. However, expect no problem with this as Malaysian is known to love that transmission in the best-selling Toyota Vios!

Singapore media has concluded that the Almera is vastly spacious inside, with class-leading rear legroom and ample head room for all occupants. The interior is adorned with hard plastic all around, but none of them are flimsy and set to give out a lasting impression. On the drive, the lightweight V-platfrom offers an agile ride and the handling lies a bit on the safe side, with plenty of body roll. However the wind noise insulation is good, coupled with supple suspension setting, the occupants can expect quite a soothing ride. Engine noise, though, is a bit on the high side when pressed hard. Photos of the actual RHD car from the Singapore market can be found after the jump.

ETCM updated the Nissan Sylphy -starts at RM114,880

In almost 4 years that the Nissan SYLPHY has been in the Malaysian market, it has introduced thousands of motorists to a new level of comfort and refinement in the mid-sized sedan segment. As evidence of being the best-value choice in its class, it was picked by the authoritative AUTOCAR ASEAN as the magazine’s Overall Car of the Year shortly after it was launched in Malaysia.

Now, for 2012, the Nissan SYLPHY takes another leap forward with updates and upgrades that enhance its exterior styling and give even better value for money to customers. The 2012 Nissan SYLPHY is available in 2.0XL and 2.0XV versions to suit different buyer needs and budgets. “Nissan does not allow its models to become stale or boring and constantly provides upgrades to keep them fresh. We are confident that the new 2012 Nissan SYLPHY will win over more Malaysians, especially young executives who are looking for a refined sedan with the best value for money,” said Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, the Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM).

While the clean overall design is maintained, there are new front and rear bumpers; a new chrome grille with a bolder design; and revised front and tail-lamps which complement the styling. To suit different tastes, there are five distinctive colour choices specially selected to complement the modern image of the Nissan SYLPHY: Bronze Gold, Tungsten Silver, Sapphire Black, Twilight Grey and Brilliant White.

The 2012 Nissan SYLPHY is powered by the all-aluminium MR20DE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine with Drive-by-Wire technology for enhanced responsiveness. With ECCS, electronic fuel injection system and continuously variable valve timing control (CVTC), this proven engine delivers superb fuel economy with strong performance from no less than 133ps of power and 191Nm of torque. The engine is paired with Nissan’s 3rd Generation Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (X-CVT). This combination results in superb fuel economy with refined yet powerful acceleration.

Both versions, which have a black interior theme with fine cherry wood trim, come with a new silver-ringed combi-meter design incorporating a Multi-Information Display; and a new audio system head-unit with MP3 and Auxiliary input. For convenience, the door mirrors can be folded at the touch of a button while the air-conditioning system (now with a temperature display) has an automatic setting to maintain a consistent desired temperature throughout the cabin. Everyone will also appreciate the comfort provided by the Masumi seat fabric and the sofa-like rear seat concept. Read more after the jump.

Nissan launched two new commercial vehicles-Navara Single Cab & NV200 Vanette

Edaran Tan Chong Motor has introduced two new commercial vehicles for our market, namely the Nissan Navara single cab 4X2 pick-up truck and the NV200 commercial van. This is to cater the needs of the commercial customers who now has a wider option of vehicles.

First up is the Navara single cab. This pick up is based on the same underpinnings like the double cab Navara, but with the rear body replaced with a host of body styles including Luton, Steel and Wooden type. The single cab version sits on a 3,200mm wheelbase which is the same as the four-seater version. All type of body style mentioned above offers a 2,630mm long of cargo bed length.

The Navara single cab is powered by YD25DDTi 2,488cc turbo-diesel engine in low tune compared to mid and high tune of the rest of Navara range. In this state of tune, the DOHC in-line-4 cylinder engine with Variable Nozzle Turbine produced 144PS@4000rpm and 294Nm@2000rpm. Sole transmission option is 5 speed manual and drive is channelled to the rear wheel only. The Navara single cab is priced from RM68,250 for the steel-bodied version, followed by the wooden-bodied at RM68,500 and the most expensive version is the Luton body style which comes at RM72,800. 

The second vehicle is the NV200 Vanette, dubbed as the successor to the 'pasar malam' Nissan C22 Vanette. NV200 is comparatively compact at just 4,400mm long, shorter than your FD Honda Civic. However, within the body and its 2,725mm wheelbase, the interior can swallow 4.2 cubic metre of cargos, where two standard size Euro-pallets within its 2.04m long, 1.36m tall and 1.5m wide.

Unlike its diesel-sipper pick-up sibling, NV200 is powered by gasoline 1,598cc lump with CVTC systems. Produced 109PS@6000rpm and 152Nm@4400 of power and torque, the engine channelled the drive to the front wheel via 5 speed manual transmission. Price is RM65,250 for Peninsular Malaysia.

For more details, head to Nissan Malaysia website at http://www.nissan.com.my/default.aspx. The gallery of both model can be found after the jump.

Nissan 370Z updated for 2012

Nissan has unveiled the updated 370Z model at the Chicago Motorshow. However, this is not an all-out facelift as changes are minor. Among the styling tweak include a revised front bumper design, which surprisingly looks like an evolution from the 350z. This include the squared-off radiator intake and a vertically-positioned DRL on the bumper. The former replaced the fanged outlined of pre-updated 370z, while the vertical DRL positioning hardened the soft radius of last year 370z bumper edge. The comparison can be drawn based on the inset photo of last year's 370z.

However, you have to squint really hard to notice the changes at the back, if any. Nissan declared they have replaced the blackened rear reflector on the fascia with the red reflector, which anyway is a variation from version of different continent, as the Euro model inset below is already featuring red reflector. A quick check revealed the US model was indeed fitted with black cover previously. The biggest exterior changes, apart from the afore-mentioned front bumper, is the highly stylistic new alloy wheel. The standard car wears a newly design 18" item, while the Sport Package car gets a bigger 19" item. Going for Sport Package too will get you a red caliper and a stiffer absorber dubbed Euro-tuned. Exterior makeover is completed by the addition of two new exterior shades called Magma Red and Midnight Blue. More detail after the jump.

Nissan Juke R - 480bhp cross-crossover!

Remember the unconventional looking Nissan Juke? Basically a crossover segment defiant that blur the boundaries between family hatchback with offroad pretention. Now the crossover has been crossovered again, this time it has commit intra-family matching, with far beastly superior Nissan GTR. You could just imagine the small Nissan Juke shoehorned with the V6 twin-turbocharged engine of the car that could eat Porsche 911 for its breakfast.

The body panel has pumped up with flaring wheel arches, aggressive skirting and two-piece rear spoiler. In case the alloy wheels look familiar, it is because they are from Nissan GTR, a 20" RAYS forged item.

The matt-black car gets a revised front end too. The lower fascia especially gets two additional air intakes and they looks as if they could swallow a newborn baby. Talk about the feisty face here.

The roll-caged cabin borrows some of the GTR switchgear. The gear console and know, the audio interface and of course the steering are from the supercar-eater sibling. According to Nissan, they will build the car in RHD form after this, and both of these will start pounding the test track soon. Nissan is tight-lipped about the intention of this car, but don't rule out a limited production run. Enjoy the gallery from Netcarshow after the jump. 

Renault Pulse debut in India

India market is one the most promising playground for global automotive player apart from explosive China market. In a testament to this, Renault has forged their entry is the modern supermini with the launch of the Pulse model. Essentially a rebadged Nissan March (or Micra depending on market), Renault has reworked the front end completely with new sharper headlamp and more aggressive grille arrangement. The version below is the sportier version with much more angular chin thanks to very pronounced skirting.

Typical of a rebadged activity, the front end redesign is fairly simple as retooling for the hood, fender and front fascia are cheaper. The rear however is different story. To modify the rear end, the costly side structure needs a redesigned too. Side structure is the single largest stamped piece for most cars (unlike Dacia Logan though which uses two piece side panel), as other bigger panels such as floor panels are stamped separately between front and rear. Due to this, the rear aesthetic is pure Nissan, except the bumper.

The interior is also wholesomely carried over from the donor Micra/March with its circular design theme. Apart from the Renault emblem, the rest of the interior including the color choice is directly lifted from the Nissan stablemate.

Engine choice mirror those on Nissan as well, with 1.2l 3-cylinder gasoline and 1.5l turbo-diesel lump. The Renault Pulse will be build at Renault-Nissan Chennai plant is expected to carry slightly more premium pricing over Nissan Micra.

Another set of photos after the jump.

Nissan Latio facelift - range rationalized and priced from RM89,900

ETCM has launched the facelifted Latio model, with the range simplified from current a few model range down to just two variants. Previously, Latio range consists of sedan with both 1.6l and 1.8l engine with the former available with either automatic or manual transmission. The bigger capacity engine meanwhile was paired exclusively to automatic transmission. The hatchback Latio Sport is however is available exclusively with 1.6l engine only and paired to 4 speed automatic gearbox. Now the range has been simplified to Sedan 1.6l and Hatchback Latio Sport 1.8l. Both version comes only with autobox.

The facelifted sedan gets a nose job with new front bumper and grille assembly while its a status quo at the back. The hatchback meanwhile gets more through makeover with the afore-mentioned nose job, plus new rear combi and rear bumper.

Nissan Livina X-Gear now available in Malaysia

Edaran Tan Chong Motor introduced Nissan Livina X-Gear today. Priced from RM 82,800, the sibling to Grand Livina MPV is essentially a shortened version of the said MPV. Length was shed by 145mm down to 4275mm. As it's MPV sibling accomodate the third row seat at the rear overhang, the wheelbase is remain unchanged for its shorter sibling. The pseudo SUV is assembled locally at TCM plant in Serendah.

As the name implies, Livina X-Gear is what the Japanese market classified as RV market, in a nutshell a commoner MPV/Hatch/Wagon packed with off-road pretension such as thick body cladding round the arches, as well as inclusion of "protective" skid plate at the front and rear. Above and below photos shows such thick cladding, lending a macho image to pseudo SUV. More details after the jump.

Nissan Lafesta

This car was launched in Japan recently. Essentially a rebadged Mazda 5, with some cosmetic changes for front fascia and most importantly, loses the side wavy lines. Personally I think this looks much better.

Same headlamps. But just look how big is the impact of front grill and bumper design. Gone is the fish face of Mazda5.

Nissan Grand Livina Facelift

Nissan has launched the facelifted Grand Livina. Cosmetically, the new facelift is differentiated by different front grille design. The 1.6 variant gets the smoke-plated treatment, while the 1.8 version is chrome plated. This differentiation in plating is no different from pre-facelift model. Wing mirror with a turn indicator is also a new addition.

The interior is now black in color. 1.6 version gets black facbric, while the 1.8 version get black leather as standard. Tan leather option is available for both model for RM 2,000.