Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has recently taken the wraps off the all-new Nissan Navara Black Edition, aimed at enhancing the aesthetics and features of the already popular VL and V variants within the Navara pick-up model range.
The Navara Black Edition features several key design elements, including a newly designed front grille cladding, door mirror covers, and over fenders, all finished in sleek black. In addition, the V variant comes equipped with gloss black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the VL variant maintains its distinctive black and polished 18-inch alloy wheels.
The striking blacked-out grille, previously exclusive to the flagship PRO-4X, enhances the appeal of the VL and V variants by giving them a refined yet rugged presence. This effect is further accentuated when paired with the impressive Quad-LED Projector Headlamps featuring C-shaped LED Signature Daytime Running Lights.
The sleek black theme extends to the sides of the vehicle, featuring gloss black door mirror covers alongside two-tone over fenders and alloy wheels with a matching finish.
Although activity in the electric vehicle (EV) market in Malaysia has increased substantially in the last year due to the government allowing duty-free importation and sale, with many brands (even new ones) introducing their EV models, we have not heard from Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) which began marketing the world first mass-produced EV – the LEAF – twelve years ago.
Using its own funding, ETCM had taken the initiative to provide information to the public about EVs and the benefit of their zero emissions to the future of the planet. However, the government then was not proactive in addressing climate change until it signed the Paris Agreement in 2015 and made the commitment to become carbon-neutral by 2050. This meant taking various actions, including promoting the use of EVs.
ETCM continued to offer the LEAF, and when it went into the second generation in mid-2019, it began importing the model for sale in Malaysia. However, without the government incentives, its price was high and interest was therefore limited.
The LEAF is still in its second generation and received improvements not so long ago, so ETCM was probably waiting for the updated and better model to be available and it is now ready for sale. With the tax exemption, it is now priced at RM168,888 which is RM20,000 lower than when it was launched in 2019. This would be as low as it can get unless it is assembled locally and would then get additional incentives.
Valentine’s Day takes place in February and while it is regarded as a special occasion for couples, it is also a time when appreciation can be shown to those whom we care about. With this in mind, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is having a promotion with special offers on Nissan products as a way of showing its appreciation to customers.
The promotion, called ‘Fall In Love At First Deal’ is for popular models such as the X-Trail and Serena. In the case of the X-Trail, there’s a new Black Edition accessories package which gives a bolder image with black-themed items. The package includes a Black Front Grille, Black TOMEI Aerokit, 17-inch Gloss Black Alloy Wheels, Brown NAPPA Combination Leather Seat with Leatherette Dashboard and Knee Pads, and Ice Cool Tinting.
Festive seasons are times when many people may want something new to celebrate and if it’s a new car you’re considering, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has some special offers for new Nissan vehicles. Its Chinese New Year promotion to welcome the Year of the Rabbit is from January 1 to 31, 2023 and purchasers of the new Nissan Serena, Navara, X-Trail and Almera can enjoy savings of up to RM9,950.
The promotion includes an add-on of RM1,000 for a customized Accessories Package for the respective models, as shown below:
For a limited period (while stocks are available), every new unit of the Nissan Almera Turbo will come with a free Tomei Aerokit Package worth RM8,000. Tomei, a well-known tuner in Japan, collaborated with Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) to develop this package exclusively for the sedan.
The Tomei Aero Package is available for all three variants of the Almera Turbo with the top VLT version having all the items. These are a 5-piece aerokit consisting of a front and rear (two sections) bumper spoilers, side skirts, sport pedals with footrest, door handle protectors (4 pcs), kickplate for the door sills. Door visors, and ICE Cool Tinting.
The other two versions come with the 5-piece aerokit and a bootlid spoiler, ICE Cool Tinting Film and the sport pedals with footrest. All bodykit items come in a 2-tone colour scheme.
A Tomei GT Wing (shown below) specially designed for the Almera Turbo is also available, price at RM1,400 (inclusive of installation). For a limited period, ETCM is offering the Tomei GT Wing to Early Bird buyers with a 50% discount.
All the items are factory-fitted to ensure the same high quality as the rest of the car. Each item also comes with a warranty against manufacturing defects for a period of 3 years/100,000 kms (whichever comes first).
Downsized but performance not sacrificed The Almera Turbo’s powerplant is a good example of how downsizing engines, an industry trend, has been achieved without sacrificing performance and yet giving better fuel efficiency. The HR10DET engine generates 100 ps/152 Nm – comparable to a 1.5-litre engine – but owners have reported being able to get up to 49.5 kms/litre! Should the price of RON95 petrol (currently subsidised by the government) go up, Almera owners will be happy that they have a fuel-sipping engine.
The Almera Turbo range is priced from RM83,888 to RM95,888, with the Tomei package free while stocks last. For more information, visit the Nissan Malaysia website at www.nissan.com.my. Test-drives are available at all Nissan showrooms throughout Malaysia. For those who are not able to visit a Nissan showroom, they can still experience the car by requesting for a test-drive at their home or office. The request can be made at the Nissan Online Showroom at nissan.com.my/onlineshowroom/.
Incidentally, Via the Lazada Nissan Flagship store, a booking fee (RM250) can be paid online to start the purchase process. A sales representative will then be in touch to assist in completing the rest of the process.
Though SUVs seem to be what everyone wants these days, there is still good demand for other types of vehicles and for those who want space and versatility, the MPV remains a good choice. Among the MPVs sold by the non-Malaysian brands, the most popular model in 2021 was the Nissan Serena S-HYBRID. It was the first hybrid MPV to be assembled locally and is still the only MPV assembled in Malaysia with a hybrid powertrain.
When this generation was first introduced by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), it was already equipped like a premium MPV – but without the premium price. Local assembly kept its price a long way down from the big Japanese MPVs and it very quickly established itself among businessmen wanting a mobile office and families with lots of members.
That it was already good value for money and selling very well made it tricky for the product planners to make it better. Nissan had updated the model, which is also very popular in Japan, and refreshed the styling a bit as well as enhanced safety.
This updated model has reached Malaysia and was launched today with two variants being offered – the Serena S-HYBRID Highway Star and Serena S-HYBRID Premium Highway Star. priced at RM149,888 and RM162,888, respectively (without insurance, for registration in Peninsular Malaysia).
Cosmetic changes with new grille
The cosmetic changes on the exterior include redesigned dual projector LED headlamps on either side of the new V-Motion grille that now has a sophisticated chrome pattern over its expansive surface. The front bumper has also been redesigned with integrated foglamps incorporating Daytime Running Lights at each corner.
At the rear the bumper is also a new moulding and has Gloss Black finishing for a classy touch. The rear light units have also been redesigned, providing immediate identification for the latest Serena S-HYBRID.
All-round protection with 360° Safety Shield
The latest Nissan models, including the Serena S-HYBRID, have a range of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies to increase safety and also make journeys more comfortable. These technologies make up the 360° Safety Shield to give complete all-round protection.
For the new Serena S-HYBRID, the 360° Safety Shield has enhanced Active Safety with 5 new systems added. These systems not only improve the driver’s awareness of the surroundings but can also autonomously take action to prevent an accident. They are Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning & Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
While most of the systems will provide alerts to the driver when there is another vehicle nearby and there is a risk of collision, the Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning & Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking systems go further. The radar sensor located in the front of the vehicle detects the distances between the two cars ahead, as well as their relative speed. This allows the system to assess the situation ahead and determine whether there is a collision risk.
In most cases, the driver would either decrease speed or brake to avoid colliding with the vehicle in front. But there may be times when he or she may not react in time (due to being distracted by something or not attentive) and if no correct response occurs after the alert has been given, the system will automatically apply the brakes (Automatic Emergency Braking). In this way, a potential collision with a vehicle ahead could be avoided or if not, then the damage could be reduced due to the lowered impact speed.
Also helping the driver’s awareness of the surroundings is the Intelligent Around View Monitor. This can be found in more and more vehicles today but the one in the Serena S-HYBRID has one extra feature: Intelligent Moving Object Detection. While small cameras capture the image on all sides of the vehicle to form a simulated overhead view, sensors also monitor the areas and if there are moving objects, the driver will be alerted.
On long journeys, fatigue can set in and make the driver drowsy. While the Lane Departure Warning system will alert the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane dangerously, there is also an Intelligent Driver Alertness system that monitors the driving behaviour. If it determines that the driver is behaving in a manner that suggests drowsiness, an alert will come on and the driver should take a break.
Being a long MPV with three rows of seats means that there is more glass area along the sides. For added protection during a side impact or violent accident, full-length curtain airbags will deploy downwards. These airbags will cover the window openings, greatly reducing the risk of not only injuries but also being ejected from the vehicle. The driver and front passenger also have airbags at the front and sides for their protection.
‘Zero Gravity’ seats
The long and spacious cabin has three rows of seats, with Captain’s Seats in the second row. These provide more comfortable seating with their generous width and like the front seats, they have a ‘Zero Gravity’ design. The design concept, which was inspired by NASA studies on astronauts, creates a neutral posture position which is proven to reduce fatigue
As with all MPVs, the seating can be arranged in various ways to carry more people or more cargo or long items. Quality materials are used and with the Premium Highway Star variant, combination quilted Nappa leather (available in brown or black) has a premium look and feel.
To add to the premium ambience within, soundproofing liners have been added to the rear wheel housing. This supresses NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) levels to deliver a quieter, experience for all passengers.
Entertainment on the move is provided by a 6-speaker infotainment system managed from a new 9-inch full-colour touchscreen. Besides the standard functions, there is also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, enabling favourite apps from compatible smartphones to be transferred onto the display panel. This means that navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze can be viewed and accessed from the touchscreen and/or voice-activated too.
As almost everyone has at least one portable electronic device nowadays, recharging the battery is a daily requirement. When in the Serena S-HYBRID, there won’t be fighting over the recharging port as up to 7 USB ports are provided around the cabin.
Convenient side and back doors
Retained from the 2021 model are the highly appreciated Dual Back Door and Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Doors. The Dual Back Door concept is unique to the Serena S-HYBRID and provides convenient and faster access to the ample cargo area. For large and tall items, the whole of the rear door can be raised but if there are small items like groceries, it is unnecessary to lift the whole door. The upper half can be opened separately and the items can be easily dropped inside. This is also extremely useful in tight spaces.
While powered dual sliding doors are found on many MPVs these days, the Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Doors on both sides of the Serena S-HYBRID are less common and usually available only on more expensive models. With the hands-free capability, the doors can be opened by just placing a foot under the side of the vehicle (provided the remote key fob is in the pocket or handbag). A sensor will detect the foot and automatically power the door open.
Hybrid tech for efficiency
Hybrid technology continues to power the MPV and the hybrid drivetrain incorporates an Energy Control (ECO) electric motor which controls the idle-stop system. It also provides torque assistance on moving off, the period when the engine is under high load. The assistance reduces this load, thereby improving fuel efficiency. The S-HYBRID system thus gives some of the benefits of a hybrid powertrain without the associated high costs.
The petrol engine is a 2-litre Twin CVTC (Continuously-variable Valve Timing Control) 4-cylinder unit which has proven its reliability and durability over the years. It is equipped with a Dual Arm Tensioner which optimises tensile force on the belt to reduce friction, power losses and increases fuel efficiency. An ECO MODE can also be activated to assist the driver to improve fuel efficiency without losing driving pleasure or comfort.
The hybrid drivetrain is paired with the Nissan XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control to coordinate control between engine and transmission. The intelligent control system interprets the driver intentions from the acceleration and steering and determines the optimum transmission ratios to deliver class-leading fuel economy.
The new Serena S-HYBRID is available for viewing and test-drives at all Nissan showrooms throughout Malaysia. To locate a showroom, visit www.nissan.com.my. For those who are not able to visit Nissan showroom, they can also go to the Nissan Online Showroom where there is information on Nissan products and services in Malaysia.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is coming soon and for those planning to have a new vehicle to celebrate, Edaran Tan Chong Motor is offering some special deals. Selected models come with accessories packages worth up to RM10,150, and there’s still the sales tax exemption (except for pick-up trucks) which the government is allowing until June 30, 2022.
During the month of April and May, ETCM is also having a contest with RM50,000 worth of Lazada e-Vouchers to be won. Lucky purchasers of new Nissan vehicles will have a chance to win Lazada e-Vouchers (RM5,000 per winner. T&C apply). The e-voucher can be used for purchases on the Lazada e-commerce website which would be great for those who are doing Hari Raya shopping.
While some companies have indicated that their order bank has become quite full and ready stocks are not available right away, ETCM says it has anticipated the festive season demand and has prepared stocks for fast delivery. After all, the company has been selling cars to Malaysians since the 1950s and understands the market well.
For those interested in the Almera Turbo, a test-drive will provide an opportunity to experience its advanced technology, especially in the turbocharged engine. The high torque output gives strong acceleration but at the same time, fuel consumption can be up to 18.4 kms/litre as one owner proved. Those who test-drive the Almera Turbo will receive a Watsons Voucher worth RM30 in appreciation of their interest.
The ’Mothertrucker’ Navara has proven to be well suited for dual roles of personal transport as well as workhorse. There are five variants to choose from for different requirements and budgets, with prices starting from RM111,050.
Nissan owners, wherever in Malaysia they are, are assured of aftersales services from Tan Chong Expres Auto Servis (TCEAS). Appointments can also be booked online using the DriveOn app available at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
All new Nissan vehicles come with a 5-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and other than the Navara, there is no limit on mileage travelled after registration. For the Navara, the mileage limit is 150,000 kms or 5 years, whichever comes first.
For customers who are not able to visit Nissan showroom, there’s the Nissan Online Showroom where information on the models and offers available can be found, and test-drives can also be requested. If a purchase decision is made at the Lazada Nissan Flagship store, a low-booking fee payment online is now available and a Sales Representative will assist in completing the purchase process.
For more information, www.nissan.com.my where the locations of authorised Nissan showrooms can also be found.
This March, purchasers of new Nissan vehicles from an authorized Nissan showroom can become millionaires… BoostStar millionaires. For a new campaign, ‘March Deal Boosters’, by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), up to 20 million Boost Stars are to be given out during the campaign period from March 1 to 31, 2022.
The Boost Stars, normally accumulated through transactions using the Boost app, can be redeemed for many different rewards from the BoostUP catalogue so customers have a wider choice of rewards to choose from.
Applicable to all new Nissan models
All new Nissan models will qualify customers for the BoostStars, including the Almera 1.0L Turbo, Navara 2.5L Turbo 4WD, X-Trail and Serena S-Hybrid. Additionally, free accessories packages and free maintenance service are also offered for even better value for money. And apart from the pick-up truck models, exemption of sales tax is available so there are additional savings.
RM30 voucher for test-drive
Also during the month of March 2022, visitors to Nissan showrooms who test-drive the latest Almera Turbo will receive a Watsons Voucher worth RM30 in appreciation of their interest. They can make use of the test-drive opportunity to experience the performance of the turbocharged engine as well as its fuel efficiency. In a charity event organized by ETCM last year, one owner was able to get fuel consumption of up to 18.4 kms a litre which would give a range of up to 650 kms on a full tank.
The Almera also comes with Nissan Intelligent Mobility and Nissan Safety Shield 360 to provide pro-active action in avoiding accidents or reducing the damage if an accident occurs. Up to 6 airbags are present and to assist the driver are active safety systems such as Blind Spot warning Rear Cross Traffic Alert and an Intelligent Around View Monitor 360o camera.
The dominating Navara PRO-4X comes with a proven 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 7-speed transmission and robust 4×4 system can tackle any terrain, while Nissan Intelligent Mobility Technologies provide a 360-degree Safety Shield for the vehicle and occupants.
All new Nissan vehicles come with a 5-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and other than the Navara, there is no limit on mileage travelled after registration. For the Navara, the mileage limit is 150,000 kms or 5 years, whichever comes first.
24-hour Nissan showroom
For customers who are not able to visit Nissan showroom, information is also available at the 24-hour Nissan Online Showroom and test-drives can even be arranged at their premises if they wish. And if a purchase decision is made. a low-booking fee payment online (via the Lazada Nissan Flagship store) is now available and a Sales Representative will be in touch to assist in completing the purchase process.
For more information, www.nissan.com.my, or contact the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1800-88-3838.
Remember the Nissan Almera Turbo Fuel Efficiency Charity Drive which Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) ran last year? It was a campaign that invited owners of the latest Nissan Almera Turbo to submit their very best fuel consumption achieved with the car. ETCM would then convert the total number of kilometres of all the submissions into money for charity at the rate of RM1 per kilometre.
Almera Turbo owners throughout the country participated, trying their best to get the lowest consumption (which was shown on the instrument panel’s computerized display) and when the entries were added up, the total distance was 12,841 kms. This meant that RM12,841 would be provided by ETCM which would be donated to few charitable organizations.
The company, among the oldest Malaysian car companies, decided that the money should go towards helping vulnerable communities affected by the recent devastating floods. Tens of thousands of Malaysians suffered losses in various degrees and had their livelihoods and well-being impacted.
The campaign’s accumulated amount of RM12,841 would be used for post-flood recovery efforts, including buying of necessities, food, personal hygiene items as well as cleaning and repairing housing areas damaged by severe flooding.
RM20,000 donated
A total of RM20,000 was donated to help alleviate the burden of the flood victims. Of the proceeds, RM10,000 was channelled to Pusat Jagaan Baitul Hidayah while Rumah SVP Klang and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Klang Utama Caring Home each received RM5,000.
Pusat Jagaan Baitul Hidayah in Puchong is a charitable children’s home which houses orphans and children of low-income families. The home currently houses 65 boys and girls aged between 3 – 16 years old.
Ruman SVP Klang houses abandoned, underprivileged and children of single parents. It cares for 11 boys under the age of 12 years old. Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Klang Utama Caring Home houses 43 orphans with ages up to 24 years old.
“The floods almost submerged our house completely. It happened so quickly and we could hardly save anything. Everything was destroyed in a split second. Children’s safety is always our top priority and I am grateful that the children are all safe. On behalf of the children, we are so thankful for the heart-warming support given by ETCM during these difficult times; it definitely will ease our daily burdens,” said Pusat Jagaan Baitul Hidayah’s caretaker Puan Saadiah.
“There are so many heart-breaking stories on the struggle that Malaysians are going through. We are deeply saddened to see floodwaters submerge houses and cars and hope our gestures will help to relieve the burden of those affected during this difficult time,” said Daniel Ho, Group CEO of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad.
Nissan Flood Relief Assistance programme
ETCM, together with Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Sdn. Bhd., also have the Nissan Flood Relief Assistance programme that offers 20% discount on parts and labour charges, a special upholstery restoration prices and an Easy Payment Plan up to 12 months on total bill. This is to help alleviate the financial burden for Nissan owners whose vehicles were damaged by the floods.
As part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, ETCM has also loaned 6 vehicles to NGOs and MITI. 5 of them are the Navara 4WD, while the remaining one is a Serena MPV. The vehicles will be used to support the flood relief efforts and the vaccination programme.
Red and orange are traditionally the colours used for Chinese New Year celebrations as they signify luck, prosperity and happiness. To welcome the new Year of the Water Tiger, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is offering two of its popular Nissan models in the colours.
The X-Trail 2.0L Mid version will come with Monarch Orange, while the Serena S-Hybrid will be available in a distinctive Radiant Red finish with a ‘floating‘ black roof.
Priced from RM139,643 (without insurance and sales tax) the X-Trail Mid version comes with an Aero kit with RM5,000. It is equipped with Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) technologies for safer motoring. These active safety technologies include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist.
The 5+2-seater SUV is powered by a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine which develops 106 ps/200 Nm, delivered to the front wheels through a 7-speed X-TRONIC CVT. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 13.4 kms/litre so the 60-litre fuel tank should give a range of around 800 kms.
The version of the Serena S-Hybrid with the special Radiant Red colour is the Premium Highway Star, priced from RM140,226 (excluding insurance and sale tax). The 7-seater MPV’s proven 2-litre MR20DD powerplant is highly fuel efficient, with 14.2 kms per litre claimed for fuel consumption. Brisk performance is provided by the output of 150 ps/200 Nm and XTRONIC CVT with Adaptive Shift Control.
Safety and convenience features include a Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Door, Dual Back Door, 7 USB-Powered Ports, Intelligent Around View Monitor with Intelligent Moving Object Detection, and smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Those who are planning on buying a new vehicle to celebrate Chinese New Year can enjoy a low 1.88% p.a. interest rate for financing of selected Nissan models. This offer period will be on until February 28, 2022, and customers who purchase and register a vehicle can participate and win Lazada Vouchers up to RM50,000.
Additionally, customers who test drive the latest Almera Turbo (shown below) during the campaign period are also eligible to win a RM500 Watsons voucher.
More information is available at any authorised Nissan showroom nationwide. To locate a showroom or find out more, visit www.nissan.com.my or call the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1800-88-3838.
