Nissan Archives

New 2021 Nissan Navara revealed!

Nissan today unveiled to the world its new Navara pick-up, updating the current one which was introduced in 2014. As with its other pick-up models, the Navara benefits from over 80 years of experience making such vehicles which have become popular in many regions of the planet.

Described as the most advanced Navara yet, the new Navara comes with many best-in-class technologies, including an array of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features and safety systems. “We packaged the new model with a full set of advanced technologies to ensure enhanced dynamic performance on and off-road, as well as safety and comfort ushering in a new age of toughness, tech, and peace of mind,” said Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer.

While the familiar tough looks of the Navara continue, it has also been given a bolder appearance. The front end adopts carries the new ‘interlock’ grille – a unique feature found exclusively on the Nissan pickup family and first introduced on the latest Nissan Titan – which gives the impression that it is coming out and ‘grabbing’ the engine.

Distinctive LED headlamps
Besides the model name embossed on top of the grille and across the full width of the rear door panel, the Navara also has a segment-first all-new, high-tech C-shaped quad LED projector headlamps. Each of the four distinctive projector units have their own intricate bezel shape, giving a visual signature to the vehicle

Apart from adding a level of sophistication to the rugged design, they also provide greater illumination, which would definitely be appreciated when driving off-road or in bad weather. At the back, the LED tail lamps with their greater brightness also help improve safety as the vehicle’s presence will be more visible.

Body-on-frame construction
The new Navara continues to use body-on-frame construction, with the cabin and cargo bed being separate units that are bolted onto a strong chassis frame. This has been the traditional construction for pick-up trucks and also SUVs, although the latter have moved towards monocoque construction (like passenger cars) in recent times.

Body-on-frame construction is still regarded as being more suited for the sort of usage that the Navara would typically have. It not only copes better with rough terrain but can also handle heavy loads. It has an increased payload capacity which Nissan says is the best in the 1-ton class.

There’s also a strengthened rear axle and additional truck bed volume (depending on region), as well as retuned suspension settings. An integrated step in the new rear bumper makes bed access easier and reduces fatigue caused by repeated loading and unloading. Additionally, the bed is equipped with a flap-type, tie-down hook to secure both large and small objects, making it easier for loading and unloading without interference.

New PRO-4X grade for the Navara comes with distinctive look with a black Nissan emblem, a black front bumper and black grille, door handles, roof racks and running boards accented by 17-inch black wheels and all-terrain tyres. It also has lively, orange-red accents, a tint inspired by the colour of magma, contrasted with the dark grille, wheels, and mirror caps.

Powertrains to be carried over
Nissan has not mentioned the powertrains that will be available but does say that there will be ‘carried-over powertrain options’. Thus it is likely that the YS engines will continue to be used, these being proven over a 10-year life. They are used by Alliance members in light commercial vehicles and for such vehicles, proven reliability is more important to customers than having new technologies.

The current engine line-up consists of a 2.5-litre petrol engine from the QR family and 2.3-litre turbodiesel engines, with 7-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions. This will probably be the same for the new Navara although one cannot discount the downsizing trend which may see a smaller displacement engine being available for some markets.

*One of the Nissan turbodiesel engines in the current Navara.*

Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies
As in other new Nissan models, Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) technologies are highlighted as the big thing in the new Navara. These are technologies which create a ‘360-degree safety shield’ for the vehicle, as well as helping the driver to avoid accidents.

NIM technologies include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning as well as Intelligent Driver Alertness, which prompts drivers to take breaks through visual and gives audible alerts when changes in driving style or steering behaviour are detected.

Many vehicles now come with a display that shows a simulated overhead view so the driver can see all around when manoeuvring. The new Navara also has this, which is called the Intelligent Around View Monitor. However, NIM technologies add something else that enhances safety – Moving Object Detection. This helps drivers notice people and other vehicles surrounding or approaching the vehicle.

The system also features an off-road monitor, enabling the driver to observe surrounding obstacles at low speeds when in 4×4. This gives the driver more confidence when travelling over rough terrain and can help avoid damage to the bodywork.

Besides the rearview camera, there is also Rear Cross Traffic Alert which uses sensors to detect vehicles coming from either side when reversing out of a parking bay. This will be an especially useful feature for pick-up drivers as the vehicle is long, and will reduce the stress (as well as accidents).

The pickup also comes with new automatic safety and convenience features such as a rain-sensing wiper and a speed-sensing door lock that activates when the vehicle speed exceeds 25 km/h.

While driving, there is an Active Brake Limited Slip Differential system to improve grip and stability. It does this by managing power delivery and wheel braking between the front and rear axles and between the left and right of the vehicle. There’s also a Vehicle Dynamic Control system to help in keeping the car under control on slippery corners, and ABS to prevent wheel lock-up.

Added convenience and comfort
Inside, the new Navara gains added convenience and new features that are driver-oriented to make driving more enjoyable and comfortable. The rear seats are more comfortable, with upgrades to the seat cushions and back shapes. Interior quietness is also claimed to be significantly improved with increased amounts of sound deadening insulation and a laminated windshield and front windows.

The new Nissan Connect infotainment system meets the needs of modern travellers, providing Bluetooth streaming audio, voice recognition, and navigation. Everything is shown on an 8-inch screen, with a 7-inch higher resolution TFT screen complementing it. Besides having multiple USB ports throughout the vehicle for charging devices, there is also a Type-C USB port in the console, allowing more modern devices to be recharged.

Made in Thailand, Mexico and South Africa
For the ASEAN and Australian markets, the new Navara will be produced at Nissan’s plant in Thailand, which is also its strategic manufacturing and R&D hub for ASEAN. The first market to receive the new model will, not surprisingly, be Thailand which is the second largest truck market in the world. Other production hubs for the model will be in Mexico and South Africa, starting later on.

As Edaran Tan Chong Motor stopped assembling the model locally with the current generation, the new one should be available in Malaysia more quickly, probably in the first half of 2021. With local assembly, there’s a delay as local parts suppliers start up and the plant has to be prepared for the new model, not to mention the fact that the CKD kits from the overseas factory may also be available only at a later time.

If you prefer the current Navara, Edaran Tan Chong Motor should still be selling it for some time more. Viewing and test-drives are available at authorised Nissan showrooms and their locations can be found at www.nissan.com.my.

New Nissan brand logo for a new era

Nissan Almera Turbo officially launched, confirmed prices start from RM79,906

One of the things that has changed about how cars are being launched into the market nowadays is that the period of ‘teasing’ and ‘previewing’ can be quite long. It can be many months from the time the first official pictures are taken and first details released, until the time the car is actually ‘launched’ and deliveries start. In the past, delays were usually due to price approvals being slow and while the cars were already in the stockyards, customs duties could not be paid as the price was not approved by the government (only for locally-assembled models).

Nowadays, companies stretch the ‘preview’ over months to get maximum publicity. In some cases, due to competition, it is necessary to reveal details and the estimated price so as to make some customers who are considering another model pause and hopefully wait. The manufacturers themselves do it too – unveiling a new model at the beginning of the year and then starting production at the end for deliveries the following year!

Anyway, you would have read about the new Nissan Almera Turbo over the past few months and we even wrote about it in some detail, as well as provided some initial driving impressions. Today, the model is officially launched with confirmed prices.

There are three variants – VL, VLP and VLT – with prices shown on the chart below.

3-cylinder turbo engine
Only one engine is available, this being the HR10DET that is a compact powerplant with a 1-litre displacement and 3 cylinders. It’s another example of downsizing that has taken place over the past decade. With advanced technology as well as turbocharging, it can generate up to 100 ps/152 Nm – comparable to a 1.5-litre engine. It’s a bold move by ETCM to introduce this small engine in what is its mainstream model. Malaysians still see a need for at least 1.3 litres or more to have ‘enough performance’ and are not convinced that today’s smaller engines are actually much more powerful than the old 1-litre units that usually had a carburettor only.

The engineers have made the engines smaller to save weight and reduce fuel consumption, while boosting performance at the same time. And for Malaysian motorists, a smaller engine size also means paying lower roadtax each year.

Related article: The Nissan Almera Turbo Engine

Generous equipment list
The standard equipment and features are fairly generous, even with the lowest-priced Almera Turbo VL variant. For instance, across the range, there is pushbutton engine starting, and the Active Safety system includes Intelligent Forward Collision Warning & Emergency Braking, besides the usual ABS, EBD, Stability Control, etc.

The extra money charged for the upper two variants gets you a colour touchscreen, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, digital display instrument panel, automatic air-conditioning and 6 airbags,

The top VLT variant has LEDs for the headlamps, foglamps, and daytime running lights, along with cruise control, around-view monitor, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) provides a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and to lower running costs, there 5 scheduled maintenance services will be free (parts and labour included) during the first 5 years (terms and conditions apply).

Special financing schemes
For those who require financing for their purchases, ETCM is offering a special hire-purchase Flexi Financing Promotion with monthly instalments ranging from RM688 to RM788, depending on the variant.

Additionally, customers who purchase their insurance for the Almera Turbo from Tan Chong Insurance Business Stream will get free Personal Accident Insurance coverage with a sum insured up to RM75,000, Key Care cover reimbursement up to RM 1,500, and Flood Relief allowance up to RM 1,500. Terms and conditions applicable.

Those who test-drive the new Almera Turbo at any Nissan showroom nationwide stand a chance to win an Apple iPhone SE worth RM2,199. And for those who buy one, there are also prizes worth up to RM88,888 to be won in the ‘Buy & Win’ Contest. They must register their new car before the end of 2020 to qualify for the contest.

For more information or to locate a showroom, visit www.almeraturbo.com.my or call the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1800-88-3838.

Click here to view a Nissan Almera Turbo brochure

First Look at the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo (N18), with brief driving impressions

2021 Nissan Magnite

The Indian auto industry produces about 3.5 million to 4 million passenger vehicles (4-wheelers) a year, of which around 20% is exported. The number looks set to increase to 40% with the ‘Make in India, make for the world’ agenda that is a key element in the country’s Automotive Mission Plan 2026.

As always, global automakers will look for regions where they can make their products at low cost and export from there. India has much potential with its mature industry and over the years, some automakers have steadily increased their use of the country as a production hub.

Nissan will also use India as a production hub for its all-new Nissan Magnite SUV, launched recently, that is aimed at the Indian, Middle East and African markets. Designed in Japan, the Magnite is Nissan’s first SUV in the sub-4-metre Indian market category and one of the 12 new models the automaker will introduce before the end of 2021.

Datsun styling elements
The Magnite’s exterior follows the same styling ideas as found in Nissan’s recent SUVs. The grille, however, does not follow the ‘V-motion’ front design signature on many of today’s Nissan products. It adopts the design that was used by the short-lived Datsun brand and the reason is probably because this model was originally developed for sales as a Datsun.

As Nissan decided to terminate the brand (again) last year, the time may have been too short to redesign the front end, so it has remained. This could make the facelift a rather radical change if there is a move to unify the Magnite with the rest of the Nissan family by changing to the V-motion grille. For now, the Magnite has the new brand logo.

The slim front lights are LEDs, with L-shaped daytime running lights that sit at the lower section of the headlamp housings. Skid plates under the front and rear provide protection to the underbody while 205 mm of ground clearance will enable to Magnite to traverse flooded roads and rough tracks.

Compact outside, spacious inside
On the inside, the cabin appears pretty spacious in spite of the compact exterior dimensions. Typical of SUVs, there is a high seating position and maximum use has been made of the available width to provide as much shoulder space as possible between the occupants. Nissan says that rear passengers will enjoy a level of knee room usually found in vehicles one class above.

The dashboard design has some interesting new ideas, with a slightly ‘advanced’ look. The infotainment system has an 8-inch display and is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also the first-in-class with a 7-inch TFT (thin-film-transistor) display for the instrument screen to provide clearer and sharper images.

Nissan has also made sure that the driver gets assistance for motoring safety. The Magnite comes with safety features such as Hill Start Assist and a 360-degree monitor, along with stability control, ABS, EBD, etc. ISOFIX mounts are also provided for parents to install compatible childseats at the back.

1-litre turbo engine
For the Indian market, Nissan is providing a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine in two outputs, paired with a manual gearbox or CVT. This is the HR10DET which is found in the latest Almera for the Malaysian market. Given the size of the Magnite, it should provide more than enough power for spirited performance.

The prices are not available yet as the model will only go on sale in early 2021. But it will have to be attractive in a segment that is already crowded with models like the Ford Ecosport, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV and Hyundai Venue.

Whether it comes to Malaysia remains to be seen although pitching a compact model like this means going against the two Malaysian brands and that makes pricing very challenging. Edaran Tan Chong Motor would probably prefer to focus on pushing its new Almera Turbo as its entry-level offering. Anyway, whatever Malaysia gets usually follows the Thai market and if you don’t see the Magnite there, chances are we won’t get it either.

FEATURE: A closer look at the Nissan Almera Turbo engine

FEATURE: A closer look at the Nissan Almera Turbo engine

Three-cylinder engines in cars are nothing new; Daihatsu popularized the engine configuration in the late 1970s with its Charade and then it was widely used by Perodua. Since the 21^st century began 20 years ago, manufacturers have been downsizing engines as one way to reduce fuel consumption. However, unlike those older small engines, today’s downsized engines have a lot of advanced technology to help them develop high outputs and run even more efficiently.

The HR10DET engine in the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo is a good example. It has a displacement of 1 litre but can generate up to 100 ps with 152 Nm. This is comparable to a 1.5-litre engine so the driver enjoys the benefit of a smaller displacement which will consume less fuel – without sacrificing performance, which was the case before.

Some of the features which helps the HR10DET engine, which has 3 cylinders, achieve its high output are 4 valves per cylinder for better breathing efficiency and two overhead camshafts in the cylinder head (DOHC).

Boost from turbocharger
A major contributor to the power output is the use of a turbocharger. Once found only in high-performance engines, the turbocharger is now commonly used for small engines to boost output and response. In the case of the Nissan engine, maximum torque is available between 2,400 and 4,000 rpm, a range that is frequently used in daily driving. With maximum torque available, overtaking can be done quickly and safely.

The turbocharger has an Electronic Wastegate which operates far more efficiently than a conventional mechanical wastegate. A sensor monitors compression levels and enables the wastegate to activate whenever necessary, allowing turbocharging to be maximized. As a result, turbo lag is virtually eliminated for strong acceleration when needed.

Cooling down the air
For a turbocharger to operate at its best, the air flowing through needs to be cool so it can be compressed as much as possible, maximizing the charge. For this reason, an intercooler is installed behind the front grille and effectively cools down the air.

Technology from GT-R engine
Friction robs an engine of power and engineers work hard to find ways to bring internal friction down. For the HR10DET engine, they drew on the Mirror Bore Coating technology from the legendary Nissan GT-R. Mirror Bore Coating technology can raise energy efficiency by reducing the friction significantly inside the engine.

Rather than inserting a cylinder liner, the technology uses molten iron sprayed onto the surface of the cylinder bore to form a layer of iron coating on the walls inside. This achieves a mirror-like finish that is exceptionally smooth, thereby bringing down friction levels.

Normally, the cylinder liner is 2 mm thick but with Mirror Bore Coating technology, the layer is just 0.2 mm thick, saving weight. The extremely thin layer allows better heat conduction which results in enhanced cooling performance and less engine knocking. The efficiency of the engine as a whole is improved, and fuel economy as well as engine power are enhanced.

D-Step Logic System
The powertrain of the Almera Turbo also includes a next-generation XTRONIC CVT with D-Step Logic System to improve shift feel and responsiveness. The D-Step Logic System is a computer program that uses dynamic inputs such as vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position and application speed to determine ideal gear ratios needed to provide smooth, constant acceleration.

Drivers will feel the shifting being like a conventional automatic transmission with a torque converter (which we can confirm after our short test drive) and with the flexibility and smoothness of a CVT. A Sport mode is available to gain stronger acceleration when required.

“The all-new 1-litre turbo engine is designed to meet our customers’ needs. It provides the highest level of fuel economy – up to 18.4 kms per litre – which can provide up to 650 kms on one full tank. The CO2 emission level has also significantly been reduced by 18% compared to its predecessor. making the All-New Almera Turbo even more environmentally friendly,” said Christopher Tan, Sales & Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor.

Selected Nissan showrooms around the country are offering test-drives of the new model so you can experience for yourself the performance of the car. Visit www.almeraturbo.com.my to locate a showroom and by the way, when you take a test-drive, you could also win an Apple iPhone SE worth RM2,199.

Prices of Accessory Packages for new Nissan Almera Turbo announced

For those who are planning to buy the new Nissan Almera Turbo, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), has announced the availability and pricing of Optional Accessory Packages that consist of items customised for the new model.

There are 3 packages, priced from RM400 to RM2,750, and all the items come with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty. Even better, the cost of the package can be included in the H-P loan taken, so you pay for it in instalments as well.

The packages are shown below and include Protection Packages as well:

*Combination leather upholstery with dark grey accents can be specified when ordering the new Almera Turbo.*

Items can also be purchased separately
For those who prefer to buy just some of the items and not take a whole package, ETCM will also sell them separately although there are savings of up to 31% if you take them as a package. The individual items available are shown in the chart below:

The new Almera Turbo, with a small but advanced HR10DET turbocharged engine, is very different from the model it replaces. ETCM believes it can ‘Challenge All Beliefs’ with innovative technologies and features that will be appreciated by today’s buyers.

If you test-drive the new model (at selected Nissan showrooms), you could win one of 15 iPhone SE (128GB) smartphones worth RM2,199 each. To find out which showrooms have an Almera Turbo for viewing and test-drive visit www.almeraturbo.com.my.

First Look at the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo (N18), with brief driving impressions

Nissan EVs as mobile power supply units in disaster areas (w/VIDEO)

Many of today’s electric vehicles (EVs) have a battery pack that can store a considerable amount of energy. The energy is used to power the electric motors that move the vehicle, but the battery packs can also be used as mobile power supply units in areas that have experienced natural disasters.

Nissan is exploring such an idea with the RE-LEAF, a working prototype based on its current LEAF EV. The RE-LEAF can be driven into a disaster zone and provide a fully mobile power supply for machinery or other equipment on-site used by rescue teams.

Electricity for all kinds of devices
Alongside modifications to navigate roads damaged or covered in debris, the RE-LEAF has weatherproof plug sockets mounted directly to the exterior of the vehicle. These can be connected to 110V to 230V devices which can be supplied electricity from the car’s high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack.

The integrated energy management system can run medical, communications, lighting, heating and other life-support equipment.

“We’re constantly exploring ways that electric vehicles can enrich our lives, beyond just zero-emission transportation,” said Helen Perry, Head of Electric Passenger Cars and Infrastructure for Nissan in Europe. “Concepts like the RE-LEAF show the possible application of EVs in disaster management and demonstrate that smarter, cleaner technology can help save lives and provide greater resilience.”

Real-world applications
Nissan developed the RE-LEAF to demonstrate the potential of electric vehicles in disaster recovery. Although it’s just a working concept, the technology is already being used in the real world. In Japan, Nissan has used the LEAF to provide emergency power and transportation following natural disasters since 2011, and the company has formed partnerships with more than 60 local governments to support disaster relief efforts.

Natural disasters are the biggest cause of power outages. A 2019 World Bank report found natural shocks and climate change caused 37% of outages in Europe between 2000 and 2017, and 44% of outages in the U.S. over the same period.

When a disaster hits, the time for electricity supply to be restored is typically 24 to 48 hours, depending on the severity of the damage. During that period, EVs can provide zero-emission mobile emergency power.

Portable power station
Acting as a portable power station, the latest LEAF e+ model with a fully charged 62 kWh battery pack can provide enough electricity to power the average European household for 6 days. As a disaster recovery vehicle, it can power multiple devices simultaneously for a period of up to 24 hours.

Some examples which use 230V power are an electric jackhammer, pressure ventilation fan, 10-litre soup kettle, intensive care medical ventilator, and 100W LED floodlight.

Once electricity is restored to the area, the EVs can then be recharged and provide zero-emission transport – up to 385 kms for the LEAF e+.

Nissan EVs can also act as mobile storage batteries to supply homes and society with electricity during non-emergency situations through Nissan Energy Share, creating a distributable energy model that can be used to help stabilize supply and demand.

“Electric vehicles are emerging as one of the technologies that can improve resilience in the power sector,” Perry said. “By having thousands of EVs available on standby, either as disaster support vehicles or plugged into the network through Vehicle-to-Grid, they’re uniquely capable of creating a virtual power plant to maintain a supply of energy.”

2020 Nissan LEAF — *The latest Nissan LEAF EV is available in Malaysia. For more information, visit **www.nissan.com.my**.*

FIRST DRIVE: 2019 Nissan Leaf – “Simply Electrifying”

Nissan Z PROTO revealed, production to start in 2021 (w/VIDEO)

The epitome of what driving pleasure is all about – the sportscar – will never go away. In spite of periods when the numbers declined and many carmakers decided that they could not afford the luxury of making such cars, the voices of the enthusiasts around the world (and also within the company) have brought back sportscars.

The Nissan Z is one such example. An icon among sportscars, it was among the first from a Japanese brand and it made a tremendous impact, especially in America where the biggest number has been sold in its 50-year existence.

*The Z Car – past and present (top), and the future.*

Other than a short break in the early 2000s when Nissan was recovering from financial difficulties, the Z has had a presence in the Nissan range with the generation on sale since 2009 being the sixth one.

Soon a seventh generation will be launched and it will be a totally new design with new technologies, as would be expected after a lapse of some 10 years. Nissan gave an online preview of the model – referred to as the ‘Z Proto’ for now – today from its base in Yokohama, Japan, with a clear promise that ‘the new Z is on its way’.

It wasn’t difficult to understand the excitement and passion of the original Z and earlier generations as many people involved in the project had memories of the sportscar and even owned it, including Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida, who introduced the Z Proto.

Past meets future
The design of the Z Proto was done largely in Japan and while feedback was considered from many markets, Hiroshi Tamura, Chief Product Specialist of the Z Proto, admitted that the comments of the Z community in America were influential simply because it is where the most Zs have been sold.

Given the heritage of the car, it’s only expected that the designers would constantly look back at past generations, especially the very first one, for inspiration and guidance. The long-nose silhouette, in particular, is a must for the Z but the retro theme is also combined with projected futurism.

“Our designers made countless studies and sketches as we researched each generation and what made them a success,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Head of Design at Nissan. “Ultimately, we decided the Z Proto should travel between the decades, including the future.”

2020 Nissan Z PROTO — *Headlight with cover on the original Z (left) and the PROTO Z headlight (right) which mimics the reflections.*

The shape of the bonnet and the canted, teardrop-shaped LED headlights are both unmistakable reminders of the original Z. “The LED headlights have two half-circles that hark back to the Japan market-only 240ZG of the 70s,” Albaisa explained. “The ZG had clear dome lenses over the headlight buckets, which under light give off two circular reflections over each headlight. We liked that unique characteristic and discovered that it naturally fit with the Z’s identity.”

The rectangular grille’s dimensions are similar to the current model with the addition of oval grille fins to offer an updated modern look. However, the link to the original Z is most striking when viewing the Z Proto from the side. The roofline flows from the nose to the squared-off rear to create a distinctive first-generation Z profile whose rear edge was slightly lower than the front fender height giving the Z its unique posture. The signature transition from the rear quarter glass to the low-slung position of the rear tail adds to the effect.

The rear takes inspiration from the 300ZX (Z32) taillights, reinterpreted for the modern world. Set within a rectangular black section that runs across the rear and wraps around the outer edges, the LED taillights convey a sharp glow.

Sharp-eyed readers may notice that the badge on the rear says ‘Fairlady Z’ and this could be a bow to the original legendary car. It might also be used for the future domestic model since the name does have a historical connection to the Japanese fans and owners.

Vintage touch, modern feel
The Z Proto’s cabin blends modern technology with vintage Z touches. The interior design team sought advice from professional motorsports legends to create an ideal sportscar cabin, both for road and track.

This can be seen in the Z’s instrumentation, a 12.3-inch digital display with all the information the driver needs to have. The tachometer is the dominant item with a digital speedometer and vital information is arranged to help the driver grasp it at a glance, such as the redline shift point at the 12 o’clock position.

It’s difficult to replicate the original steering wheel of the Z due to safety requirements but the designers have still tried to keep some vintage aesthetic. It is deeply dished and the driver has quick access to controls with switches on the left and right spokes.

Although digital display screens can be designed to provide the driver with all kinds of information and free up space on the dashboard, the designers have still retained that old-school sportscar look with three small round meters placed on top of the dashboard. In the Z Proto, these show boost pressure, turbocharger rpm and voltage although the ones in the production car might show other information.

Yellow accents are found throughout the cabin, including stitching on the instrument panel. The seats feature special yellow accenting and a layered gradation stripe in the centre of the seats to create depth. Incidentally, the bright yellow pearlescent paint of the exterior is a tribute to a popular paint scheme on both the first generation Z and the 300ZX (Z32).

6-speed manual gearbox lives on
Although the Z is about more than power increases, each new generation has nevertheless had a more powerful engine and the new Z can be expected to continue to provide punchy performance. “Z is a balance of power and agility,” said Tamura. “It is a vehicle that creates a connection with the driver not just on the physical level, but emotionally, and responds to the driver’s impulses.”

For this reason, Nissan will continue to offer a 6-speed manual gearbox. There’s usually not much to say about a manual transmission, unlike automatic transmissions which have constantly improved with advancements in electronic control technologies.

However, 12 years ago, Nissan did draw a lot of attention to its manual transmission in the new 370Z which had the world’s first synchronized downshift rev-matching system. Known as SynchroRev Match, the system blips the throttle just prior to downshifts and upshifts to match engine speed to the next gear. The result is a smoother transition which used to be only possible by drivers who knew about ‘heel-and-toe’. This feature should still appear in the new Z.

Will it be called ‘400Z’?
50 years ago, Yutaka Katayama – regarded as the ‘father of the Datsun Z’ – bravely removed the ‘Fairlady’ badges on the cars that arrived in America. The man in charge of Nissan’s subsidiary in America understood that ‘Fairlady’ (which was the chosen by Nissan’s President after he saw ‘My Fair Lady’, the play) was just not right for such a sportscar. So he chose something from the internal coding (Z432) and used just ‘Z’ to designate the new car. Which worked superbly and started a legendary line of sportscars.

The new Z will have the model code ‘Z35’ to follow the sequence that began in 1984 with the 300ZX. Rumours are that it will be badged ‘400Z’. Nissan does have a version of the VQ engine with a 4-litre displacement but this is designed for SUV applications so the ‘400Z’ would likely have an updated 3.7-litre unit as Nissan confirms it will be an ‘enhanced V6 twin-turbocharged engine’. Production is set to start next year so it would probably be in showrooms sometime in the second half of 2021.

New Nissan brand logo for a new era

First Look at the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo (N18), with brief driving impressions

With the environment so competitive, distributors need a regular flow of new models to keep drawing customers to showrooms. Those that don’t get new models after some time have to create ‘special editions’ to sustain interest after a few years and that can be challenging. Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has been facing that sort of challenge for a long time as Nissan has been able to offer only a limited number of models for this market.

This year, that ‘dry season’ ends with a brand new Almera to replace the one that has been around for a long 8 years. The all-new generation is the fourth for the nameplate though in the Malaysian market, it is the second. Designated ‘N18’, it first appeared as the Versa in America in the third quarter of last year, and then in Thailand by the end of the year. Perhaps we would have got it earlier had it not been for COVID-19 shutting down the country for a few months, and forcing everyone to postpone their launches.

Pay more but get more for your money too
The new Almera Turbo is assembled at the Tan Chong plant in Serendah, Selangor and deliveries will start in October. ETCM is accepting bookings now for the model which will be available in three grades – VL, VLP and the VLT at the top – with estimated pricing between RM8X,XXX and RM9X,XXX. This is higher than the current 2-variant range which starts at RM66,000 and goes up to RM75,000+ (with exemption of 10% sales tax).

The increase in the price range would be justified by the amount of new tech that has been put into the Almera Turbo. Even though it is the entry-level model to the Nissan range in Malaysia, the list of equipment and features is impressive, particularly the driver assistance systems.

ETCM declares that the Almera Turbo VLT (the top version) for the Malaysian market is the best equipped in the region, which was not the case before. For instance, the cars sold in Thailand don’t have LED headlamps and their wheel size goes up to only 15 inches, whereas the Malaysian version is 16 inches with 205/55 tyres.

[Click here to view full specifications]

Joining the family in looks
The new car’s overall looks retain the profile of its predecessor but looks much more modern. At the front, the signature V-motion grille design unites the latest model with the rest of today’s Nissan family. The boomerang-shaped LED headlamps are also a familiar signature on Nissan models these days, providing another element of brand identification.

The styling treatment on the C-pillar follows that of the LEAF EV, creating a ‘floating roof’ sort of appearance. The rear end takes on a modern look with LED lighting units and for the top version, there’s also a discreet spoiler which helps lower the Cd to 0.284.

Dimensionally, the Almera Turbo is a bigger car than before – 70 mm longer and 45 mm wider – with a wheelbase that has been extended by 20 mm. This would improve interior space which was one of the strong points of the Almera when it was previously launched. The boot volume is 482 litres and the divided rear backrests can be folded down to expand the capacity by extending the length of the floor.

Intelligent and safe
Promoting Nissan Intelligent Mobility and Nissan Safety Shield 360, ETCM has packed more safety features into the Almera Turbo. All three variants get Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Emergency Braking which can not only reduce accidents but should a collision occur, the pro-active action can help to reduce the damage.

There are up to 6 airbags installed at the front and sides and the usual Active Safety Systems – ABS, stability control, traction control, brake assist, etc – are present in all variants. ISOFIX points are also provided in the rear seats for two compatible childsteats.

For those who place safety as a high priority, what comes with the VL variant are features which were only on the more expensive Nissan and Infiniti models just 10 years ago. There’s Blind Spot warning (with the warning shown on the door mirrors as well as the instrument panel), Rear Cross Traffic Alert when reversing, and an Intelligent Around View Monitor.

The monitor gives a top-down view of the car to aid parking and it’s also possible to switch views to one of the four sides for a closer look at the surrounding. No more excuses not being able to park properly in a bay and getting photographed to be shamed! The system also has Moving Object Detection which alerts the driver when there are moving objects around the car.

Much of the information is shown on the instrument panel as well as the 8-inch full colour touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. The new spacious ‘Gliding Wing’ instrument panel design has a combination of a conventional analogue speedometer on the right, and a variable display on the left. The driver can choose to show a tachometer, fuel consumption (average and historical) and warnings of other vehicles ahead or nearby. A coolant temperature bar can also be displayed for those who have concerns about the operating temperature.

The equipment list is as good as other rivals in the same segment and for the more expensive versions, ETCM has added leather upholstery, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and automatic climate control. Pushbutton starting/stopping of the engine is standard and there’s also Apple CarPlay for smartphone connectivity.

152 Nm of torque from 1 litre
Under the bonnet is a Nissan HR10DET engine and this is a 3-cylinder unit with a displacement of 999 cc. This is big news because it’s a bold move for ETCM to choose a 1-litre engine (although they probably don’t have much choice as they must follow other ASEAN countries) instead of a bigger powertrain. The last time ETCM sold a 1-litre model was in the 1980s when it had the March hatchback.

Malaysians are still displacement conscious, never mind that with all the modern technology plus turbocharging, smaller engines now generate as much power – and even more – as larger engines. Many Malaysians still regard small displacement engines as being ‘weak’. Their first question would be ‘can go up Genting or not?’, the steep road up to the hill resort being a test of performance.

Perhaps it’s because of our fuel being priced low (with subsidies until early this year) that motorists don’t think too much of economizing on fuel costs. But in other countries, motorists are much more conscious and appreciate it when they can get lower fuel consumption and yet not have to sacrifice performance.

The 1-litre engine in the Almera Turbo produces 100 ps, just 1 ps less than the 1.5-litre engine of the outgoing model. But what is more impressive – and useful – is that it generates up to 152 Nm of torque which is 13 Nm or 9.3% more than the 1.5-litre engine. And where the maximum torque in the bigger engine was only available when it was spinning at 4,000 rpm, all 152 Nm is available from 2,400 rpm all the way to 4,000 rpm. This means that take-offs will be strong and overtaking will be quicker.

Over 40 years ago, when Daihatsu introduced the world’s first 3-cylinder, 4-stroke engine in its Charade, the 1-litre engine produced only 60 ps and 81 Nm. It was enough to give zippy performance with the light hatchback. Back then, fuel delivery was by a carburettor but today’s 1-litre engines have a turbocharger which boosts output significantly. The turbocharger in the Nissan engine also has an electronic wastegate, managing the high compression pressures efficiently to reduce turbo lag.

Multipoint electronic fuel injection (EFI) also helps deliver fuel more efficiently and while EFI, turbocharging and 4 vales per cylinder already boost output, the 67% higher output compared to a 1-litre engine in the late 1970s is also due to other technological advancements. For example, there is Mirror Bore Coating Technology – adapted from the mighty GT-R engine – which reduces friction internally.

So it’s really time to put away the negative perceptions about engine displacement and give attention to the output numbers instead. The displacement may be small but these modern engines like the HR10DET can provide performance comparable to bigger engines, and they will save you money.

ETCM claims that the Almera Turbo can go up to 18.4 kms per litre which means the full tank of 35 litres should be good for at least 650 kms.

First driving impressions
At today’s introduction to the new Almera Turbo, ETCM also offered the chance to get brief driving impressions around the Glenmarie area. It was certainly a welcome opportunity to check out the new engine powering the car.

*The new Almera Turbo (front car) is larger and lower than the car it replaces.*

I certainly remember what a 1-litre engine used to be like, having driven the old Charade back in 1977. Such small engines have also been used in Perodua models over the years and it is clear that they have improved, and with the Almera Turbo’s engine, the advancement is really quite impressive.

As expected, the car moved off the line with eagerness. The shifts were smooth with the next-generation XTRONIC CVT that uses a D-Step Logic System. This software-based system creates a feel of the CVT that is like a conventional torque converter transmission with linear progression. On occasions when the road slopes steeply, the transmission can be locked in low ratio for easier forward progress.

Although noise levels were reasonably low, that ‘motorboat sound’ typical of 3-cylinder engines could still be heard. It’s common with such engines and you get used to it. What’s more important is that the Nissan engineers have been able to overcome the vibration issues that are inherent in 3-cylinder engines. Even under hard acceleration, the engine was almost as smooth as a 4-cylinder unit.

Generally, the engine provides as much performance as most people would require. If you are law-abiding and do not venture over the highest national speed limit, 100 ps is fine. If you are in a hurry, you still have the high torque for safe and quick lane changes when there is a need overtake. There wasn’t a steep slope to check its climbing ability but I am sure that it will do ust fine. Definitely, this car will have no problems going up to the Genting Highlands resort.

If you want to find out yourself, ETCM starts the test-drive program for the public this weekend and next weekend at 18 showrooms around the country. And just for going on a test-drive in the Almera Turbo, you could also win a RM2,199 iPhone SE. To locate a showroom, visit www.nissan.com.my.

Nissan Z PROTO to be revealed on September 16

Nissan has been taking a beating in recent times, with its CEO being charged with financial wrongdoing and massive losses worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s getting to be like the 1990s when a steady decline in its business saw a debt of US$20 billion by 1999 putting it on the brink of bankruptcy.

The new management team is struggling to slash expenses worldwide, cutting at least 12,500 jobs globally by March 2023 and closing some factories. It’s almost like the early years of the Ghosn era when his ‘Nissan Revival Plan’ called for 5 factories to close with a termination of up to 21,000 jobs and 50% reduction in suppliers. Though criticised for his extreme measures, Ghosn turned Nissan around completely by March 2001 with a net profit of 331.1 billion yen.

Product development was naturally hampered by limited budgets; reduced sales could not generate enough revenue to effectively fund development of the next generations. But Ghosn kept morale high with the revival of the GT-R and also authorised continuation of the legendary Z sportscar, the former still a significant model 13 years after its launch.

Now, Nissan is doing the same thing with what looks like a new Z, and the prototype will be revealed to the world on September 15, 2020 at 7:30 pm in America (8:30 am on September 16 in Malaysia). The prototype could be the final form for the new sportscar which is rumoured to be designated ‘400Z’.

Typically, Japanese manufacturers show off a ‘prototype’ which is pretty much production-ready and then launch the new model within the next 12 months. If it was not something about to go into production, they would more likely call it a ‘concept car’.

Actually, Nissan already hinted at a new Z in May and a teaser video showed the silhouette of a sportscar (above). It had the characteristic long nose and as for what will be under the bonnet, probably a V6 from the current engine family that has won awards for years and years.

Remember the date: September 16 at 8:30 am in Malaysia.

New Nissan brand logo for a new era

Latest Nissan Retail Concept adopted by new dealership in Kelantan

Just as car models receive periodic refreshing and updates, so too do the brand identities and other elements of the retail side of the auto business. For authorised Nissan dealers in Malaysia, that time has come and dealerships are progressively switching to the new Nissan Retail Concept (NRC).

The latest is a Nissan 3S centre in Kota Bharu, Kelantan operated by newly appointed dealer, Edaran Nuri Sdn Bhd. With the new NRC, there is the promise of an improved customer experience and journey of Nissan brand. The exterior features iconic red Nissan tablet signage while the exciting ‘Nissan Drive’ sales and consultation areas greet customers with warmth and comfort.

Everything under one roof
The 3S Nissan Centre has a total built-up area of 12,260 square feet and its showroom can display up to 5 models simultaneously. Within the same site is a service centre with 3 bays which can handle up to 15 vehicles per day.

Additional facilities include a cafe-styled customer lounge, free wifi and kids’ area. As taking delivery of a new Nissan is a special occasion, there’s an exclusive delivery bay for customers to receive their vehicles.

“Customer satisfaction is our main priority, and it is important that we work closely with our dealer to serve our customers better. The Nissan Retail Concept is our commitment in providing customers with high quality services and after-sales offerings from the minute they arrive,” said Mr Christopher Tan, Sales & Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor, the distributor of Nissan vehicles for over 50 years.

SOPs observed
Mr. Tan gave assurance that, in line with government Standard Operating Procedures to curb Covid-19, Nissan showrooms and service centres nationwide carry out temperature checking and social distancing for all staff and customers. Nissan staff wear face masks, while face masks, gloves and hand sanitizers are freely available to customers, if required. Frequent disinfecting is carried out at the showrooms and service centres throughout the day covering every touchpoint including display and test drive vehicles, as well as all customer vehicles before and after service. During this period, contactless payments are encouraged.

For more information on the Nissan network in Malaysia, visit www.nissan.com.my.

New Nissan brand logo for a new era

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