As part of domestic hospitality and support, 6 units of Nissan Urvans and 2 units of Nissan Serenas are affixed with Infiniti Red Bull Racing logos to provide the Infiniti Red Bull Racing team transportation support for 8 consecutive days (18th – 25th March 2013) to ferry their equipments and staffs at the F1 Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Dato’ Dr. Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) commented, “We are pleased to offer our Nissan Urvans and Serenas to the Infiniti Red Bull Racing team for smooth logistic operations at the Grand Prix in Sepang. This will also support their challenge to compete in the Malaysian Formula One race.”
“We believe the versatility and superior convenience of the Nissan Urvans and Serenas will provide reliable support for the Infiniti Red Bull Racing team. We are glad to be able to associate ourselves with their rigorous standards and performance required by Formula One,” he added.
Christian Horner, Team Principal, Infiniti Red Bull Racing, commented, “Our first year of partnership with Nissan LCV has brought significant benefits to our team and demonstrated the value of working with the right commercial vehicle partner. One of the biggest challenges we face is managing the logistically complex operations of transporting people and equipment, and as we head into 2013 we are delighted to keep working with Nissan LCV”.
Following the introduction of the Nissan NV200 Panel Van in February this year, which can you read here. Now, an additional variant has now been included to the range by Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM).
“The new Nissan NV200 Semi Panel Van is the second variant we are introducing for the NV200 range which was launched in Malaysia earlier this year. The model has been extremely well accepted and this new variant will extend its usage to other sectors of the industry which require a reliable, cost-efficient transporter for cargo or passengers, or both,” said Dato’ Dr. Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of ETCM.
Similar in exterior size to the NV200 Panel Van, the NV 200 Semi Panel Van variant has a second row of seats just behind the front seats. Up to three persons can be accommodated on this second row which is equipped with seatbelts for every occupant, allowing for all in the vehicle to be belted up. Entry is via sliding doors that are fitted with fixed glass windows on both sides of the vehicle.
The cargo area with a volume of 2.33 cubic metres is accessible through a large rear opening with a top-hinged door. Loading and unloading are easy tasks as the floor height is 520mm from the ground. On top of all, the full headlining completes the NV200 Semi Panel Van’s interior.
The NV200 Semi Panel Van also uses the proven 1.6-litre HR16DE engine with Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control (CVTC) which produces 109ps and 152Nm of torque. It is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission for optimum fuel economy. The steering power assistance that uses the electric motor also further contributes to fuel-saving.
It comes with a unique Multi-Function Meter that displays key information such as engine revolutions, fuel consumption, range and driving time on its large 2.8” Dot Matrix Display.
Standard safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Zone Body construction, SRS Air Bag (for driver), front pre-tensioners seat belts with load limiters, high mount stop lamp and large side mirrors.
The NV200 sets new benchmarks in its class in terms of driving comfort. With its engine mounted ahead of the cabin like a passenger car’s, noise levels are lower and the occupants will also not experience ‘hot seats’ like those in older vans where the engine was situated under the seat.
The On-The-Road price (including insurance and registration related charges) for the all-new Nissan NV200 Semi Panel Van is RM70,900.00 for Peninsular Malaysia and subject to change without prior notice. It comes with a 3-year or 100,000km warranty whichever comes first.
On this coming 5th & 6th May 2012, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) is pleased to invite the all general public to experience the world’s first mass produced, all-electric and zero-emission Nissan vehicle at Jalan Kemajuan Showroom in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Attendees at the “Journey to Zero Emission” event can get behind the wheel of the industry’s most-discussed vehicle and discover the new technology and innovation by themselves.
“At Nissan, we are investing in a portfolio of ‘green’ technology that includes the much-awaited zero-emission vehicle. With zero carbon dioxide emissions and zero particles, our electric car will be the most environmentally friendly mass produced model in the world. This car is also safe, fun to drive, well engineered and attractive. We are excited to invite the public to drive the car because we know they will be impressed,” explained Dato’ Dr. Ang Bon Beng, the Executive Director of ETCM.
Nissan is recognized for its sustainable mobility approach which constantly offers class-leading fuel efficiency models that are supported by advanced green technologies. Come and be the first to experience the 100% electric vehicle today! The 2-day “Journey to Zero Emission” event starts at 9:30am until 6:00pm.
Photo Gallery: Nissan Leaf Spotted in Petaling Jaya
According to Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd. (ETCM) for Nissan in Malaysia on end of last year, the company announced that a Pilot Programme on the zero-emission 100% electric Nissan Leaf will be conducted in Malaysia sometime in 1st half of 2012.
Today, FastMotoring crew spotted a local-registered Nissan Leaf is already on the road in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
A quick introduction, the Nissan Leaf is a 5-door mid-size hatchback electric vehicle (EV). The Leaf consumes energy of 765kJ/km to power-up the 80kW (110hp) synchronous motor mated with single-speed direct drive transmission. LEAF stands for Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car.
Based on our speculation, the Pilot Programme seems to be just started in Malaysia. Practically, we are thrilled to know more about this award-winning Nissan Leaf under local conditions. Period in-between, stay updated with us about this.
Photo Gallery: Nissan Leaf Spotted in Petaling Jaya
If you are shopping for a NEW high performance rear-wheel-drive two-seat coupe right now, there’s no need to wait for the pay off, and I’ll tell you now the new Nissan 370Z Coupe is still a performance car bargain in Malaysia.
You would have to spend almost double its price on another car like Porsche Cayman or BMW 135i Coupe to get close to its performance but possibly not as fun as the 370Z. Anyway, I am privileged enough to get this Japanese muscle car to be my weekend usher. Thus, I am here to confirmed that the new 370Z is a great deal at its class. As bonus, this car does attract attention from street pedestrian as well as modified BMW 135i on the road.
The natural-aspirated 3.7-litre V6 (VQ37VHR) engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) outputs a max power of 333PS @ 7,000rpm with a peak torque of 363Nm comes in at a high 5,200rpm. The VHR standing for Very High Revving, the variable-timing lump is redlined at a teeth-jangling 7,500rpm. Basically, the engine is designed to allow the drivers to drive this car as hard as he can, just like VTEC on the Civic Type R.
In Malaysia, Edaran Tan Chong Motor offers the 370Z coupe in option of 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match mode or 7-speed automatic transmission. Since manual transmission is always my cup of coffee throughout my vehicle ownership background, I am fortunate to evaluate this car in 6-speed manual. Bluntly, this car feels fast enough to keep a Porsche’s 911 Carrera and no pressure to whip the entry-level Porsche’s Cayman. I managed to clock the best sprint from 0-100km/h at 5.0 seconds.
The 370Z is the replacement model for the 350Z more than two years ago. The 370Z has a 3.9-inch shorter wheelbase and is 2.7 inches shorter overall than the 350Z. It also has a rear track that’s 2.2 inches wider. A short wheelbase will have a smaller turning circle, which makes the 370Z more manoeuvrable than 350Z (370Z: 5.2m ; 350Z: 5.4m).
According to Nissan, the 370Z’s suspension is designed to be 30% stiffer than its predecessor and also 50kg lighter. With the improvement, the car does a better job when diving into corners at high speed and everything gets less shaken around. Incredibly, the ride comfort is never compromise. It is stable and you can barely feel the speed of the car.
The Nissan 370Z coupe comes standard with a set of 19-inch RAYS 5-spoke forged alloy wheels. The front wheels are wrapped with 245/40R19 and wider 275/35R19 tyres on the rear wheels. Braking performance is also superb with all ventilated disc and 4-piston aluminium brake callipers plus ABS, EBD and BA. The crucial Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is also a standard feature. We recommend the VDC to be activated at all time except you are sure on what you are doing.
Since the 370Z that I received comes with 6-speed manual, the newly added world’s first ‘Synchro Rev Control’ is a key element to the car. When the S-mode is activated, this feature will helps to flatter driving skills by automatically blipping the throttle when you downshift to match the revs with road speed. This feature help keeping the car calm through the corners. In short, the heel-and-toe gear shifting is now automated. Based on my tracking experience, I can assure this feature will absolutely works perfectly on the race track. On the open road, I preferred it to be deactivated.
I have no complaints whatsoever about the handling on the new 370Z, though. It works so much better than the 350Z. The understeer issue on the 350Z has been greatly improved, and the power oversteer is still readily available for a little naughty driving especially on taking corners. Once traction off, turn-in, get on the power, feel the weight and turn-out with full throttle. It is amazing with this 370Z!
As of now, there is no reported lap time for this fairlady at Sepang circuit after ‘Goggling’. I am surprised the new 370Z much neglected by car enthusiast for its track performance. In fact, I wouldn’t mind owning a 370Z as a track car.
On the other hand, the price of the 370Z is just right at its spot but the annual road tax for the 3.7-litre capacity engine in Peninsular Malaysia is another matter. The 370Z Coupe is selling at RM370,018.45 on-the-road with insurance in Peninsular Malaysia for private registration.
The centre-mounted meter clusters show the time, battery voltage and engine oil temperature. The sports seats are supportive and comfortable as well.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor offers the 370Z coupe with option of 3 exterior colours – Diamond Black (Pearl), Brilliant White Pearl (3-coat pearl) and Blade Silver (Metallic) and 2 interior trim colours – Persimmon Orange and Black in leather.
During my weekend test drive, I managed to get an average fuel consumption of 14.6-litre/100km for cruising on the highway plus a fair share of spirited driving and traffic light sprints. Based on the factory specification, the car claimed to consume 10.5-litre/100km. Anyway, the figure shows the fuel efficiency isn’t that attractive.
Besides, if I own the new 370Z, I will consider fully unleash the rhythm of the massive V6 engine by opting for an aftermarket exhaust system, as the stock exhaust system doesn’t sound overwhelming to me on the high rpm range.
Since the Nissan GT-R supercar is never introduced through the official channel in Malaysia. Hence, the Nissan 370Z will be the fastest flagship sports car that you can get officially from Nissan via Edaran Tan Chong Motor in Malaysia. Likewise, all the new 370Z from ETCM comes with a 3-year or 100,000km warranty as standard.
In conclusion, the Nissan 370Z is a great car to spend time with, real fun and greatly improved from the 350Z. In addition, I judged the 370Z is more practical than the Porsche Cayman if you chosen not to be Germanized.
Photo Gallery: Nissan 370Z Coupe Malaysia by FastMotoring
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