Words & Images By Brennell Christian Tan
Firstly, I apologise for the late update on my blog as I had my finals to deal with. So, I have now returned with several upcoming articles, so stay tuned...
Nissan Roadshow @ Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Recently, Nissan Malaysia has launched several new models. To showcase these refreshed and updated models, Nissan has decided not to only showcase their vehicles in showrooms, (where everyone has to go through the hassle to get to) but in the mall where everyone already is.
Bigger, Bolder & Better? The Redesigned Nissan Teana Walkaround...
To date, the D-segment market of cars has been very aggressive catering to the introduction of many competitors such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and joining the club is the new Nissan Teana. Bigger, bolder & better, the new Nissan Teana has been radically redesigned with an all new engine option and bigger dimensions overall.
Replacing the previous 2.5 litre V6 is an all new 2.5 litre inline-four. Despite the loss of 9 horsepower dropping to 173 hp, the torque has jumped up by 6 newton metres with a total output of 234 nm. Fuel efficiency has improved massively as well, gaining 2.8 litres per kilometre more as compared to 10.5 kilometres per litre previously. Design wise, the new Teana has grown slightly the new model is 5 mm longer, 35 mm wider and 5 mm taller along with a reduced kerb weight ranging from 1447kg - 1517kg as compared to 1455kg - 1540kg previously.
Interior wise, in comparison to the previous generation the new Teana boasts a more modern look. Previously, the dashboard used to be trimmed with wood grain as opposed to the new Teana which has soft touch materials along with silver and piano black trimmings giving a modern looking interior. Features such as bluetooth, rear view camera, iPod compatibility as well USB connectivity are standard across the top two of three trimlevel variants as compared to previously where by all were optional equipment.
Smooth As Silk? The Refreshishly New Nissan Sylphy
Sylphy comes from the word Sylph, which according to dictionary.com means a graceful woman or lady... Nissan might have used the word in relation to the design of the car, which to me looks very attractive. Let's start in the engine bay, with this new Sylphy the previous 2.0 litre mill has been replaced with an all new twin-CVTC 1.8 litre engine producing 131 horsepower at 6000rpm and 174 newton metres of torque at 3600rpm. Compared to the previous engine, the new 1.8 litre engine produces 2 horsepower less and 17 newton metres of torque less while fuel efficiency is quoted at 15.6km per litre.
Exterior design, to my opinion looks good. The Nissan Sylphy in the image shown is equipped with the IMPUL Aerokit which comprises of the aggressive body kit and a rear spoiler. The IMPUL Aura SX-20 rims shown in the picture is a separate package all together costing RM4500 and performance enhancing Continental Premium Contact 2 tyres along with stiffer sport suspension are also a different package priced at RM1800 and RM1000 respectively. The body kit enhances the aesthetics of the car and presents a sportier and aggressive look.
Interior design is slightly dull in my opinion but the soft touch materials on the dash board feels good to the touch. The gear shifter could use a better look but then again its not too bad. Passengers would be relieved to know that rear-seat air conditioning is available on the higher trimlevel variant. Leather upholstery again is only available on the higher trimlevel variant along with all the other goodies such as dual-zone climate control, push start and so on.
Elegently Simple & Practical... The All New Nissan Almera
Built for daily commute, the new Nissan Almera is very affordable for many. With prices ranging from RM 66,827 to RM 79,827, the Almera is well within the price budget of many out there, while still offering practicality and comfort. With not much to highlight from the engine and performance of the car, lets start with the interior... Equipped with barely basic features such as fabric upholstery, automatic air conditioning along with trunk illumination only being offered on the high trimlevel variant, it's easy to suspect why this car is so affordable. Then again, the purpose of this car isn't for luxury, its for daily commuting with loads of practicality and spaciousness. My only dislike on the interior is the look of the gear shift, it looks very outdated and looks too unsophisticated despite having a good CVT transmission.
Nissan claim that this new Almera has a class leading interior cabin space, in my opinion it's quite spacious and suited for Nissan's targeted market of families with children. On the exterior, personally I think Nissan could have done better, the car looks too bland and too dull, with fog lamps and door pillar garnish only on the high trimlevel variants, its not hard to see why the cars aesthetics isn't it's plus point. However, IMPUL does offer modifications such as a complete aerokit (which comprises of body kit and spoiler) along with offerings such as a sportier suspension system and Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres to enhance grip and handling.
In the engine bay, there's not much to talk about.... A 1.6 litre engine producing 102 horsepower and 139 newton metres of torque lies under the hood. Paired to a superbly engineered CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), the Almera reaches a 100 km/h in about 10 seconds or so.
All these features and specs, may not look very impressive, then again Nissan's pricing strategy should be understood by many. The aim of this car is to provide a practical and comfortable car well within the price budget of many, whilst still offering outstanding Japanese reliability which is exactly why you may see many Almera's on the road.
Eco-Friendly Family.... The All New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid
A family will not be complete without an MPV, with this concept in mind Nissan has launched the rather affordable Serena S-Hybrid which is priced at RM149,515 is Malaysia's first hybrid MPV which provides outstanding comfort for 5-7 people whilst avoiding a hefty fuel consumption. Given that the targeted market are families with children, lets start with the interior. Practicality shines in the new Serena, with features such as cup holders scattered all over the cabin, storage compartments under seats, multiple seat configurations and the additional boot compartment. Upholstery is fabric, and with a family with children in the back seat you'd be thankful it wasn't leather. Ease of access in to the third row seats is complemented by the so called "Easy Entry Mode", enabling the second row to split apart, giving passengers easier entrance or exit into the third row.
Performance figures aren't great despite its deceptively low kerb weight at 1660kg, but powertrain sophistication is impressive in contrast to other vehicles in the same price range. Under the bonnet lies a 2.0 litre DOHC direct injected powerplant with twin CVTC producing 147 horsepower along with 210 newton metres of torque. The S-Hybrid system consists of an electric motor and a 200A/1.8kW battery providing a torque output of 54 newton metres. The powerplant is connected to an Xtronic CVT transmission and fuel efficiency is at a quoted 15.2 kilometres per litre.
In my opinion, the new Nissan Serena S-Hybrid provides superb value for money that's bar none. Although, it's looks may not appeal to everyone, usability, practicality, efficiency and reliability are the key traits of this car. Therefore, the new Serena S-Hybrid would be the best choice, first choice and only choice for those looking for a versatile MPV.
Conclusions... Innovation That Excites?
From shifting the future to Innovation that excites... With the tech game already in hand, Nissan should revise the appearance and aesthetics of their passenger cars. Let's look forward to not only brilliant technology and innovation that excites but a look and aesthetic concept that can also excite.
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Overall, the performance and aesthetics of the car has drastically improved with the new parts equipped. The car with its new suspension set up along with grippier tyres enables the car to corner flat without a hint of oversteer or understeer, body roll itself is out of the equation. Through, long fast bends, the car with its bodykit corners fast without drama with outstanding levels of control and downforce. All the parts and modifications were done and provided by Autofuture Design Sdn Bhd, with impressive results and maximised performance.
