* Driving the Nissan 370Z From Fast Five

* Nissan Grand Livina Facelift 2011

Seven seater multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) is a popular segment of automobiles in Malaysia, more so the sub-RM100k ones. So much so, Malaysians seem to lap up practically all of the affordable MPV models being dished out to them.

This brings us to Nissan’s answer to Toyota’s low cost Avanza, and to a certain extent the Innova. However, unlike the Avanza, the Latio-based Grand Livina is more akin to the Honda Stream 1.8 and the Toyota Wish 2.0, possibly just a few inches shorter but returns some RM50k in spare change! 

So what makes the Grand Livina so desirable and worth waiting for? Ask any buyer out there the answers will invariably be its 7-seating capacity and its sub-100k pricing. The purposeful lower slung, sedan-like or more appropriately station wagon (SW) stance has enhanced its aesthetics appeal over its competitors.

The Nissan Grand Livina has been a huge success for Tan Chong. Since its introduction here in December 2007, the three-row seven seater MPV has found over 43,300 new homes. It also marked the beginning of the decline of the Toyota Avanza, the car that started the affordable MPV market here. The Livina has been around for more than three years now in its original form, and it’s time for a minor change facelift.

Visually, the facelifted Grand Livina is distinguished by its new-look front grille. Like before, the 1.6L model gets a “smoke-plated” design while the 1.8L is given a full chrome grille. Nothing else is changed other than the adoption of LED side indicators on the wing mirrors.

* Test Drive & Win !!

Test drive any Nissan during the Drive Me Crazy campaign period and you could win a Sylphy! Promotion period : 1st March 2011 – 31st March 2012 … 

How To Win A Nissan Sylphy??

To qualify for the contest draw, it is mandatory for a participant to have either.

 (i) Purchased a Nissan vehicle from ETCM or Nissan/ETCM authorised Dealers

 (ii) Registered the purchased Nissan vehicle (under private vehicle registrations only) within 

 the contest period of 1st March 2011 to 31st March 2012

 (iii) Paid all monies due for the purchase of the Nissan vehicle to ETCM or a Nissan/ETCM Dealership within the stipulated Contest Period;

 OR

Test driven any Nissan vehicle at any ETCM or Nissan/ETCM participating authorised Dealership within the stipulated contest period.

Worth noting is that the participant must possess a valid driving license!


Prizes for Winners of Nissan Sylphy Drive Me Crazy Promotion
A brand new Nissan Sylphy for Draw 2, and a brand new Nissan Teana 2.0L luxury for Draw 3

* Nissan Teana

 

 

 

 

* Nissan Teana Commercial

* 2011 Nissan Teana 2.5 V6 Awarded As The Best Local Assembly Executive Sedan in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the Nissan Teana 2.5 V6 has awarded as the Best Local Assembly Executive Sedan’ in the Asian Auto – Auto Industry Awards 2011.

Speaking at the event, Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) said, We are pleased to receive this Award as it is a recognition by our fellow Malaysians that Nissan is their most trusted automobile brand.

Chief Editor of Asian Auto, Mr. Daniel Fernandez, who was also present at the prize giving ceremony, said The Nissan Teana 2.5 V6 won Best Local Assembly Executive Sedan at the Asian Auto – Auto Industry Awards 2011 as it surprised all the judges with its good engine response, quiet cabin at high speed and overall build quality against its reasonable selling price.

ETCM has brought an affordable executive sedan into a highly competitive segment and managed to take a lead after many years of not having a product in this segment, he added.

Nissan Teana has garnered various prestigious awards overseas, such as King of Comfort’ in China, Indonesian Car of the Year’ by Mobilmotor Magazine, Life’s Motoring Best Buys of the Year’ category of large sedan by The Straits Times, Singapore etc.

In November 2010, ETCM introduced Nissan Teana to the local market, with three variants – the 2.0L and 2.5L V6 that were assembled in Tan Chong Motor’s Serendah Plant, and the Teana  3.5L V6 that is fully imported from Japan.

* Review of Nissan Grand Livina

Styling

While Toyota Avanza looks much like a commercial vehicle, Grand Livina looks family-oriented. Its front end, dominated by the grille, has been modified from Nissan Murano's. The side and rear end styling are relatively conservative and inoffensive. The 1.8-litre version adds chrome to the grille and door handles.

Handling

Sharing the same monocoque chassis as Nissan Latio, Grand Livina exhibits the same sedan-like handling characteristics. The driving experience is Latio-like, which for an MPV is quite excellent. The light, effortless steering means city driving is a breeze. And with good body control, Grand Livina certainly feels more nimble compared to Toyota Avanza.

Comfort

Grand Livina rides smoother than Nissan Latio, perhaps due to its extra weight. Importantly, it is more refined on highways than Toyota Avanza. The cabin feels modern and functional, but a few more storage areas would be ideal. Finding a comfortable driving position is easy, but the steering wheel offers no reach adjustments and the front seats could do with more thigh support. The 1.8-litre version uses a wood trim for a more premium feel.

* Review of Nissan Sylphy

Styling

Sylphy wears a neat, inoffensive design, one that would not excite or disappoint most neutrals. Nissan clearly intended for Sylphy to follow the same styling theme as big brother Nissan Teana. And you would not be the first to confuse the two, especially from the front end.

Handling

Sylphy feels nimble and changes direction keenly. Body control and grip levels are highly commendable. The sharp, light steering however lacks in feedback. When it comes down to driving pleasure, Sylphy engages the driver too little, too remotely.

Comfort

Much thanks to the 15-inch tyres, ride comfort is good over urban bumps and rough surfaces. Road, wind and engine noise are very well-contained at cruising speeds. Adding to the class-leading refinement is the extremely smooth drivetrain. The dashboard looks neat and tidy, with large displays and intuitive-to-use controls. Finding a comfortable seating position is easy, but the steering wheel offers no reach adjustments or audio controls.

* Review of Nissan Latio - Hatchback

Styling

While the four-door Latio sedan looks rather awkward, the addition of one door gives the five-door Latio Sport hatchback significantly better looks. The front end of the two models looks similar, but Latio Sport's coherent side and rear profile represents a world of improvement over the Latio sedan's.

Handling

The handling is safe and predictable, but expectedly not sporty. Grip levels are reasonable, while body roll is not present in excessive amounts. The light, accurate steering feels too detached for driving fun, though. Latio Sport may look sportier, but handling-wise, it is identical to Latio sedan.

Comfort

Nissan expects their ripple control shock absorber and rebound spring to improve ride comfort. While smooth, the ride is firm, which is surprising considering Latio Sport's comfort-bias. The cabin is well-insulated from engine, wind and road noise, providing a refined drive at cruising speeds. Driver gets height-adjustable seat but only tilt-adjustable steering column. The wide, supportive seats provide much comfort for long trips, while the cabin uses black, instead of beige found in Latio sedan, for a sportier feel.