Nissan opens new 3S centre in Muar, features Nissan Retail Concept

Another 3S Nissan service center has been opened in Muar, Johor, and is operated by NM Supreme Sdn Bhd. This 8,000 square feet 3S center also features the Nissan Retail Concept for an enhanced post-sales experience for customers.

The Nissan Retail Concept aims to innovate Nissan dealerships and deliver world-class service standards to customers worldwide. It focuses on showcasing the Nissan brand value throughout the customer’s time at this flagship center, whether for test-driving the latest models or bringing in their cars for routine servicing.

Every touchpoint of the retail convenience facilities adhering to the NRC concept has been designed and refined to deliver enjoyment and satisfaction to customers.

The sales area of this 3S center can accommodate up to six vehicles. It also includes four service bays with a daily service capacity of 16 vehicles.

The service area, spanning over 4,000 square feet, is managed by a team of six trained and professional technicians.

Moreover, a comfortable customer waiting area has been designed and equipped with WiFi facilities, as well as complimentary food and beverages.

“The initiative to innovate Nissan dealerships in line with the NRC concept is to ensure that our customers receive world-class service at top-notch facilities aligned with the global Nissan brand experience,” said Khoo Cheng Pah, Chief Executive Officer of Edaran Tan Chong Motor.

The NM Supreme Sdn Bhd 3S center is located at No. 106, Jalan Meriam, 84000 Muar, Johor. It is open during operating hours as follows:

Showroom
Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Public holidays: Closed

Service center
Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am – 1 pm
Sunday and public holidays: Closed

Tan Chong to launch first Nissan e-Power model in H2 2024

EDARAN Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) recently showcased the Nissan Kicks e-Power at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024.

Khoo Cheng Pah, Chief Executive Officer of Edaran Tan Chong Motor, confirmed that the company will launch their first e-Power model in the second half of this year.

The specific model to be launched has not been disclosed, but there are rumors suggesting that ETCM will introduce the Serena e-Power.

E-Power is a Nissan’s hybrid technology that integrates internal combustion engine with an electric motor. It offers an immediate throttle response as the latter can generate maximum torque instantaneously.

With this technology, the engine is only utilised to generate electricity, while the wheels are 100% driven by a high-output motor.

The main components of e-Power include consists of a Lithium-ion battery, a high-power electric motor, inverter, generator and a combustion engine with class-leading thermal efficiency.

Unlike conventional self-charging hybrids where the wheels are primarily and directly driven by the engine, the e Power’s intelligent control system regulates engine operation independently based on factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, degree of acceleration and battery charge levels.

As a result, the driving experience is quiet and refined with less frequent engine operation compared to conventional hybrids.

At low to medium speeds, such as in urban areas, the vehicle is mainly driven by the electric motor powered by the lithium-ion battery for an EV-like performance.

When driven at high speeds where rolling noise is elevated, the engine runs at optimal RPM to generate sufficient electricity to power the motor, and when strong acceleration is required, the motor combines the electricity generated by the engine and the electricity from the lithium-ion battery to power the vehicle.

Like EVs, e-Power also offers the convenience of single-pedal driving where brake pedal operation can be reduced by nearly 70% through regenerative braking which can slow the vehicle while replenishing the battery.

2025 Nissan Qashqai receives facelift, fresher new looks

Nissan’s important model in Europe, the third-generation Qashqai, has just received a facelift update for the 2025 model, bringing a fresher look to its exterior appearance.

At first glance, the facelifted front end of the Nissan Qashqai reminds us of another crossover model produced by Nissan, namely the Ariya EV.

Compared to the previous model, Nissan has made changes to this area by removing the V-Motion chrome grille element, where the main grille structure has now increased in size and features a lattice design inspired by ancient Japanese military shields.

The graphic element of the daytime running lights (DRL) in the shape of an arrow is still retained but with a more ‘digital’ approach. The main headlamp units appear well concealed.

Regarding the rear, the changes are minimal, with the Qashqai showcasing different LED graphic light units, followed by a more sporty bumper.

As standard, the Qashqai comes with 18 to 19-inch wheel sets, while the new N-Design variant is equipped with 20-inch wheel sets.

Moving into the cabin, there is not much that has changed, except for the Android-based infotainment system that now offers Google Maps navigation and Google Assistant.

The Around View Monitor surveillance system now supports a three-dimensional display function, including an engine heads-up display (HUD) and a memory function for frequently used parking locations.

Unfortunately, there have been no changes made to the powertrain, where the Nissan Qashqai still retains the choice of a mild hybrid 1.3-liter engine (138 hp) or a 1.5-liter E-Power hybrid engine (187 hp).

The 2025 facelifted Nissan Qashqai is still being produced at the Nissan Sunderland plant in the UK and is expected to arrive in the European market in the near future.

This is the final ICE Nissan GT-R that Malaysians won’t be able to buy

NISSAN Malaysia, under the umbrella of Edaran Tan Chong Motor, has recently slowed down their operations. There have been no new model launches, and several promised SUV models are still yet to make an appearance in the Malaysian market.

Meanwhile, in the Japanese market, Nissan has recently introduced updates for the high-performance GT-R 2025. Speculations suggest that this model might mark the conclusion of the R35 series before production ceases.

The updated version closely resembles the exterior of the previous year’s facelift model. Additionally, the GT-R Premium Edition now offers the option of Blue Heaven upholstery, giving its cabin a classic appearance.

One of the notable changes brought by the update is the inclusion of exclusive engine components that were previously only available for the Nismo Special Edition. This includes the use of Nismo components such as piston rings, connecting rods, and a balanced crankshaft.

Consequently, the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine in the Nissan GT-R Premium Edition T-Spec and Track Edition now provides quicker engine revs and turbo spooling. The horsepower remains the same, standing at 565 hp for the standard model and 600 hp for the Nismo edition.

Despite these minor changes, the selling price of the Nissan GT-R 2025 has significantly increased, ranging from ¥14,443,000 (~RM457,361) for the standard version to ¥30,613,000 (~RM969,411) for the GT-R Nismo Special Edition.

Looking towards the future of the GT-R, there are recent indications. At the Japan Mobility Show late last year, Nissan unveiled the fully electric concept model, Hyper Force.

Although its appearance may seem overly aggressive for a supercar, the Nissan GT-R “R36” is reported to be capable of generating up to 1,341 hp with an all-wheel-drive e-4ORCE system and two driving modes: GT (Grand Touring) and R (Racing).

In all likelihood, the newly launched Nissan GT-R 2025 in Japan will only enter the Malaysian market through third-party channels, provided there is a demand.

The Nissan X-Trail Mountain Rescue gets snow tracks and DJI drone

NISSAN has transformed the X-Trail from a regular SUV into an emergency vehicle for complete rescue operations, complete with snow chains, a winch, and rescue equipment.

The Nissan X-Trail Mountain Rescue Concept was showcased at the Cervinia ski resort in Italy. It was designed to remind the public to engage in skiing activities responsibly and ethically.

In addition to the four snow chain-equipped tires, enabling the X-Trail to carry out rescue missions in snowy mountains, Nissan has provided a special roof rack.

It comes with special lights, emergency sirens, a winch, and even includes skis and a snow shovel. The X-Trail is also fitted with larger and wider fenders, tow points, a winch cable, floodlights, and a 23cm higher ground clearance.

Upgrades continue inside where the vehicle is equipped with a Garmin GPS and Motorola communication devices. A major modification is in the rear, where the seats have been removed to accommodate stretchers. Additionally, it features rear-facing treatment seats.

Finally, there is a storage cabinet containing emergency supplies such as a snow depth gauge and a thermal blanket. There is also space for accommodating a DJI drone!

Although this concept outlines responsible skiing ethics, it also showcases the e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system on the X-Trail.

According to Nissan, it can respond to changes in grip at a rate of 1/10,000th of a second, which is over 1,000 times faster than conventional systems. The e-4ORCE can also distribute power according to grip levels.

2024 Nissan Almera gains sporty Kuro Edition, from RM83,888

FOR 2024, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) introduces the Nissan Almera Kuro Edition, which brings a more rugged and sporty outlook, standard for all variants. It also comes with a new Glacier Grey color.

The basic package for the Almera Kuro Edition will feature a new black front grille and black rims (15- and 16-inch depending on the variant). Additionally, you can opt to add the Kuro Package or Kuro GT Package.

The Kuro Package, priced at RM8,000, includes black Tomei body kit (front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler), door visor, door edge protector, kick plate, sports pedals, and ICE Cool tinting film.

On the other hand, the Kuro GT Package, priced at an additional RM3,200, comes with the GT Tomei spoiler and 16-inch Impul alloy rims. This package is limited to only 300 vehicles.

“With the enhancements of the KURO (Black) Edition, the Almera is now more visually striking than ever and we are confident that it will receive the attention it deserves as the most complete sedan in the B-segment,” said Christopher Tan, Director of Sales and Marketing at Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd.

Other specifications remain similar to the previous Almera. It is powered by a 1.0-liter turbo engine producing 100hp and 152Nm, mated to the Xtronic CVT gearbox.

Safety features include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (IFEB) as standard. The highest VLT variant is also equipped with Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Intelligent Around View Monitor (IAVM) with Moving Object Detection.

The new 2024 Nissan Almera Kuro Edition is offered starting at RM83,888, and ETCM is offering a promotional price of only RM1,000 for the Kuro Package (original price RM8,000) and RM500 for the Kuro GT Package.

Artisan will build you an R35 GT-R with R34 styling, with up to 1,000hp

Everyone knows that the Nissan GT-R R35 is now aging, although it is still the most high-performance car sold by Nissan today.

However, Artisan Vehicle Design seems to have a way to make it more appealing. The tuning company is developing an R35 with the body style of the R34, a completely new interior, and up to 1,000hp. Limited production, of course.

Sounds like the perfect GT-R, doesn’t it? Because you get modern performance from the R35 but with the cool classic look of the R34. The writer prefers the look of the R34 Skyline, do you agree?

To achieve this result, Artisan is replacing all R35 body panels with carbon fiber components to reduce weight while increasing rigidity. The lighting system is also completely new.

For colors, Artisan offers iconic GT-R colors like Millenium Jade, Midnight Purple, and Bayside Blue. But you can also choose any other color you want.

The interior is equipped with a new infotainment system, and the dashboard and door trim are different from the standard GT-R. There are also carbon fiber accents and Alcantara leather wrap in some areas.

Now let’s talk about the mechanical aspects. If you purchase this Artisan GT-R, you can choose between two power packages: Track or Ultimate. Track gives you 800hp while Ultimate offers up to 1,000hp. Both versions come with upgraded brakes, tires, and suspension, ensuring the car is always under control.

These images are still in the concept phase, but the actual prototype will be unveiled at the 2024 SEMA event, and production will begin thereafter.

Only 36 units will be produced worldwide, starting at a price of USD450,000 (RM2.085 million). If you have the budget, would you grab one?