The Nissan model in Malaysia final yr noticed just a few launches, with probably the most notable being the facelifted Leaf that went on sale in March. Different introductions by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) embrace varied editions of the present Serena and Navara in addition to three one-off dressed-up automobiles that made their debut on the first-ever Tokyo Auto Salon KL.

As you may inform, there’s not a lot in the way in which of main launches, so what can we count on from ETCM in 2024? Listed here are some merchandise we’re anticipating, beginning with the sixth-generation (C28) Serena, which has already been noticed testing right here. First revealed again in November 2022, the most recent Serena brings with it a extra refreshed design that includes a extra fashionable tackle the model’s signature V-motion grille which seamlessly blends into the multi-tier headlamps.

The Serena’s boxy profile stays acquainted, accompanied by narrower taillights and an overhauled inside. The latter now sports activities a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system on the dashboard, together with discreet air vents and an angled panel with the local weather controls, gear selector (no extra shift lever) and buttons for different car capabilities.

As for the powertrain, we’re anticipating the Serena to proceed with the MR20DD 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine, which at the moment makes 150 PS (148 hp or 110 kW) and 200 Nm within the C27. The engine is accompanied is a hybrid factor within the type of a small electrical motor offering 2.6 PS (2.4 hp or 1.8 kW) and 48 Nm of accelerative increase when wanted, with drive going to the entrance wheels by way of an Xtronic CVT.

In different markets like Japan, the Serena can be accessible with an up to date model of the E-Energy hybrid system that substitutes the earlier HR12DE engine 1.2 litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine for the HR14DDe engine 1.4 litre unit.

The engine acts primarily as a generator to cost a lithium-ion battery, which then powers a extra highly effective front-mounted EM57 electrical motor rated at 163 PS (161 hp or 120 kW) and 315 Nm. We’ve by no means gotten the e-Energy hybrid in any Nissan car right here, and we don’t suppose this may change with the brand new Serena except ETCM surprises us.

Since we’re speaking about issues that we’d not get, it seems plans for the Kicks and Ariya have dropped off. The Kicks was teased for a potential introduction method again in February 2022, however there have been no updates as as to if the B-segment crossover would go on sale right here since. As for the Ariya, the electrical car (EV) has been sighted in Malaysia earlier than, however identical to the Kicks, there was no indication if it can ever go on sale.

Shifting our focus again to automobiles that would come our method, there’s the facelifted Almera, which has already been launched in Thailand and the Philippines. Updates to the B-segment sedan embrace a entrance fascia with an up to date V-motion grille and Nissan badge, together with some minor inside tweaks. Our native Almera acquired a Kuro Version this yr, when you’re .

As Tan Chong is talked about on this put up, we must also level out Guangzhou Vehicle Group, in any other case often known as GAC. The Chinese language automotive model isn’t new to Malaysia, because the first-generation GS3 was launched method again in December 2021, with distributorship dealt with by Warisan Tan Chong Automotif (WTCA).

Final Could, WTCA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings (a Tan Chong Group firm), introduced a CKD native meeting programme price over RM60 million. This may see Tan Chong’s Segambut plant be upgraded to supply the second-generation GS3, with CKD manufacturing scheduled to start in April 2024 adopted by the beginning of gross sales in mid-2024. It’s an enormous deal as a result of this might be GAC’s first-ever CKD challenge not simply in ASEAN, however on the earth exterior of China.

The CKD programme might be supplemented by a vendor community of over showrooms throughout Malaysia, with the primary, flagship showroom being readied in Petaling Jaya in Q3 this yr. Along with the GS3, we’re anticipating the bigger Emkoo to be a part of the native GAC line-up sooner or later.

The Emkoo was first revealed in April 2022 and went on sale in China in August the identical yr, accessible with turbocharged and hybrid petrol powertrains. With a size of 4,680 mm, a width of 1,901 mm and a top of 1,670 mm, the Emkoo is in regards to the measurement of the most recent Honda CR-V, though the GAC SUV has an extended wheelbase of two,750 mm (+49 mm).

Nonetheless on the subject of GAC, it was confirmed a number of days in the past that Tan Chong’s Warisan TC has been appointed the sole and unique distributor of GAC’s Aion vary of EVs. The Aion S Plus will almost definitely be one of many fashions coming our method after one was noticed this month. The sedan, which is across the measurement of a Toyota Camry, was launched in China in June 2021 and is obtainable with as much as 602 km of vary (NEDC).

Based mostly on these particulars, it’s evident that Tan Chong can have lots on its plate with reference to Nissan and GAC. What fashions are you be trying ahead to probably the most?

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