Edaran Tan Chong Motors (ETCM) has introduced the latest Nissan Murano to Malaysia, retailing at RM318,200 (excluding insurance and on-the-road costs). The 2nd generation Murano is Nissan’s premium crossover which offers an enhanced sense of sporty and reassuring driving performance, a quieter and more comfortable interior with even more luxury features. The all-new Nissan Murano’s exterior styling has been described as a piece of sculptured modern art. With its clean-cut shape, the Murano exudes strength and sturdiness that spells reliability and years of enjoyable use.
“With new looks, enhanced performance and refinement, a host of innovative features and an impressive new interior, the all-new Nissan Murano is a significant evolution of the trend-setting original”, added Dato’ Dr Ang when introducing this all-new premium crossover at the media event. While the Murano’sexterior draws lingering looks, the interior presents total luxury. Described as a suite on wheels, the Murano’s cabin is spacious, functional and lavishly appointed. With the 60/40-split folding automatic rear seats folded, the luggage capacity rises up to 838 litres.
Like the original, the heart of the Murano is its advanced engine, transmission and chassis combination, which is anchored by Nissan’s proven VQ35DE V6 engine, paired with Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and rigid D-platform. The VQ35DE engine achieves improved output and fuel-efficiency (9.3km/L on JP 10-15 mode) through reduced friction. This award-winning member of the Nissan VQ engine series puts out 260ps and 336Nm with effortless precision. The Nissan D-platform helps optimize the balance between a flat, comfortable ride and the quiet, superb handling and stability of a premium crossover.
The ALL MODE 4×4-i all-wheel drive system and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) ensure smooth cornering and stable handling on slippery road surfaces by monitoring wheel spin and adjusting front/rear torque split accordingly for a balanced drive.
In the US, the all-new Nissan Murano has earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2008. IIHS recognised the all-new Nissan Murano as the best overall performer in front, side and rear crash during test evaluations. In addition, the Murano rides securely on 18” alloy wheels and active safety is taken care of by ABS, EBD and Braking Assist.
Other technological features include memory seats, stylish dual glass sunroof, power lift gate and rear view camera to embrace the driver and passengers with feelings of warmth, modernity, comfort, innovation and security. “While we find ourselves in challenging economic circumstances, we are confident that the 370Z and MURANO will be well received based on both critical and market reception to both these all new Nissan “Halo” models. The all-new Nissan 370Z and Murano will appeal to a segment of customers who have the means to demand the perfect blend of quality and safety, while aspiring for an uncompromising level of driving purity that comes from the pedigree of these premium performance models. ” said Dato’ Dr Ang.
Some things just get better all the time. Malaysia’s all-time favorite luxury SUV, the Volvo XC90, just got even better with the recent introduction of the new diesel variant - the Volvo XC90 D5. Better fuel efficiency for more mileage, greater torque and power, and less emission too. That’s just some of the benefits of driving the new Volvo XC90 D5.
“I’m very pleased and proud to introduce the new Volvo XC90 D5. It has all the features and benefits that are renown in a XC90 model - safety, versatility, spaciousness and stylish too… and now with the diesel variant, things just got even better,” said Mr. Robert Norrman, President of Volvo Car Malaysia.
Since the launch of the petrol engined XC90 T5 and T6 in 2003, the first 7-seater luxury SUV in Malaysia has been the best-seller among its segment for 5 straight years. The Volvo XC90 is suitable for everyday life and for all occasions. For work, leisure, city driving or even weekend get-aways, the XC90 is a spectacular showcase of Volvo’s philosophy of integrating form and function to achieve beauty, versatility and safety.It is no wonder that the Volvo XC90 is one of the world’s most awarded SUV, receiving more than 50 international awards for these very same traits.
“Malaysians are absolutely right to choose the XC90 as their car of choice. Its features, benefits, safety, price… the whole package is just superb,” said Norrman.
The locally-assembled XC90 D5 is a transversely-mounted 2.4 litre in-line 5-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 185 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque with a 6-speed automatic Geartronic transmission.
It is priced at RM355,000 (on the road without insurance) and comes in four colors – Black Sapphire Metallic, Oyster Grey Pearl, Electric Silver Metallic and Shadow Blue Metallic.
More background of the Volvo XC90:
Launch
The Volvo XC90 was launched in early 2002 as the first purpose-built SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) to come from Volvo Cars. It is also Volvo's first seven-seat car since the 1940s. The Volvo XC90 has electronically controlled All-Wheel Drive. It has the capacity to forge ahead on very poor roads, but is primarily intended as a spacious passenger car with excellent driving manners, immense safety and intelligent versatility.
New features Volvo XC90 - brief summary
·Exterior rear emblem with increased space between the letters
·Modified front head restraints
Design
Five-door SUV - a crossover model that combines the passenger car's comfort and comfort with excellent get-you-there ability and flexibility. The Volvo XC90 is designed to give a robust yet at the same time compact and elegant impression. It is built as a 7-seater passenger car, with a unitary body and the same type of chassis as that found in Volvo's sedan models - unlike some other SUV models that are built on a truck chassis. The passenger compartment is very spacious, thanks not least to Volvo's modern powertrain concept with transverse engine installation.
The Volvo brand name in the rear of the XC90 D5 adopts the new widespread lettering to enhance visibility of the brand. The individual letters will also be larger.
Safety
Volvo Cars adopts a holistic view of safety that encompasses both Preventive and Protective safety. Preventive safety is closely linked to the car's driving properties. The body of the Volvo XC90 features immense torsional rigidity and the car has a sturdy chassis, a combination that results in consistent, predictable behaviour on the road. Ground clearance is high to offer good get-you-there ability on poor roads. Despite this, the floor is set low down, which contributes to the car's low centre of gravity and excellent directional stability.
Protective safety in the Volvo XC90 is structured around a network consisting of exterior and interior safety systems that interact with one another to reduce the risk of occupant injury in a collision.
The exterior systems have the task of distributing and absorbing incoming collision forces so that the passenger compartment remains as intact and undamaged as possible.
Thanks to its unitary body, the Volvo XC90 has been able to be built with the same type of deformation zone as Volvo's other car models. The body is built in the form of a metal cage where all the components interact with one another to ensure controlled deformation. A gently rounded front and an extra beam below the front bumper help reduce the risk of injury to other road users.
The interior safety systems aim to keep the passengers securely in place and also to reduce the risk of serious injury. In order to provide the most effective protection possible, Volvo Cars has developed a number of in-house systems, such as WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and IC (Inflatable Curtain). All are fitted as standard in the Volvo XC90. Certain components have undergone further development specifically for the XC90 model. For instance, the Inflatable Curtain has been extended so it also covers passengers in the third row of seats. All seven seats are equipped with three-point inertia-reel seat belts, belt pre-tensioners and head restraints. The highest possible safety requires that all the car's occupants always use their seat belts.
The Volvo XC90 features reinforced roll-over protection. An active stability-enhancement system (Roll Stability Control) activates if the car risks rolling over. Engine power is reduced, anti-roll bar stiffness is increased and the brakes are automatically applied to stabilise the car. If the car should roll over, a network of beams in the body structure helps distribute and absorb the resulting forces. In addition, an electronic sensor registers if the car is about to roll over and accordingly activates the seat belt pre-tensioners and the inflatable curtains.
Driveline and handling
The Volvo XC90 D5 is equipped with a five-cylinder engine. It is fitted transversely in keeping with Volvo's modern powertrain concept. They are designed to operate smoothly, with low vibration and high torque across a wide rev range.
The engine is extremely compact and mounted transversely, for optimum crash safety and maximum cabin space. The five-cylinder turbo diesel provides smooth and powerful driving. This responsive and modern diesel features a service-free particle filter, making it a highly eco-efficient engine.
The chassis, with spring struts at the front and Multilink axle at the rear, is set up for stable, reassuring driving manners and alert steering response. The Multilink rear axle is an independent rear suspension system featuring a number of links and it is designed to offer a good combination of controlled wheel movements and high ride comfort. Some of these links have the task of providing a certain degree of anti-skid steering effect. A long wheelbase and wide track, together with a very torsionally rigid body, contribute to the predictable, controlled driving manners. Large wheels with a relatively tall tyre profile and stiff tyre sidewalls contribute further to stability.
The Volvo XC90 has Volvo's electronically controlled All-Wheel Drive system with Instant Traction, for fast and effective distribution of traction even when moving off on a slippery surface. Volvo's advanced DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) stability-enhancing system is fitted as standard. DSTC cuts in and helps stabilise the car if it registers any tendency to skid.
The environment
The Volvo XC90 is designed and equipped to impact as little as possible on the global environment and to offer a clean and healthy interior climate. Energy-efficient diesel engines with particle filters produce low emissions of carbon dioxide and soot particles.
Volvo's IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) effectively reduces the amount of particles, pollen, gases and certain unpleasant odours in the air entering the cabin. In addition, all textiles and leather are certified under ÖKO-TEX 100, an international standard, which ensures that the interior trim is free from allergy-inducing substances and emissions.
Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, has revealed their FX50 super-size SUV - replacing its predecessor FX45 - at Geneva 2008. The 2009 FX will be powered by a new 5.0L V8 capable of 390hp and 500Nm, which succeeds the 4.5L (320hp) V8 of the FX45. Also available will be an FX Sport Package that adds on Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension, Rear-Active Steer and 21-inch alloys. Infiniti claims that this option will improve chassis balance and handling.
Volvo has released the first photos of its freshest new model: the all-new 2009 Volvo XC60. "This is not only the safest Volvo ever - it's also the most stunning," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. The new XC60 will debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2008. Its U.S. launch following shortly thereafter; the first quarter of 2009.
Click on all images to enlarge
Volvos' new XC60 crossover steps boldly into what is the motoring world's toughest and fastest-growing segment - the "Small Premium Utility". This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. "We're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you'd recognise a Volvo from 300 feet away today, I dare say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance."
A variety of intelligent safety systems are another important part of the XC60's special character. The big news is City Safety - a unique system that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car automatically applies the brakes.
"Volvo is the first in the world to offer this type of feature as standard," says Arp. "City Safety clearly signals that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision."
The new XC60 will be launched in the U.S. with only one standard engine: the powerful turbocharged T6, which produces 281 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard. The global sales target for the new XC60 is 50,000 units per year. The five largest markets during the peak year 2010 are expected to be the USA (15,000 - 20,000 units annually), Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.
The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales will start in Europe during Q3 2008, while sales in North America are targeted to begin in early 2009.
Based on the Iosis X Concept vehicle, the Ford Kuga crossover SUV is set to make another appearance at Geneva 2008, after its preview in Frankfurt Show 2007.
Riding on Ford's C-vehicle platform which spawned models ranging from Ford Focus, C-Max, Volvo C30, S40/V50 and even the Mazda3, the new Kuga will only be available with a 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine – good for 136ps and 320Nm - mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Torque is transferred then on through a full-time Haldex intelligent AWD system or plain 4x2 (FWD). Manufactured at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany the new Kuga will begin sale in Europe by Q3 2008.
You are looking at BMW’s Sports Activity Coupe, a seemingly new class of vehicle from the performance-oriented folks at Munich. Acronymed as SAC, supposedly sportier and more coupe-esque than the regular X5 (SAV, Sports Activity Vehicle) – on which it is based, the new X6 will be considerably quicker too. Being a modern BMW (think: 335i), the new X6 comes with a choice of two diesel and two petrol engines, all turbocharged, three of 'em with twin blowers!
Turbodiesel variants starts with the X6 xDrive30d, fitted with BMW’s 3.0L turbocharged straight six diesel engine that punches out a maximum 232hp at 4000 rpm and wrenches a maximum torque of 520Nm, peaking constantly between 2000 and 2750 rpm. This ‘mildest’ form of an X6 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.0secs, and marches on to a maximum velocity of 210 km/h.
Next, there’s the X6 xDrive35d, which is equipped with a 3.0L twin-turbo in-line six diesel churning out 282hp at 4400 rpm and a maximum torque of 550 Nm maintained between 1750 and 2250 rpm. This oil burner of an X6 accelerates from 0 to100 km/h in 6.9secs, on the way to a top whack of 236 km/h.
Petrol engine options include the highly renowned and award-winning 3.0L twin-turbo IL6 for the X6 xDrive35i, that pushes out 306bhp, available consistently between 5800 and 6250 rpm, with maximum torque of 400 Nm on tap from just 1300rpm, all the way to 5000 rpm. The X6 xDrive35i zips from 0-100 km/h in 6.7seconds with a Vmax of 240 km/h.
The chunky and tall top-of-the-line X6 xDrive50i will be as rapid on the go as the 335i Coupe, doing 5.4 seconds to the century and maxing out to an electronically limited 250km/h. It is propelled by a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 pushing out 407bhp at 5500 - 6400rpm, along with 600Nm of peak torque that stays accessible from 1800 to 4500rpm.
All X6s come with a six-speed automatic gearbox (with steering gear paddles) transferring power to the tarmac via BMW’s xDrive (AWD). The dynamic four-wheel drive system allows variable distribution of torque not just between the front and rear axles, but also between rear wheels.
Combined with BMW's Adaptive Drive - which provides active body roll control and damper adjustment - and a host of other electronic driving aids like DSC/DTC, EDC (blah! blah! blah!), the X6 should drive very much like any high performance coupe or sedans from the blue propeller marque.
However, For Wheels can’t help but ask where does the X6 fit in it all, with the M5, X5 and maybe even the M6. It is rumoured to cost in the region (sometime next year in Malaysia) of RM800k for the top-gun X6 4.4L with twin turbo, so wouldn’t you rather have that full-bodied M5? Or perhaps go for that upcoming Porsche Cayenne GTS?
While Mercedes-Benz is contemplating a different model to replace both its A- & B-Class come 2011, its long time arch-rival, BMW, has a 3 Series-based compact MPV (Sportvan) given stamping approval for production. Expected to arrive sometime mid-2010 in both RWD and all-wheel drive (AWD) forms, the F3 will likely share the same engines as the 3-Series and 1-Series. Both BMW’s superb 2.0L turbodiesels will undoubtedly make it under the F3’s hoods in Europe, but these oil burners are unlikely to cross over to the North American market, much like the recently unveiled 1-series coupe.
Previously referred to as the BMW V3, this 5-seater compact MPV will wear an F3 badge when it goes into production by 2010. AutoWeek reported a BMW insider giving the following statement: “We’ve looked carefully at prevailing market trends, and there appears to be a clear shift away from old-style multi-purpose vehicles. By combining the high seating position of a sport/utility vehicle with the space afforded by a traditional station wagon, crossovers appear to be providing a clear alternative to buyers.”
Not surprisingly, the all-wheel drive F3 will share driveline components (xDrive) with the all-new X3, which is due sometime 2009. The F3 is not the first crossover MPV from BMW due for rollout. The Munich automaker had already confirmed in 2005 that it will be building a sports-MPV based on the X5 under the working title RFK (Raumfunktionales Konzept) meaning Space-Functional Concept.
The production model of this Mercedes-Benz R-Class competitor will be dubbed F5 (early rendering as the V5 above) and is scheduled to debut sometime mid-2009. Mercedes-Benz has experienced lacklustre sales of its R-Class sports-tourer MPV practically the world over. Whether BMW can work wonders with this upcoming F5 remains a big question mark, even though the crossover market is a growing segment both in Europe as well as the United States.
After noting the success of the X3 and X5, BMW is looking to capture a wider audience from this burgeoning market with the upcoming F3, which will be marketed as a small crossover MPV promising a sporty drive and flexible utility in one compact package. It will be targeted at motoring enthusiasts who don’t find the X3 interesting or exciting enough, but want something that rides taller and roomier, and possibly more fashionable than the E90 3-series.
