KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 – Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) introduced the new Nissan Elgrand, a 7-seater premium MPV.
Large luxury Japanese MPV’s have been coming into the country as ‘grey imports’ by ‘parallel’ importers for quite a number of years now; they are used by family types and businessmen who need a large, yet comfortable MPV for long distance travel, and even as an ‘office away from the office’ which allows busy executives to work or hold small meetings whilst stuck in traffic jams.
The grey imports were retailing for amounts ranging from RM150,000 for the smaller-sized units to as high as RM400,000 and above for the top of the range larger models. With a huge in-flow of such vehicles and the seemingly ‘money-no-objection’ attitude of the potential buyers, it was just a question of time before the franchise importers got into the game.
After all, franchise importers are better able to support these imports with proper parts and service back-up compared to the ‘parallel’ importers.
Toyota was marginally ahead by recently introducing the Alphard and the Previa, and the Elgrand signals that Edaran Tan Chong Motor is game on as well.
Introducing the new MPV, Tan Keng Meng, Director of Product Planning and Marketing said: “We at ETCM are delighted to provide Malaysian motorists yet another MPV that epitomise the meaning of luxury. On a day-to-day basis of leisure and business, the new Nissan Elgrand provides exquisiteness, recognition and desirable features beyond the basic necessities.”
The exterior styling of the New Nissan Elgrand has what is described by Edaran Tan Chong as ‘a strong and commanding presence’ with a styled chrome plated front grille. This is augmented by chrome coated 18-inch multi-spoke design alloy wheels. Headlamps are LED projector type, with Active Adaptive Front-Lighting System for enhanced night visibility.
Interior features in the new Nissan Elgrand are designed to give it a touch of luxury, and includes a Multi-Information Display (MID) and Auto Cruise Control. The Fine Vision Meter with a 5-inch Drive Assist Display located between the speedometer and tachometer, provide key drive information to the driver.
The Nissan Elgrand comes with a ‘walk-through’ cabin, featuring captain seats with Ottoman and adjustable shoulder support. The 7-seater luxury also features an electrically-powered driver seat with 8-way adjustment.
The third row seat has a sliding function of up to 240mm fore or aft; this allows for the flexibility to get more legroom for the occupants by sliding them backwards, or moving them forwards to get more luggage space.
The New Nissan Elgrand features a black interior with a combination of deep wood grain accents. Black leather-bound seats come with a diamond-shaped quilt pattern and brown double stitching.
Propelled by a 3.5-litre engine and automatic transmission, the Nissan Elgrand is available in four colours - Imperial Umber, Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver and Phantom Black, and is priced at RM 388,000, (price on-the-road, without insurance with a warranty of 3 years or 100,000kms (whichever comes first). Bookings can be made at Nissan Showrooms nationwide.
