Home - Piston.my

2022 Nissan Serena S-HYBRID updated with cosmetic changes and added safety features

Though SUVs seem to be what everyone wants these days, there is still good demand for other types of vehicles and for those who want space and versatility, the MPV remains a good choice. Among the MPVs sold by the non-Malaysian brands, the most popular model in 2021 was the Nissan Serena S-HYBRID. It was the first hybrid MPV to be assembled locally and is still the only MPV assembled in Malaysia with a hybrid powertrain.

When this generation was first introduced by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), it was already equipped like a premium MPV – but without the premium price. Local assembly kept its price a long way down from the big Japanese MPVs and it very quickly established itself among businessmen wanting a mobile office and families with lots of members.

That it was already good value for money and selling very well made it tricky for the product planners to make it better. Nissan had updated the model, which is also very popular in Japan, and refreshed the styling a bit as well as enhanced safety.

This updated model has reached Malaysia and was launched today with two variants being offered – the Serena S-HYBRID Highway Star and Serena S-HYBRID Premium Highway Star. priced at RM149,888 and RM162,888, respectively (without insurance, for registration in Peninsular Malaysia).

Cosmetic changes with new grille
The cosmetic changes on the exterior include redesigned dual projector LED headlamps on either side of the new V-Motion grille that now has a sophisticated chrome pattern over its expansive surface. The front bumper has also been redesigned with integrated foglamps incorporating Daytime Running Lights at each corner.

At the rear the bumper is also a new moulding and has Gloss Black finishing for a classy touch. The rear light units have also been redesigned, providing immediate identification for the latest Serena S-HYBRID.

All-round protection with 360° Safety Shield
The latest Nissan models, including the Serena S-HYBRID, have a range of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies to increase safety and also make journeys more comfortable. These technologies make up the 360° Safety Shield to give complete all-round protection.

For the new Serena S-HYBRID, the 360° Safety Shield has enhanced Active Safety with 5 new systems added. These systems not only improve the driver’s awareness of the surroundings but can also autonomously take action to prevent an accident. They are Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning & Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

While most of the systems will provide alerts to the driver when there is another vehicle nearby and there is a risk of collision, the Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning & Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking systems go further. The radar sensor located in the front of the vehicle detects the distances between the two cars ahead, as well as their relative speed. This allows the system to assess the situation ahead and determine whether there is a collision risk.

In most cases, the driver would either decrease speed or brake to avoid colliding with the vehicle in front. But there may be times when he or she may not react in time (due to being distracted by something or not attentive) and if no correct response occurs after the alert has been given, the system will automatically apply the brakes (Automatic Emergency Braking). In this way, a potential collision with a vehicle ahead could be avoided or if not, then the damage could be reduced due to the lowered impact speed.

Also helping the driver’s awareness of the surroundings is the Intelligent Around View Monitor. This can be found in more and more vehicles today but the one in the Serena S-HYBRID has one extra feature: Intelligent Moving Object Detection. While small cameras capture the image on all sides of the vehicle to form a simulated overhead view, sensors also monitor the areas and if there are moving objects, the driver will be alerted.

On long journeys, fatigue can set in and make the driver drowsy. While the Lane Departure Warning system will alert the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane dangerously, there is also an Intelligent Driver Alertness system that monitors the driving behaviour. If it determines that the driver is behaving in a manner that suggests drowsiness, an alert will come on and the driver should take a break.

Being a long MPV with three rows of seats means that there is more glass area along the sides. For added protection during a side impact or violent accident, full-length curtain airbags will deploy downwards. These airbags will cover the window openings, greatly reducing the risk of not only injuries but also being ejected from the vehicle. The driver and front passenger also have airbags at the front and sides for their protection.

‘Zero Gravity’ seats
The long and spacious cabin has three rows of seats, with Captain’s Seats in the second row. These provide more comfortable seating with their generous width and like the front seats, they have a ‘Zero Gravity’ design. The design concept, which was inspired by NASA studies on astronauts, creates a neutral posture position which is proven to reduce fatigue

As with all MPVs, the seating can be arranged in various ways to carry more people or more cargo or long items. Quality materials are used and with the Premium Highway Star variant, combination quilted Nappa leather (available in brown or black) has a premium look and feel.

To add to the premium ambience within, soundproofing liners have been added to the rear wheel housing. This supresses NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) levels to deliver a quieter, experience for all passengers.

Entertainment on the move is provided by a 6-speaker infotainment system managed from a new 9-inch full-colour touchscreen. Besides the standard functions, there is also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, enabling favourite apps from compatible smartphones to be transferred onto the display panel. This means that navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze can be viewed and accessed from the touchscreen and/or voice-activated too.

As almost everyone has at least one portable electronic device nowadays, recharging the battery is a daily requirement. When in the Serena S-HYBRID, there won’t be fighting over the recharging port as up to 7 USB ports are provided around the cabin.

Convenient side and back doors
Retained from the 2021 model are the highly appreciated Dual Back Door and Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Doors. The Dual Back Door concept is unique to the Serena S-HYBRID and provides convenient and faster access to the ample cargo area. For large and tall items, the whole of the rear door can be raised but if there are small items like groceries, it is unnecessary to lift the whole door. The upper half can be opened separately and the items can be easily dropped inside. This is also extremely useful in tight spaces.

While powered dual sliding doors are found on many MPVs these days, the Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Doors on both sides of the Serena S-HYBRID are less common and usually available only on more expensive models. With the hands-free capability, the doors can be opened by just placing a foot under the side of the vehicle (provided the remote key fob is in the pocket or handbag). A sensor will detect the foot and automatically power the door open.

Hybrid tech for efficiency
Hybrid technology continues to power the MPV and the hybrid drivetrain incorporates an Energy Control (ECO) electric motor which controls the idle-stop system. It also provides torque assistance on moving off, the period when the engine is under high load. The assistance reduces this load, thereby improving fuel efficiency. The S-HYBRID system thus gives some of the benefits of a hybrid powertrain without the associated high costs.

The petrol engine is a 2-litre Twin CVTC (Continuously-variable Valve Timing Control) 4-cylinder unit which has proven its reliability and durability over the years. It is equipped with a Dual Arm Tensioner which optimises tensile force on the belt to reduce friction, power losses and increases fuel efficiency. An ECO MODE can also be activated to assist the driver to improve fuel efficiency without losing driving pleasure or comfort.

The hybrid drivetrain is paired with the Nissan XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control to coordinate control between engine and transmission. The intelligent control system interprets the driver intentions from the acceleration and steering and determines the optimum transmission ratios to deliver class-leading fuel economy.

The new Serena S-HYBRID is available for viewing and test-drives at all Nissan showrooms throughout Malaysia. To locate a showroom, visit www.nissan.com.my. For those who are not able to visit Nissan showroom, they can also go to the Nissan Online Showroom where there is information on Nissan products and services in Malaysia.

Perodua received 25,100 bookings in just one day!

Earlier this year, Perodua stated that its sales target for 2022 is 247,800 units, a 30% increase over the 190,291 units it delivered nationwide in 2021. So far, in spite of the shortage of vehicles due to production limitations causes by the global microprocessor shortage, the company says it will still maintain that target.

It has in fact done slightly better in the first half of the year, delivering 127,343 vehicles – slightly more than half of the year’s target. The volume is a 30% jump from the 97,290 units sold during the same period from January to June in 2021.

It is clear that the exemption of sales tax allowed by the government to help the industry in its recovery has encouraged many to get a new vehicle – even at a time when there are financial challenges as living expenses keep going up.

In fact, on June 30 – the last day of the exemption period – Perodua alone received an incredible 25,100 bookings by customers wanting to be eligible for the 10% tax exemption. While it obviously could not deliver all the vehicles booked by the deadline, the government is allowing later deliveries for the orders to still be entitled to the exemption provided the new vehicles are registered not later than March 31, 2023.

The 25,100 bookings were an unprecedented number in Perodua’s history and stunned everyone in the company. On just that one day, the number of orders received exceeded the monthly average (20,650 units) necessary to meet the 2022 target.

Now it is up to Perodua to keep pushing out as many units as its two plants can. While the microprocessor shortage is one issue preventing completion of vehicles, there is also the problem of shortage of parts from some suppliers who are facing worker shortages, affecting their output.

“While the increase in registrations in June 2022 was partly due to better parts supply compared to the month of May, there are also issues such as skilled labour and parts shortages [at the suppliers] still present,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Dato’ Zainal asked for understanding from customers in terms of delivery, apologising for the long wait. “We are doing everything in our power to further improve production for the benefit of our customers,” he said.

Some of the actions being taken include working closely with suppliers and, in some cases, providing Perodua staff to work at their premises to ensure that parts supply continue to flow.

“That being said, we hope that the manpower issue can be resolved quickly as the impact to the industry and, to some extent, the country is significant,” he said, adding that there is ongoing communication with the suppliers and partners to find alternative supply of the needed components.

Of the 127,343 units registered in the first 6 months of 2022, the Myvi was still the most popular model with 38,039 units registered. It was followed by the Axia (29,183 units) and Bezza (28,719 units). More recent data shows that the Bezza is the most sought-after model at the moment. There has also been strong interest shown in the all-new Alza MPV which will be launched in the very near future.

Visit www.perodua.com.my to find out more about Perodua’s products and services or to locate a showroom to view and test the latest models.

Perodua to surge forward in 2022 with RM1.326 billion investment

Fuel Price Updates For July 7 – July 13, 2022

Bonuslink rewards programme enhanced with 4-level structure

From this month Shell Malaysia and BonusLink are offering their Extra rewards and loyalty programme with enhancements. The consumer rewards programme, now having more than 14.9 million members nationwide, has a new 4-level structure – Member, Silver, Gold and Platinum – which increases the level of rewards as members collect more BonusLink points at Shell stations nationwide.

Get points with card or app
As always, getting Bonuslink points can be done by fuelling up, or buying snacks or lubricants at the stores in the stations. Points can be collected either by using the BonusLink card or the BLINK App with each purchase.

Depending on the tier status, members are entitled to enjoy customer-exclusive rewards and various perks of up to 3X BonusLink Points multiplier, Deli2Go and Upsize Coffee promo, discounts on Shell products, birthday treats and more.

Extra rewarding experience
“As a mobility retailer, we are constantly evolving with our customers and striving to provide quality at every touchpoint. Our partnership with BonusLink allows us to give our customers an extra rewarding experience every time they fuel and shop at our stations,” said Seow Lee Ming, General Manager Mobility, Shell Malaysia & Singapore.

“Starting July 2022, BonusLink is taking the loyalty services one step further to reward our loyalty members. This is an exciting time for us as we begin to transform our service offerings to add value and to offer more rewards to our members based on their level. With this, members can enjoy an array of goodies and Extra Points simply by continuing to swipe their BonusLink Card or their Virtual Card via BLINK App at Shell,” explained Melvin Ooi, CEO of BonusLink.

Sunshine powers Shell stations in Malaysia

Mazda to introduce all-new e-SKYACTIV-D 3-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine

Contrary to whatever you make think, the internal combustion engine that Rudolf Diesel invented in the late 19^th century is not ready to go into the history books yet. The engine named after him that has powered millions of vehicles – and not just motor vehicles – for more than 100 years may have gained a bad reputation at various times in its life, but its robustness and fuel efficiency have made it the preferred choice for commercial vehicles.

The introduction of the commonrail high-pressure fuel delivery system 20 years ago made it more popular for passenger vehicles as it enhanced performance and various solutions were found to reduce its ‘dirty’ image (although ‘dieselgate’ was damaging). Nevertheless, today’s diesel engines, mostly with turbochargers boosting output, are still popular powerplants for vehicles like pick-up trucks and SUVs in the passenger-carrying category.

Mazda began developing its SKYACTIV technologies over 10 years ago to raise fuel efficiency and engine output, and it has been constantly upgrading the technologies which are applicable to both petrol and diesel powerplants.

Mazda has been one of the diesel ‘loyalists’ and used its long engineering expertise to develop powerful, clean and efficient engines as part of the SKYACTIV powertrain family. Like some other Japanese carmakers, Mazda believes that a multi-solution approach is more suitable in the quest to reducing emissions to address climate change. Not all countries will be able to switch to electric vehicles at the same pace and some may still require combustion engines or hybrids, at least.

It has therefore not given up further development on combustion engines, pushing to the limits of the envelope to achieve lower emissions and better performance. It has now revealed an all-new e-SKYACTIV-D diesel engine which will be added to the Mazda CX-60 line-up in 2023.

Super-clean diesel engine
The new diesel engine is a Mazda first – a 3.3-litre unit that features Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition (DCPCI) Technology. This highly innovative advanced combustion technology makes the new e-SKYACTIV-D one of the cleanest diesel engines in the world, achieving a thermal efficiency of over 40%.

Developed using the ‘right sizing’ concept which optimises displacement to improve both fuel and power efficiency, the 3283 cc longitudinally installed commonrail electric direct injection 6-cylinder engine will have two power output levels: 200 ps and 254 ps. Depending on the model variant, there will be either 2-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Uses 48V hybrid boost system
The engine uses a new 48V Mazda M Hybrid Boost system to combine high output with excellent fuel economy. Together with the DCPCI technology, engine efficiency, emissions and fuel economy are improved. These contribute significantly to greater driving range, better performance and yet lower fuel consumption and low emissions.

6-cylinder engines are inherently smooth due to their ‘perfect balance’, which will contribute to drive enjoyment. The engine’s high torque delivery gives strong pulling power, even with a 2,500-kg trailer. Though it has a larger displacement and more cylinder, the e-SKYACTIV-D’s lightweight construction makes it weigh not more than the 2.2-litre Mazda SKYACTIV-D 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine used in the CX-5.

More new powertrains coming
In total, Mazda is launching 5 new electrified products in the next 3 years that feature its multi-solution platform architecture. These will include an in-line straight-six 3-litre e-SKYACTIV petrol engine and an e-Skyactiv PHEV. For the European market, the launch of the new CX-60 will take Mazda further forward in its fleet’s emission reduction to become entirely carbon-neutral by 2050. After 2025, the company will launch its brand new SKYACTIV EV Scalable Architecture which will allow Mazda to efficiently build electric cars of all sizes using one common platform.

Mazda to use SKYACTIV-D engine with next-generation biofuel in endurance racing

Proton Tg. Malim engine facility assembles new-generation engines

Proton has long had its own engine factory, with the first one having been opened in the Glenmarie industrial estate of Selangor in the 1990s. Over the years, this factory has provided millions of engines for various Proton models and continues to do so.

Now, with the new generation of engines in the carmaker’s latest models, it is time to have a new facility to assemble the 1.5-litre TGDI (Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection) JLH-3G15TD 3-cylinder engine used in the X50 and X70 models. This is the first time the engine is being assembled outside China at is one of the most advanced automotive engine assembly lines in the country at the Proton Tanjung Malim manufacturing complex in Perak.

Located within the Engine and Powertrain facility, the assembly line covers an area of 18,000 sq. metres and has a current maximum capacity of 180,000 engines when running on three shifts. The new facility is also part of the RM1.8 billion Proton is making to upgrade its facilities at Tanjung Malim, also known as Proton City.

Award-winning engine
The award-winning JLH-3G15TD engine is used not only by Proton but also by other brands in the diverse Geely Group. When the many other models are included, over 750,000 vehicles sold globally are now powered by this engine.

The engine, the result of a project which started about 10 years ago, follows industry trends of downsizing to gain better fuel efficiency and also reduce undesirable exhaust emissions. While downsizing the displacement on its own has meant lower power output, this is not the case with the JLH-3G15TD. In fact, in spite of its smaller displacement and one cylinder less, its output is actually comparable to much bigger engines with 130 kW and 255 Nm.

This has been possible with advanced technologies, 4 valves per cylinder, dual variable valve timing, optimised thermal and lubrication systems, a low inertia turbocharger, and homogenised 200-bar direct fuel injection system. It is also capable of meeting Euro 6 requirements.

Localisation of parts
As a Malaysian carmaker, Proton has always prioritised localisation and where possible, it has sourced parts from Malaysian suppliers, although in the era of globalisation, there are also some suppliers from other countries in the region. For this new engine, there are currently 72 parts supplied by 19 Malaysian and 4 ASEAN vendors.

The company is also using the new assembly line to advance its human capital development goals, with 202 workers directly employed to work there. With an average age of just 24 years, they represent the next generation of skilled automotive manpower for the nation.

“Proton’s new engine assembly line showcases the company keeping its promises to its stakeholders. When the agreement was made to partner with Geely in 2017, one of our commitments was to invest in Malaysia’s automotive industry both financially and through the introduction of new high technology components. The new assembly line does this while also giving PROTON an avenue to attract and develop young talents who will help drive the automotive industry and the company into the future,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO of Proton.

A closer look at the facility
Featuring 88 stations consisting of 17 automatic, 15 semi-automatic and 56 manual stations, the high-tech assembly line was built using an IR 4.0 ethos applying a high level of automation to boost productivity. A climate-controlled clean environment with an anti-static station to allow for the discharge of static electricity protects the electronic components used, while the assembly line utilises a conveyor system. This is not only smoother but is also cleaner, more durable and less costly to operate than one that uses a chain.

All workers on the assembly line have undergone extensive training with Geely as well as the suppliers of the machines used. The equipment comes from well known suppliers such as ABB, COMAU, FEV China, FEV India, WiBeda and Hangxin.

The Internet of Things (IOT) technology is deployed in the form of intensive data capture and analytical tools to ensure that the quality meets the standards required and are maintained. Additionally, 207 Error Mistake Proofing (EMP) controls and 34 intelligent high-resolution cameras have been installed on the line to prevent process and assembly defects and reduce downtime with 100% real-time defect detection capabilities.

“Quality is the main priority at our new engine assembly line. We know we need to show Malaysians that Proton is capable of building reliable high-quality products, so we have left nothing to chance. Aside from the quality monitoring measures deployed on the assembly line, we also work closely with our counterparts at Geely to trouble shoot issues and share best practices in our efforts to produce a world-class engine,” added Encik Roslan Abdullah.

Proton constructing additional stamping facility at Tanjung Malim factory

Piston.my

Latest News

2022 Nissan Serena S-HYBRID updated with cosmetic changes and added safety features

Perodua received 25,100 bookings in just one day!

Fuel Price Updates For July 7 – July 13, 2022

Bonuslink rewards programme enhanced with 4-level structure

Mazda to introduce all-new e-SKYACTIV-D 3-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine

Proton Tg. Malim engine facility assembles new-generation engines

Dongfeng Unveils Compact BOX Electric Vehicle Set for Q4 2024 Malaysian Launch

End of an Era: Petrol-Powered Abarth 500 Bids Farewell After 16 Years

Audi RS3 Revamped and Ready for Action: New Design, Same Power

Ford’s Vision for the Future: Expanding Mustang and EV Offerings

Chinese Firms Condemn European Commission’s Tariff Proposal on Electric Vehicles

Rimac’s New Track-Only Hypercar is Aiming to be Faster than F1 and Le Mans Cars

McLaren Artura Spider Launched In Malaysia – Hybrid V6, 700PS, RM3.4 Mil

GWM Malaysia Celebrates Merdeka and Malaysia Day with Exclusive ‘Book & Win’ Promotion

JPJ Extends Counter Operating Hours in Selected States

Honda Plans to Revive the NSX as a Sporty EV by 2028

Archive

2025 Chery Tiggo 9 and Tiggo 9 C-DM Officially Launched in China

Sime Darby Motors Achieves Over 10,000 BYD Sales in Malaysia

Stellantis Malaysia Unveils Leapmotor C10: A New Chapter in the Electric SUV Market

Experience the All-New Electric Leapmotor C10 SUV at the C10 Experience Roadshow

SAIC Motor Malaysia Celebrates Graduation of 39 MG Certified Technicians

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

The Piston Show