The latest 2012 versions of the Nissan Elgrand, a 7-seater premium MPV and the Murano SUV are in the showrooms of Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM).

Though the company does not actively compete in the higher end of the market (but it does have a joint-venture company with Auto Dunia which sells Infiniti vehicles), it nevertheless still offers a selection of premium Nissan models for those who want higher levels of performance and refinement.

New Nissan Elgrand
The latest Elgrand is said to express "Dynamism and Luxury" and its imposing size gives a majestic profile. Even from the outside, there is a sense that the cabin will be supremely comfortable and indeed, the front and second row passengers are pampered by the ultimate comfort of Elgrand's signature feature - 'Captain Seat'. These individual Captain seats incorporate three new technologies: seat cushion-integrated legrest, an articulated seatback, and three-layered cushion pads. Nissan is the only automaker adopting all three technologies that can give a traveller the feeling of being in a First Class airline seat.

In addition, the Elgrand has easy entry via the automatically-opening large rear door, a separate dual-zone automatic climate control for front and rear sections of the cabin, a private theatre entertainment system and an advanced Around View Monitor parking camera that allows driver an easy manoeuvre in tight spaces.

In spite of its size, the 4.9-metre long Elgrand has a sedan-like drivability and stability, thanks to its all-new-platform which has a low centre of gravity. The premium MPV uses a 3.5-litre V6 engine (from the VQ engine family which has bee considered one of the 'Best Engines in the World' for many years by an independent industry magazine) that produces 280 ps at 6400 rpm 344 Nm at 4400 rpm.

The Elgrand imported by ETCM is fitted with stylish chrome-coated, polished 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels and customers have a choice of four exterior colours: White Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Dark Purple and Black, while the interior features a luxurious dark espresso leather and gradation wood-tone panel.

New Nissan Murano
The Murano premium SUV continues to be one of the most distinctively styled vehicles in its class. Among the refinement, surprises in the latest version are bolder grille and redesigned front bumper as well as newly-styled 18-inch alloy wheels. The rear is enhanced with newly-designed sleek bright LED taillights together with integrated dual exhaust pipes to create a distinctive bold athletic stance.

Some of the enhancements made to the interior include double stitching on the leather seats, 'Fine Vision Meter' reading instruments, a redesigned centre console with improved rotary controls, a newly-positioned central display that provides a greater visibility and a USB port for connecting thumb drives with a personal music selection to the audio system.

The Murano features the familiar 3.5-litre V6 engine from the VQ engine family and for SUV application, it is tuned to produce a maximum power of 260 ps at 6000rpm and 336 Nm at 4400 rpm. Drive goes to all four wheels via an advanced Xtronic CVT transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive system.

In Peninsular Malaysia, the new Elgrand and Murano have prices (excluding roadtax and insurance) starting from RM384,863.20 (US$ 1245,400) and RM318,882.50, respectively. Both models come with a 3-year/100,000 km (whichever comes first after original registration) factory warranty as well as ETCM's After-Sales Service which provides 24-hour roadside assistance, towing and minor-on-the-spot repairs in Malaysia.