Ying and Niq’s Niche

My car will turn 1 year old 24-Jun-09. So far it has clocked more than 23000km. I’ve switched to semi-synthetic engine oil for the last 2 services. My grey horse has served me well so far. It carried 6 adults and 1 child to Koh Samui and back safely. I pump my front tyres to 36psi and 39psi for the back. This gave a pretty comfortable ride.

Nissan Grand Livina 1.8 A/T Fuel Consumption

I bought a hand-held pressure gauge from Jusco on 20-Jul-08. It costs less than RM5.00. All 4 tyres were having 42psi (290kPa). The recommended pressure for the 185 / 65 R 15 tyres is 35psi (240kPa). Since Ying had complained that the ride was bumpy, I adjusted the pressure to 36psi (250kPa). Driving below 80km/h was comfortable with no harsh bumps. We made a trip back to Ipoh on 2-Aug-08. Ying had no complaints, but I felt dizzy driving on the highway at 110km/h as the car felt like swaying and I had to use extra effort to control the steering. Before the return journey to Penang, I adjusted the pressure to 39psi (270kPa). The car did not sway and it was not very bumpy. On full capacity it is recommended to use 300kPa for the rear tyres. So I guess it is OK to use 270kPa in terms of safety.

Hand-held Pressure Gauge - It's like a pen that clips on your shirt pocket

Scale in 2psi increments

The car has covered just over 1100km and is due for 1st service. Fuel consumption is pretty good considering high cc engine. It is almost the same as a Proton Iswara Aeroback 1.3M. Fuel consumption for highway is 13.4 km/L (RM0.20/km @RM2.70/L) and for city 10.06 km/L (RM0.27/km @RM2.70/L).

Nissan Grand Livina 1.8L Fuel Consumption

Nissan Grand Livina 1.8 A/T

We finally got the finished car after a 2-week wait. I drove the car from Ah Sook’s place to Ying’s house accompanied by FohChin. Ying told Gabriel that the new car has arrived. Gabriel was so excited. He grabbed his new booster seat and ran to the door. We had earlier told him that the new booster seat was for the new car.

The tint was done by Multigard, costing less than RM1500. We selected neutral grey with safety 4mil film for side windows. The front and rear had 2mil film. The tinting meets JPJ requirements. The front and rear windscreens had 70% light transmittance the side windows had 50% light transmittance. The cooling was quick and heat reflection was comfortable.

The black leather seats made the car even more comfortable. It would also be easier to maintain than the factory-installed beige fabric. We chose half-leather - the front passenger seat back surface is PVC and the 2nd row seat back surface is black fabric. We had beige leather for the door panel to blend better. It cost us RM2500.

The ride was comfortable. The suspension effectively absorbs shocks from bumps and potholes. On the highway, Ying complained it was a bit bumpy. We may need to check the tyre pressure. The 1.8 litre engine was quiet and yet powerful and responsive.

This is a really good investment. I feel confident to get my family to the destination safely and comfortably. The Nissan Grand Livina will definitely make its way to many who want safety, comfort and versatility.