Nexen N'Blue S and N'Fera Primus UX launched in Malaysia – new tyres for petrol cars and EVs

KUALA LUMPUR: Nexen Tire Malaysia has introduced two new tyre ranges in Malaysia, the N'Blue S and N'Fera Primus UX, with one focusing on wet-weather performance and efficiency, while the other targets comfort, durability and high-speed stability.

Both are also designed to work with conventional petrol-powered vehicles and EVs.

The launch comes just as Malaysia enters the year-end monsoon season, when heavy rainfall and standing water become an even bigger concern for motorists. While both tyres are aimed at different types of drivers, Nexen has taken a similar approach to their development, particularly when it comes to accommodating electric vehicles.

Rather than introducing separate tyres specifically for EVs, Nexen has developed both ranges to cope with the demands of conventional and electric powertrains.

Both carry the company's EV ROOT marking, which identifies tyres developed to accommodate the additional weight and instant torque delivery commonly associated with EVs.

Nexen N'Blue S – More focus on wet-weather grip and efficiency

Of the two new tyres, the N'Blue S is arguably the more relevant option for everyday Malaysian driving. It is a touring tyre developed with an emphasis on wet-road grip, lower rolling resistance and predictable handling, particularly when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Its tread pattern incorporates grooves designed to channel water away from the contact patch, reducing the likelihood of aquaplaning. Nexen has also developed a multifunctional rubber compound intended to improve traction on wet surfaces, while the tyre's wider contact profile helps distribute pressure more evenly across the tread.

During its technical presentation, Nexen shared some figures comparing the N'Blue S against a conventional reference tyre. In the wet-braking demonstration, the N'Blue S recorded a stopping distance of 28 metres compared with 31 metres for the reference tyre, which Nexen describes as an 11% improvement.

The company also presented handling evaluation scores of 7.5 for the N'Blue S, compared with 7.25 for wet handling and 7.31 for dry handling on the reference tyre. These are manufacturer-presented test results rather than independent tyre comparisons, but they offer some insight into what Nexen has been concentrating on during development.

Beyond wet-weather performance, the N'Blue S also features a low rolling resistance design, which should help reduce the amount of energy required to keep the vehicle moving. That is relevant whether you're driving a petrol car and trying to save fuel, or an EV where every bit of energy efficiency can contribute to driving range.

According to Nexen, the N'Blue S is already supplied as original equipment on selected vehicles, including the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3. For Malaysia, the company lists 110 sizes covering wheel diameters from 14 to 17 inches.

Nexen N'Fera Primus UX – Built for highway stability and longer tyre life

The second introduction is the N'Fera Primus UX, an ultra-high-performance tyre that takes a slightly different approach. Instead of placing its main emphasis on fuel efficiency, this one focuses more on high-speed stability, refinement and durability.

One of its main features is a reinforced internal structure incorporating two cap plies. These are reinforcement layers beneath the tread that help the tyre maintain its shape and stability when travelling at higher speeds.

Nexen has also worked on the tread-block design to improve the distribution of pressure across the contact patch. This is intended to reduce uneven wear, which should help the tyre maintain its performance over a longer period.

In fact, Nexen claims that the N'Fera Primus UX offers approximately 20% better tread wear performance compared with its predecessor, the N'Fera SU1. That is a fairly substantial claimed improvement, although actual tyre life will still depend on driving habits, road conditions, tyre pressures and maintenance.

Another interesting feature is what Nexen calls chamfer technology. Essentially, the edges of certain tread blocks are angled rather than completely squared off, helping to reduce the impact forces generated as the tyre rolls over the road. The idea is to improve ride comfort and reduce road noise without compromising the tyre's handling characteristics.

The N'Fera Primus UX also uses an optimised silica-based rubber compound, alongside changes to its tread grooves and sidewall design. Nexen says these contribute to better wear resistance, more consistent handling and improved durability during sustained highway driving.

The tyre has been developed around Nexen's One Universal Fit approach, which means it is intended to suit a wide variety of vehicles, including European, Japanese, Korean and Chinese models, rather than being restricted to any particular manufacturer or powertrain.

While Nexen may not be the first name that comes to mind for many Malaysian motorists shopping for replacement tyres, the South Korean manufacturer has a considerably larger international presence than some might realise.

During the launch presentation, Nexen highlighted its global operations, which currently comprise four manufacturing plants, four research and development centres and 22 overseas sales corporations. The company also reported a workforce of 7,415 employees, with 4,255 based in South Korea and another 3,160 working across its international operations.

Perhaps more interesting is its original equipment business. According to the company, Nexen supplies tyres to 34 vehicle manufacturers covering 123 vehicle models globally.

Its list of automotive partners includes established names such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Kia, among others.

Of course, supplying tyres to a manufacturer does not mean every tyre in Nexen's catalogue offers the same level of performance. Original equipment tyres are usually developed to meet the requirements of specific vehicles, sometimes with different specifications from their replacement-market counterparts.

Nevertheless, it does provide some perspective on Nexen's position in the global tyre industry, particularly for buyers who might be unfamiliar with the brand.

The company also highlighted the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in its tyre development process. Nexen says these technologies help predict tyre-performance characteristics and optimise designs before physical testing, while its virtual driving simulator allows engineers to evaluate tyre behaviour under simulated driving conditions.

Six-month tyre replacement programme included

Both the N'Blue S and N'Fera Primus UX are covered by the Nexen Tire Exchange Programme in Malaysia.

Under the programme, customers are eligible for a one-to-one tyre replacement in the event of qualifying road-hazard damage within the first six months of purchase. However, registration must be completed at the point of purchase through a participating distributor, and the replacement remains subject to the programme's eligibility conditions.

Nexen also revealed that it is also working on a separate warranty programme specifically for the Malaysian market, although further details have yet to be announced.

As for pricing, the launch information provided does not specify retail prices for either tyre range. Availability, final pricing and the full selection of fitments will therefore be worth checking with participating Nexen dealers.

For Malaysian motorists, however, the bigger news is that Nexen is establishing a direct presence in the country, moving away from the traditional master distributor model.

The company is set to begin full operations in January 2027, giving it greater control over its local business, distribution and customer support.

The N'Blue S and N'Fera Primus UX are just the beginning, with the two tyre ranges marking Nexen's first steps towards building a stronger presence in the Malaysian replacement tyre market.