Nissan Urvan

Highlights

Nissan, one of the leading car manufacturer in the class of utility vehicles is continuing to modernize its commercial vehicle offering by unveiling the 2015 NV350 Urvan. Urvan has a box like body structure. Coming to the interiors, the cockpit has a beautiful dashboard with a few utility features. The steering wheel is decorated with stylish company's logo in its two-spoke design. It has well cushioned seats which are comfortable to be sitted. Included accessories are a radio tuner along with few connectivity ports for AUX-In and USB devices, advanced 2-DIN based music system with either a CD/ DVD player. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity of calls and streaming of audio. On the basis of their choice, customers can also install a touchscreen infotainment system with video playback and navigation system.

Overview:

Nissan is one of the leading automobile firm in the passenger car segment, especially in the class of utility vehicles. In Philippines, it has a wide range of models including the Nissan Urvan van. It is an extremely spacious vehicle with a maximum 21 seating capacity. The manufacturer is offering this model in a total of four trim levels, which are fitted with a 2.7-litre diesel engine as standard under the hood. This vehicle looks quite decent from both inside and out, thanks to the trendy cosmetics and flawless design. Its exteriors are further decorated with stylish body decals, which further enhances its elegance. Its 'ESCAPDE' trim has a pleasant internal cabin with three rows and it is furnished with twelve seats. While the VX trims have four rows, which can provide seating to a minimum of 18 to 21 passengers. The manufacturer is offering this model series with standard set of features like power assisted steering system, dual zone manually operated air conditioning system and other such features. The manufacturer has placed this vehicle against the likes of Toyota Hiace, Mitsubishi Adventure and others in the utility vehicle segment. The manufacturer is offering this vehicle with a standard warranty of three years or 100000 kilometers (whichever is earlier).

Mileage and Fuel economy:

The manufacturer has equipped this vehicle with a 2.7-litre diesel engine that has a VE type fuel injection system. This power plant helps the vehicle to give away a maximum mileage of approximately 11.8 Kmpl.

Power:

This TD27 diesel engine comprises of 4 in-line cylinders based on a single overhead camshaft valve configuration. It can churn out a maximum power of 84hp along with a maximum torque of 178Nm.

Acceleration and Pickup:

The manufacturer has paired this power plant with an advanced five speed manual transmission gearbox that releases the torque output to its rear wheels. It helps the vehicle to reach a top speed of approximately 140 Kmph. In the meantime, it can break the 100 Kmph speed mark in approximately 17 seconds.

Exteriors:

This Nissan Urvan has a boxy body structure, which is fitted with decent set of cosmetics. Its front facade has a large windscreen, which is accompanied by a pair of intermittent wipers along with washers as well. Its bonnet is skilfully decorated with model's sticker that emphasizes its elegance. Below this, there is a small radiator grille that is done up with extensive use of chrome. The headlight cluster is quite wide, which is integrated with powerful halogen headlamps along with turn indicators. The front bumper has a unique structure featuring a body colored air intake section and a small license plate console. Coming to its side facet, its front row gets hinged doors, whereas the second row is fitted with sliding doors. Its door handles along with the outside mirrors and window sills have black treatment, whereas the pillars are done up in body color. This van also has neatly carved fenders, which are fitted with a stylish set of alloy rims. Its rear profile too has a boxy structure where, it is fitted with clear lens taillight cluster and a large tailgate. Its license plate garnish has a lot of chrome accents that is compliments the company's logo, which is embedded above it.

Exterior Measurements:

Surprisingly, all the variants in this series have the same exterior measurements. Its total length is 4790mm, width is 1690mm and overall height is 1990mm. It also has a generous ground clearance of 190mm and a wheelbase of 2750mm, which is quite long.

Interior:

Coming to the interiors, this massive utility vehicle has a very attractive cabin unlike any other models in its class. Its cockpit has a beautiful dashboard, which is fitted with a large center fascia along with a few utility features. It also has a wide instrument cluster cluster that has four round shaped analogue meters with red dials. The steering wheel has a two-spoke design, which is decorated with stylish company's logo. There are a lot of metallic accents present on its center fascia, which gives a resplendent look to the cabin. Its floor console has a retro-styled gearshift box that gives a unique stance to the cockpit. The seats inside are well cushioned that provides excellent support to the entire body. Its first and second row seats also have reclining function, which further adds tot he comfort. On the other hand, its sliding doors and split foldable second row seats makes it quite convenient to the passengers to gain access to the rear seats.

Interior Comfort:

At present, this model series is available in a total of four trim levels, but all the variants are equipped with standard set of features. Its has aspects like power assisted steering system, front center armrest, a large glove box, manually adjustable front windows and front wipers with washer. In addition to these, this model series also gets a manually operated dual zone air conditioning system that has rear AC vents and pollen filter. This system regulates the air temperature inside and keeps the ambiance pleasant.

Interior Measurements:

Like mentioned above, this Nissan Urvan has an extremely spacious internal cabin that can accommodate a minimum of 12 to 21 occupants. It is also fitted with a huge fuel tank that has a storage capacity of 65-litres.

Engine and Performance:

This Massive van is fitted with a 2.7-litre TD27 diesel engine that is integrated with water-cooled technology. It has four in-line cylinders based on a single overhead camshaft valve configuration, which displaces 2663cc. It is further integrated with a VE type fuel injection system that enhances its fuel efficiency. It has the ability to churn out a power of 84hp at 4300rpm and yields a hammering torque output of 178Nm at just 2200rpm. This power plant is skilfully paired to a five speed manual transmission gearbox that allows its rear wheels to extract torque output.

Stereo and Accessories:

None of the variants in this series have a radio or a music system, but there is a provision to incorporate these aspects. Buyers can choose an advanced 2-DIN based music system with either a CD or DVD player. It also includes a radio tuner along with a few connectivity ports for AUX-In and USB devices. At the same time, buyers can incorporate a Bluetooth function for connectivity of calls and streaming of audio. Apart from these, customers can install a touchscreen infotainment system featuring a high resolution color screen for playback of video and navigation system. It can be linked with rear camera, which is helpful to parking aid. On the other hand, its exteriors can be decorated with stylish body graphics, while the interiors can be personalized with leather upholstery.

Wheels:

All the variants in this series are blessed with a sturdy set of 14-inch alloy wheels, which are covered with 195 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres.

Braking and Handling:

This vehicle is bestowed with a conventional braking mechanism, which is assisted by load sensing valve control technology. Its front wheels are fitted with robust ventilated discs and the rear ones are mated to drum brakes featuring automatic adjuster. In terms of suspension, its front axle is fitted with an independent double wishbone suspension system featuring stabilizer bars. While the rear axle is coupled to semi-elliptical leaf springs type of system. In addition to these, both the axles are loaded with telescopic shock absorbers, which helps it to deal with bumps caused on rugged roads.

Safety and Security:

The manufacturer has blessed this utility vehicle with a monocoque body structure, which is made with extra-strong aluminum materials featuring crumple zones and impact protection beams. It is capable of absorbing the impact that is caused in case of a collision and thereby, it can safeguard the occupants inside. Apart from this, it has list of features including three point seat belts, an inside rear view mirror, manual central locking, halogen headlamps and high mount third brake light.

Pros:

1. Ample cabin space with 21-seater capacity.
2. Interior design is rather better than other vans.
3. Price range is in a very affordable range.

Cons:

1. There is still scope to update exterior design.
2. Emission compliance and fuel economy can be improved.
3. Low ground clearance is its big drawback.