Nissan India has launched the 2014 version of its spacious multi purpose vehicle Evalia in the country's car market. The company is selling this vehicle in quite a few variants, out of which Nissan Evalia XV Option is the top end trim. It is equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1461cc. It is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system and allows it to deliver a healthy fuel economy. When this MPV is driven in the city traffic conditions, it gives close to 15.8 Kmpl. While on the highways, its mileage goes up to 19.3 Kmpl that is rather good for this segment. As far as its design is concerned, this newly launched vehicle comes with V-shaped chrome garnished radiator grille, which gives it a captivating look. The interiors get a few modifications like faux wood finished center console, a trendy glove box with lid and premium floor mats. It is designed with an overall length of 4400rpm along with a decent height of 1860mm. The width of the vehicle is about 1700mm, which includes external rear view mirrors. It comes with a large wheelbase of 2725mm, which ensures a spacious cabin inside. The decent ground clearance (174mm) has the capability of dealing with terrains.
Exteriors:
To start with the side profile, it is designed with sliding doors, body colored ORVMs and door handles. These external wing mirrors are electrically adjustable . The pronounced wheel arches are fitted with an elegant set of 15 inch alloy wheels that gives the side profile a decent look. These rims are further covered with 185/65 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres, which ensures a superior grip on the roads. The company has also given all the variants a full size spare wheel, which comes along with all the tools required to change a flat tyre. Coming to the frontage, it is fitted with an updated radiator grille, which is embedded with a company logo in the center. This grille is flanked by sweptback styled headlight cluster. Just below, there is a body colored bumper that is accompanied by a wide air intake section for cooling the diesel engine quickly. It is surrounded by a pair of round shaped bright fog lamps. The large windscreen is made of green tinted glass and integrated with a set of wipers. On the other hand, the rear end has bright tail light cluster, a body colored bumper. The large windscreen has a defogger and a high mounted stop lamp for the safety of the vehicle. Currently, this MPV is available in seven exterior paint options, which are Storm White, Pearl White, Blade Silver, Aqua Green, Onyx Black, Brick Red and Titanium Grey with metallic finish option for the buyers to choose from.
Interiors:
The spacious internal cabin is designed with silver painted inside door handles, faux wood finished center console and premium floor mats. It is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which are covered with fabric upholstery. The second and third row seats are foldable in order to create ample leg space and shoulder room for all passengers. This Nissan Evalia XV Option trim is equipped with quite a few utility based aspects, which are cup and bottle holders, seat back table, a large glove box, front power windows with one touch auto down function, anti dazzle inside rear view mirror and several other aspects that adds to the convenience of the occupants. The instrument cluster in equipped with a digital tachometer, an electronic multi-tripmeter, a digital clock, driver seat belt reminder notification, door ajar warning and an illuminated multi functional display.
Engine and Performance:
This variant is fitted with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1461cc. It is integrated with 4-cylinders and 16-valves using a DOHC based valve configuration. This power plant has the ability to churn out a maximum power output of 85bhp at 3750rpm along with a peak torque output of 200Nm at 2000rpm. It is mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to the front wheels. It allows the MPV to attain a maximum speed in the range of 130 to 150 Kmph and it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in about 16-18 seconds.
Braking and Handling:
The company has blessed this variant with a rack and pinion based steering system, which is quite responsive and makes handling easier. This tilt adjustable steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters, which is rather decent for this segment. The braking mechanism is further enhanced by ABS along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist function. The front and rear wheels are fitted with a set of disc and drum brakes respectively. On the other hand, the front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, which is accompanied by coil spring and its rear axle is equipped with multi leaf type of suspension mechanism.
Comfort Features:
This top end variant is bestowed with a lot of sophisticated features, which includes manual air conditioning system with a heater and roof mounted AC vents, follow me home headlamps, reading lamps, power steering and so on. It is also blessed with 2-DIN music system, which also has radio with AM/FM, CD/MP3 player and four speakers.
Safety Features:
This Nissan Evalia XV Option variant is incorporated with a number of protective aspects, which gives the occupants a stress free driving experience. The list of features include a central locking system, an advanced engine immobilizer with intelligent key, door ajar warning lamp on instrument panel, keyless entry, rear defogger, a pair of front fog lamps, seat belts for all occupants and a high mounted stop lamp as well. It has airbags for driver and front co-passenger, which further enhances their safety in case of any crash . Apart from these, this MPV is also equipped with anti lock braking system along with EBD and brake assist, which augments the braking mechanism.
Pros:
1. A very ideal vehicle for large families.
2. Comfortable and spacious internal cabin.
Cons:
1. Ground clearance is a disadvantage.
2. Acceleration and pick up can be made better.
