The Nissan Evalia is the Japanese carmaker’s foray into the MPV segment in the country. The car was launched in 2012 and it is perhaps one of the most practical MPVs in its segment. It is priced very competitively and competes with the Chevrolet Tavera, and with the Mahindra Quanto and the much cheaper Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. It only comes with a diesel engine but it has 4 different trim levels.
Design & Styling
The Evalia follows the normal van design but it has a nice looking front hook that protrudes out to form a proper hood and front section, it has got decently styled headlights and taillights, but other than that it look like a normal boxy van, with a few hints of modernism entailed in its detailing and it also has rear sliding doors. It is not unattractive but it is styled to be very practical. It is just 4.5 metres in length and it is also decently tall at 1860mm.
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Interiors
The interiors are very basic with a simple dashboard and instrument cluster. The steering wheel is not angled right and could be a hindrance for some drivers. The ergonomics are not the best but they lean towards a very simple approach. The biggest selling point of the Evalia is its space. It has got loads of space and can fit in 7 people or a large Indian family. There is a major problem with the rear windows because they do not open fully and can only be extended outwards to let a little bit of air into the cabin. This can be a huge problem for most Indian families. Also the middle row of seats does not recline so the seating position can be uncomfortable after a while. Other than that it has got lots of compartments and it also gets trays on the back of the front seats.
Engine & Transmission
The Evalia come with a very efficient but underpowered 1.5 litre diesel engine that can pump out just 85bhp and 200Nm of torque. The engine is very well refined though and is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Performance and Handling
The Evalia is very heavy at almost 2000kg and therefore the 85bhp and 200Nm of torque cannot be felt properly. There is also quite a bit of power lag but the engine does get the car moving after 200rpm in second or third gear. The Evalia is not easy to drive in any sense and the driving position is not the best. It does however have a very good suspension setup and the ride quality is very decent. Steering response is not perfect and it does seem too light at times. The brakes also serve their purpose, but just only. Gear changes are quite easy and the clutch is also nice and light. Overall it’s not the best car to drive, but that is because of its practicality.
Fuel Efficiency
The Evalia is quite fuel efficient and you can expect to get around 15kmpl.
Features
Features found in the Evalia are basic and include power steering, front power windows, air conditioning, audio system and a multifunction display for the driver that provides various detailed information.
Safety
The Evalia does come with some very good safety features such as keyless entry, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, central locking and dual front SRS airbags.
Quality & Reliability
The overall quality of the Evalia is not the best. The quality of materials on the inside are poor and the dashboard plastics are not very strong. Even the knobs and plastics on the doors seem to be flimsy. The exterior does look well built though and the car does do a good job on rough roads so it also seems quite reliable. It is a car made for the purpose of practicality and mobility of large young Indian families.
Value for Money
The Evalia is priced very well and it does provide good value for your money. It is designed well and serves its ultimate purpose exactly the way it should.
Verdict
This is a practical car for growing young urban families in cities as well as in rural areas. The car has great space and great safety features, which is what a family needs. The engine is very fuel efficient and serves its purpose well. If you have a large family and want space and safety this is the car for you.
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