Nissan Evalia XE Plus

Evalia XE Plus Review

This refreshed new Nissan Evalia XE Plus is the mid range variant in its model line up, which is powered by the same 1.5-litre diesel engine. The company has launched it with a modified radiator grille, which gives the MPV an attractive look. In terms of interiors, it gets a few new features like faux-wood finished center console, floor carpets with better finish and a spacious glove box. The braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient. The front and rear wheels are equipped with a set of disc and drum brakes respectively. Meanwhile, the front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, while the rear gets multi leaf type of mechanism. The overall dimensions of this MPV are quite standard and it can easily accommodates seven passengers with ample leg space. The company has designed it with a large wheelbase of 2725mm and a minimum ground clearance is 180mm, which is quite decent for this segment. It comes with an overall length of 4400mm along with a total height of 1860mm and a decent width of 1700mm, which includes external rear view mirrors as well. The fuel tank capacity of the vehicle is about 55 litres, which is perfect for planning longer journeys. 

Exteriors:

This variant is currently available in quite a few exterior paint options for the buyers to choose from. The list of colors include Storm White, Pearl White, Blade Silver, Aqua Green, Onyx Black, Brick Red and Titanium Grey with metallic finish option. To begin with the frontage, it is fitted with a bold V-shaped chrome garnished radiator grille, which is embossed with a prominent company logo in the center. Just below this, it is fitted with a body colored bumper that has a wide air dam for cooling the engine. The large windscreen is made of green tinted glass and is integrated with a pair of wipers as well. The side profile is neatly designed and comes with body colored door handles and external wing mirrors, which are electrically adjustable. The flared up wheel arches are equipped with a sturdy set of 14 inch steel wheels that are covered with 165/70 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres. The company has also equipped it with a full size spare wheel along with other tools to change the tyre. These wheels offers a superior grip on any road conditions. Coming to the rear end, it has a wide tail gate, which comes with variant badging. The windscreen is also integrated with a centrally located high mounted stop lamp, which adds to the safety quotient of this MPV. 

Interiors:

The spacious internal cabin of this Nissan Evalia XE Plus trim is incorporated with well cushioned seats and can accommodate seven passengers with utmost ease. These seats are covered with fabric upholstery and the front row seats are integrated with adjustable headrest, while the second and third row seats come with folding function. The dashboard is equipped with a few features like an illuminated instrument panel, AC vents, a three spoke steering wheel and a traditional glove compartment with lid. The company has bestowed this MPV with a number of utility based aspects, which are cup and bottle holders, center console tray, front seat back pockets, a 12V power socket for charging gadgets, reading lamp between second and third row seats and many other such features for the convenience of the occupants. The body colored inside door handles, wood finished center console and new floor carpets gives the cabin an elegant appeal.

Engine and Performance:

Under the hood, this variant is blessed with a 1.5 litre, four cylinder based diesel engine that has the ability to produce peak power of 85bhp at 3750rpm along with a maximum torque output of 200Nm at 2000rpm. This DOHC based engine has the ability to displace 1461cc. It is coupled with a five speed manual gearbox, which sends the engine power to the front wheels. This diesel mill is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the MPV to deliver 19.3 Kmpl and 15.8 Kmpl on the highways and city limits respectively. It can achieve a maximum speed in the range of 130 to 150 Kmph and can accelerate from 0-100 Kmph in about 16 to 18 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

The front wheels are equipped with disc brakes, while the rear ones are fitted with drum brakes. For enhancing the braking mechanism, it is equipped with ABS (anti lock braking system) along with EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and brake assist function . On the other hand, the front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, which is further assisted by coil springs. While the rear axle is fitted with multi leaf type of suspension system, which keeps this utility vehicle well balanced at all times. This variant is blessed with a rack and pinion based power steering system, which is tilt adjustable. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters, which makes handling convenient even in heavy traffic conditions. 

Comfort Features:

This Nissan Evalia XE Plus trim gets quite a few sophisticated features, which includes an efficient air conditioning system with a heater, a power assisted steering wheel, anti dazzle inside rear view mirror, follow me home headlamps, seat back table and so on. The illuminated instrument panel houses an electronic tripmeter, a tachometer, a digital clock and multi information display (MID). For in-car entertainment, it is also blessed with a 1-DIN audio unit, which is integrated with a CD player, Radio with AM/FM tuner and four speakers. It also has roof mounted antenna for better reception of the radio channels.

Safety Features:

The list of features include an engine immobilizer, seat belt for all occupants with driver seat belt warning, door ajar warning notification on instrument panel, ABS, EBD and brake assist function. Apart from these, it also has airbags for driver and front co-passenger, which further enhances the protection of the front passengers. 

Pros:

1. Spacious internal cabin with good seating.

2. Advanced braking mechanism with ABS and EBD.

Cons:

1. Boxy body design makes it look old-fashioned.

2. Many more comfort features can be added.