A commuter and driver’s guide to Nissan’s newest people-hauler

It has been hauling friends, family members, officemates and people from all walks of life in the Philippines for over 20 years. Globally, however, Nissan Urvan’s history dates back twice as long to 1973.

In the Philippines, Nissan has sold more than 30,000 Urvan units, riding on the Pinoy penchant for individual enterprise, as signified by the marketing tagline “Ur van, Ur business.”

Now, after four generations of the Urvan, Nissan Philippines has introduced to local motoring and lifestyle media its fifth-generation Urvan.

NPI has reiterated that it would continue to market the new Urvan—now named NV350 to depict its capacity as a 3.5-tonner van—as a vehicle that carries the Pinoy entrepreneur to business success.

The NV350 Urvan is a completely built up unit direct from Japan with a new 2.5-liter common rail direct-injection turbodiesel engine, the same engine platform as the new Nissan NP300 Navara pickup, mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

This author drove and rode the NV350 with other members of the motoring media from the Nissan Chino Roces Avenue dealership in Makati to Anilao, Batangas, and back via the South Luzon Expressway, Tagaytay and Star tollway.

Based on that 160-km drive which featured a mix of winding, rolling terrain and hard-acceleration straightaways, here are some impressions that could help guide potential buyers when they check out and test-drive the unit.

Refreshing and pleasant

First off, the looks. Overall, the NV350’s new design is refreshing and pleasant. The front face, in particular, exudes a sharp, bold look; the steric angled strut grille with sharp head lamps has a unique approach.

The character line rounds greatly and leads to a dynamic waistline. A nifty flash slide window achieves both a stylish look and a practical use. Window openings are placed in optimum positions.

Now, for the driver. After a challenging climb for this diminutive 5-foot, 2-inch driver onto the driver’s seat, the high ground clearance provided a commanding view of the road and the traffic ahead.

Ingress and egress for the front seat passengers could be a more challenging, but the handgrips (available on all doors) allow easier mobility for the back passengers.

The new NV350 is relatively easier to maneuver and park.

The instrument panel design also gives the impression that the van is wider. A unique feature would be a “shift-up” indicator that shows the driver the most economical time to upshift.

Drivers may overlook this tiny feature, but it can be truly useful. Except for the first and second gear ranges that may take some getting used to, there were generally minimal jolting stops and starts during this author’s drive.

Everything an Asian-sized driver needs is within easy reach, including the gear shifter strategically located on the dashboard. Even engine power is accessible on demand, what with the combination of a high-pressure CRDi system and small hole injector generating higher torque from the low-to-medium speed range.

According to Inquirer Motoring’s engineer sources, though the NV350’s engine is smaller than Urvan’s previous powerplants E24 (2.7 liters) and E25 (3 liters), the power output of the NV350 is higher at  127.23 HP compared to that of the E24 (82.85 HP) and E25 (103.56 HP).

Comparatively, the power output of Toyota Hiace’s D4D engine (with the same displacement at 2.5 liters) is at  100.6 HP. The NV350 also has the edge in torque with 356 Nm versus the E24 (178 Nm), E25 (209 Nm), and D4D’s 260 Nm.

The NV350 is boosted along with an intercooler and the electric Variable Geometry System turbo charger, while others are merely naturally aspirated.

21% better fuel efficiency

The interplay of the downsized engine, small turbo, low-idle speed, and improved coefficient of drag result in improved fuel efficiency. On top of that is improved tire rolling resistance to generate even better fuel mileage.

Engineer sources claimed that the NV350 achieves a 21-percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the old Urvan with the E24 engine. The test was conducted by NPI based on the Department of Energy test parameters.

It goes without saying, though, that the actual customer consumption results may vary depending on various conditions like driving habits, load and road conditions.

Ease of driving is palpable with this van. The clutch pedal, gear shifter and steering wheel need minimal arm and leg force. Thus, even in stop-and-go traffic, the interface between driver and manual transmission machine isn’t so punishing.

However, the brake pedal for this particular test unit seems to have more free play than expected, resulting in an additional split-second between application and actual stopping force.

According to NPI, the NV350 is equipped with the Load Sensing Valve that, when the vehicle is fully loaded, works together with the engine to optimize the balance in brake pressure between the front and rear brakes.

Now, for the passengers. The legendary Nissan air-conditioning system continues its cool streak in the NV350. Virtually all passengers can experience this firsthand, what with a total of 12 vents in the vehicle—four in front and 10 at the back positioned off-center.

Plus, a new heater function helps swing the interior climate the other way during the cold season, or when the van ventures up the chilly mountain provinces.

Notice also the 360-degree rotating air-conditioner vents for front passengers, which is not seen in competitor vans.

This 15-seater van’s seats and leg space are best for Asian-sized passengers 5’6” and below.

Seats are nonleather, so these do not retain heat when parked for long periods under the sun. The seats are of mesh-like tricot/flat tricot.

Finally, for potential buyers and business owners, the NV350 offers a pricing and ownership scheme that is easy on the budget. For P1.183 million (for the 15-seater), P1.196 million (for the 18-seater), and P1.177 million (for the 3-seater cargo), the NV350 Urvan is a great entry point for those on the hunt for their first family or business vans, or for the corporate fleet. Its closest competitor, the Toyota Hiace commuter, goes for P1.262 million.

NPI claims that, with the NV350: 1) The total cost of operation (fuel and maintenance over three years of normal operation) is estimated to be 12 percent less than its nearest competitor; and 2) a three-year manufacturer’s warranty at no additional cost will be offered to those who will use the Urvan for public utility purposes. UV owners can also avail themselves of the Alagang Nissan program and Nissan Customer Assistance Center.

According to NPI, customers who will use their NV350 for utility purposes and will be registered as a PUV will enjoy the full NCAC benefits like what private vehicles enjoy. NCAC is a concierge facility for customers which provides 24/7 emergency roadside assistance and valet service through its contact hotline 4036593 and 0927-6009557.

Check out www.nissan.ph for more details on ownership perks.