RECENTLY, two large contingents from the Lifestyle and Motoring media had a moving experience—quite literally—care of Nissan Philippines Inc. via the spanking all-new iteration of the Nissan Urvan.
About 60 of us were driven to two destinations in the South to demonstrate just how much it has been improved, and how loyal customers (along with new ones) of the classic people-mover are going to get all excited over it.
For many years now, the Nissan Urvan has been a staple on highways when it comes to transporting commuters en masse due to its fuel efficiency and reliability, and it has been the van to count on for those in the business of moving things as well.
To many, the Urvan has also been their family’s mainstay—a trusty ride they grow with, as it sees them through many years of great memories and experiences, on top of acing its primary function. So why fix a good thing when it ain’t broken?
Nissan’s on a roll with quite a potent lineup, and it’s obvious that they aren’t about to settle for just “good.”
Total redesign
The all-new Nissan Urvan NV350 has been totally redesigned. and its bold and sleek aesthetics are apparent at first glance.Its signature grille, flanked by large headlight clusters, provide a seemingly snappy gaze, with lines flowing comfortably down to its vented bumper.
What’s more notable, though, is its clean profile, and the welcome absence of rain gutters. Its rimless windows appear to be a single panel, with a couple of ports that uniquely “pop and slide” open.
Two defined character lines accentuate the Urvan’s wide side, making its solid symmetry a couple of notches more interesting. By looks alone, the new Urvan seems to leave its predecessor outdated by at least a decade.
Significant upgrade
But its looks are merely icing on the cake. The most significant upgrade is definitely its all-new YD25DDTi 2.5-liter, turbocharged diesel engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission, with a power rating that’s a leap from the last, peaking at 127.23 horsepower and a very assertive 356 Newton-meters of torque.
The Urvan has three variants, with seating for 15 and 18 passengers, as well as a three-seater bonafide cargo carrier version.
The low- to mid-range torque comes pretty handy, enabling the Urvan to haul people and cargo with ease and safely with its Load Sensing Valve (LSV) that intelligently balances the brake force between the front and rear wheels. If I had that many passengers counting on my driving, I’d feel more confident with that feature on board.
The drive to Tagaytay Highlands for a leisurely lunch was brisk and effortless, with the Urvan lapping up the uphill twisties like it was breakfast. Overtaking maneuvers are a cinch as well, with its unbridled acceleration.
Ride quality
The ride quality is on the firm side, but becomes more pliant when more passengers occupy it—it is after all, designed to be a tough duty commuter with a reputation to uphold. And as expected, the Urvan NV350’s air-conditioning did not disappoint. Front and rear controls instill climate change quickly in the spacious cabin with vents all around, and it doesn’t take long for passengers to appeal for thermostat adjustment, even when the seats are full.
With just a slight increase in pricing compared to the previous Urvan, expect to see a lot of its variations on the road—as public utility vehicles, commercial movers, as well as the well-loved family van.
Price and colors
Sticker prices are P1.183 million for the 15-seater, P1.196 million for the 18-seater, and P1.177 million for the three-seater cargo version. Colors come in alpine white, brilliant silver, black obsidian, tiger eye brown and precision grey.
With major upgrades all around especially in style and power, we’d better be prepared for the coming Urvan invasion. Way to go, Nissan.
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