Nissan’s large people mover now has a
daring face, complimented further by the way it drives.
The large MPV segment in Singapore is
bigger than one might think. And if you were to look at the rather long list of
contenders, you would be really surprised. Let’s see, in alphabetical order
(take a deep breath): Chrysler Grand Voyager, Ford Galaxy, Honda Odyssey, Mazda
8, Ssangyong Stavic, Toyota Alphard and Previa and lastly Volkswagen Sharan.
Bet you didn’t know this, right? And let’s
not forget the Nissan Elgrand as well, which most drivers probably had
forgotten about. We can’t blame you, really, as this large people mover is
always being overshadowed by Toyota’s Alphard. Which is a real shame as the
Elgrand has all the same bases covered, but with a slightly more enticing
equipment list.
This 2014 version offers the same car as
its predecessor, but this time round, with extra luxuries thrown in.
Comparing the new Elgrand to the previous
model, the former received extensive rework to its face: new pair of swivelling
headlamps that also features LED strips shaped like the letter ‘C’, front fog
lamps with sleeker and more pronounced chrome lining and how can we forget, a
larger chrome grill (there are ten strips altogether, mind you). All those
combine to give you a dramatic face for sure…
The
new Elgrand makes travelling with the family a grander affair with its
luxurious cabin, and more space for seven on board
The rear was not spared either. The main
tail lamp – running across the boot – has gotten itself the IS200 treatment,
featuring a clear lens cover compared to the red ones seen previously. And to
compliment the reworked exterior, the Elgrand also gets a set of newly designed
18-inch alloy wheels matched to 225/55 R-18 Yokohama Aspec dB rubbers.
Now how about the interior? Well, the test
car we were given for this review is the 7-seater luxury variant, which means
it gets the 2+2+3 seating configuration. Being the luxury variant, the second
row (behind driver) only gets two individual chairs, with an aisle separating
both that also makes access to the last row a cinch – you don’t have to be a contortionist
just to get back there.
The second row, just like the front
passenger’s, pampers occupants with Ottoman chairs that recline exactly like
the ones found in Business Class. Then with a DVD screen mounted onto the roof,
the Elgrand feels similar to an airline. In fact, don’t be surprised to see
everyone fighting to be seated in row two…
Headlamps
swivel with direction changes at the wheel, and are now LEDs
But having said that, the last row is
equally useful for long family road trips across the Causeway. Ample legroom?
Check. Good amount of headroom? Yes Sir. Air-con vents for every occupant in
the cabin? You bet. By the way, both sunroof and glassroof are standard from
the factory.
Its driving position may not be as dense as
an S-Class or 7 Series, but the Elgrand’s is still one of the most commanding
money can buy. Besides sitting higher than anything else on the road (buses and
lorries excluded), you get a perfectly sized steering wheel, well-placed gear
shifter and control buttons that are placed within easy reach for the driver.
The meter displays are clear too, with a
high-definition car computer screen separating the speedo and tachometers; as
mentioned earlier, this car is really feature packed.
Ottoman
seats offer SQ business class comfort that used to be found only in long
wheelbase luxury sedans such as theBMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Powering the Elgrand is Nissan’s well-utilised
4-cylinder, 16-valve 2.5-litre QR25DE power plant. Matched to a CVT ‘box
featuring six virtual forward ratios (with ‘+/-‘ manual selection mode), it
produces 170 bhp and maximum 245 Nm of torque available from 3,900 rpm. The
Elgrand is no supercar chasing, fire-breathing people mover; hence the 0-100
km/h timing of 12.6 seconds is nothing to be surprised of.
Again, it’s no supercar but this MPV does
its job in a refined and comfortable manner. The transmission is willing and
seamless, the steering weight brilliant and the engine note audible only when
you push it past 4,500 rpm.
So, if you want an MPV that does an
excellent job of munching highway miles, the Elgrand is one fine example. Even
wind noise is kept at the barest minimal; Nissan obviously paid extra attention
at giving the Elgrand a Rolls-Royce like cabin. Pity though, tyre noise is
still very much present.
Also
found in the Teana and Murano, 2.5-litre
in-line four engine puts out a decent 168bhp and 245 Nm of torque
This may seem inappropriate, but the
Elgrand, despite its behemoth size, is quite capable along a series of bends.
Body movements are well controlled, steering response is positive and
under-steer is kept at a minimal despite the height that errs more on the high
side.
As a whole, the refreshed Elgrand feels
complete as a large MPV. Nissan’s careful attention to details, on top of
providing a long list of standard equipment deserve praises. It scores very
highly in terms of comfort too.
Hence, if you really must have a people
mover with class, you will not go wrong with the Nissan Elgrand.
