Nissan NV350 Caravan E26

For almost four decades, the Nissan Caravan (known to most Filipinos as the Urvan) has been highly rated as a full-fledged, versatile commercial vehicle that can be used not only for business but also for hobbies or leisure, with its basic performance as a commercial vehicle continuously improved throughout four previous model generations. Meet the new 2013 NV350 Caravan, the latest installment of the legendary Caravan that promises best-in-class fuel efficiency for both gasoline and diesel engine models.

2013 Nissan NV350 Caravan

2013 Nissan NV350 Caravan

If you seen this one at last year's Tokyo Motor Show, then you're good but for some, let's talk about the design. At first glance, this new NV350 has a very robust design despite its boxy proportions. The front end and corners are rounded, with larger surfaces used for the body sides. This is going to be the best looking of the Japanese commercial vans that were made not just for business use but for private use as well.

2013 Nissan NV350 Caravan

2013 Nissan NV350 Caravan interior

2013 Nissan NV350 Caravan

If you think that the new NV350 Caravan is going to be "bigger on the inside", well you'd be right because the all new NV350 offers ample load capacity with cargo space length of 3,050 mm, the longest in the four-series grade for light commercial vehicles. The interior of the new NV350 takes advantage of the larger cargo space for both occupants and cargo. One example is the 50/50-split folding seat is adopted so that one person can be seated even if a long item is loaded. On the side panel of the cargo space, Luggage Utility Nuts are placed for customers to personalize cargo space for their convenience. To make it unique, the NV350 comes with Advanced technologies not available on current commercial vehicles such as Intelligent Key (standard on Premium GX/GX), Push Engine Start (standard on Premium GX/GX), Premium Fine Vision Meter and a vehicle information display showing average fuel economy and cruising range to support eco-driving, and foot-operated parking brake that significantly improves usefulness (equipped in 5-speed AT models).

Depending on the variant you'll choose, you could expect to go for the Van that carries up to 6 people or for the wagon that carries up to 10 people. There are various NV350 models that suits various needs. For instance, a 2-seater variant is made for small business use because the back will be strongly needed for cargo space. Imagine if the folks from FedEx, UPS, DHL, and others would use that. This is "Ur Van, Ur Business" redefined for the new generation of Japanese entrepreneurs.

The new NV350 Caravan comes with the all new YD25DDTi engine with clean diesel technology that achieves the class-leading fuel economy of 12.2 km per liter based on Japan's JC08 mode test cycle. Most petrol engines take advantage of its fuel saving technology for class leading fuel economy - QR20DE engine with 9.9 km per liter and QR25DE with 9.1 km - calculated based on JC08 mode. Those engines achieved either a 10% or 5% improvement in fuel economy over Japan's 2015 fuel economy standard. Most NV350 van models are qualify from Japan's ECO CAR GENZEI system for eco cars. Most models will come with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

For safety, the NV350 comes with the Xenon headlights, Electric retractable remote control body-colored door mirrors, Rear View Monitor, Auto light system, LED High-Mount Stop Lamp, anti-lock brakes, Front ventilated disc brakes, High-strength body construction, SRS air bags, Load limiter equipped pretensioner seatbelts on the front seats, and Three-point seatbelts with Emergency Locking Retractors on the rear seats.

Autech NV350 Caravan Rider

2013 Nissan NV350 Caravan Autech Rider

If you want an NV350 Caravan a bit more stylish to wow the Daikoku parking area crowds, consider the Autech Rider version of the all new NV350 Caravan. Same specs as the standard model but the Autech-modified version stands out with its front grille, front protector, front bumper, LED Daytime running lamps, and RIDER AUTECH emblem.

Prices start at around 1,894,200 yen to 3,511,200 yen, including consumption tax. The one with a diesel engine nd super long body will be on sale beginning July 13, 2012, and the wide version model is planned for launch in winter 2012. Available colors are Tiger Eye Brown (PM), White, Brilliant Silver (M), Super Black, Brilliant White Pearl (3P), and Aurora Mauve (RP).

My comment:
So, the new NV350 Caravan, it was now made to be the most fuel efficient Japanese commercial ever made and also it's stylish. For a commercial van, a Japanese entrepreneur would be pleased to have one of these for business purposes but as a recreational vehicle, the NV350 Caravan is a fitting choice for an average Japanese family. As told, this is "Ur Van, Ur Business" redefined for the next generation of Japanese entrepreneurs but sadly, Universal Motors has no plans of bringing the new one as the new Urvan to the Philippines for now. Also, Edaran Tan Chong from Malaysia also has no plans to sell one, meaning that will fuel smugglers to smuggle one, that's a shame.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.