There’s no hiding for Nissan from the fact that its MPV(multi-purpose vehicle) Evalia, has had a tough time finding buyers in the popular segment. Kenichiro Yomura, CEO, Nissan motors India Pvt. Ltd. recently confirmed to the Business Line newspaper that a thoroughly redone Nissan Evalia facelift will be launched later in 2014. The changes comes as a part of Nissan’s customer centric approach and the brand’s endeavour of constantly improving its product by incorporating key customer inputs and feedback.
The car’s design never really caught up with the Indian customers which otherwise is very popular worldwide under the badge of NV200. The box like design which is typical of a van is high on practicality and utility, lacks the charm which one would associate with its rival Toyota Innova . The large cabin space with the reliable Nissan engine, make it an choice ideal for the multi purpose segment. But the lack of curves and contours have led the buyers to perceive it as a passenger vehicle, rather than for personal use.
Launched in India in September 2012, the Evalia saw a lot of design flaws: the restricted butterfly type opening rear windows, glove compartment without a lid, missing mid-row AC vents and a dull interior. However, back in October 2013, these problems were taken care of. The facelift saw improvement in terms of design, equipment and ergonomics. Captain seats for the middle-row, reverse parking camera, 15-inch alloy wheels and a 2-DIN entertainment system were some of the attractions.
Such has been the misery that inspite of the October facelift, the Evalia sales continue to disappoint with an average sale of only 54 units/month as compared to 4,756 units /month of the more expensive Toyota Innova, during the period of October 2013 – March 2014.
The MPV will be launched without any mechanical update and thus will be fueled by the same 1.5 litre K9K diesel engine with a 5-speed transmission. The company will also be launching an updated Sunny and Datsun Go+ compact MPV this year. With recent success of the overall sales of Nissan vehicles and a through cosmetic facelift up its sleeve, the company will try to woo the customers with its revamped MPV Evalia, as a New Year gift.
Let us know what you think of the new Nissan Evalia and whether it will be successful in its third Avatar ?
Pic Courtesy: indianautosblog.com
