Carmall.com - PT Nissan Motor Indonesia latest family car, Evalia arrives to further won the heart of Nissan MPV lovers. Considering its retail price, it's not impossible that it will hinder the rocketing sales of Avanza, APV and any other similar products.

"MPV is a popular segment in Indonesia. With the introduction of Evalia, Nissan now becomes one of the most diverse manufacturers, from the Elgrand, Serena, Grand Livina to the Evalia", said Toshiyuki Shiga, Chief Operating Officerl, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in his opening speech at the Djakarta Theatre ballroom, Central Jakarta (7/6).

Evalia's cabin offers a spacious room that could fit 7 people. Seeing the 2+3+2 seating arrangement, it's possible to put an extra one person on the third row seats, but of course this will come at the expenses of comfort during the travel.

Meanwhile for other function, the Evalia can also work as a massive storage vehicle, such as to load home furniture, sporting equipment or hobbies and other things. The cabin room can be transformed into a huge loading area by folding the entire seats or the back row seats. Land mowing machine, surfboard, or two mountain bikes, are among the things that can be carried inside this car.

Meter panel cluster also provide a clear sight for the driver. Equipped with MID (Multi Information Display) facility that displays fuel consumption level, travelling distance, warning lights for each of the vehicle's doors to the temperature outside temperature.

Special for the XV type (the highest variant of Evalia), the interior accommodates a 1 DIN head unit complete with DVD, AM/FM, USB, AUX which integrates with 10 inch roof monitor for the rear passenger. There is also a rear cooler controller at the third row, thus making the passengers to easily adjust the air circulation as they desire. Aside from that, rear view camera also mounted to facilitate the driver when parking backwards and made aware of the surrounding blind spots. While for safety features, it's supported with SRS Airbag inside the steering wheel plus ABS, EBD and BA braking system.

Power generator, all of the Evalia variants, the S, SV or even the XV type, are all supported with (HR15DE) 1.500 cc, DOHC engine which been claimed as fuel efficient. Though it still packs an adequate power of 109hp with 14,6 kg.m torque. Additionally the engine is located in the front thus it's easier for radiator checking as well as for the other components and at the same time making it comfortable for the front passengers. Evalia is offered in two choices of transmission, manual and automatic, but it's just manual for the S type though.

Macpherson Strut is installed for its front suspension along with ripple control damper and rebound spring. While the rear suspension it uses one-leaf springs and claimed to provide better comfort compared to the multi-layer leaf springs.

Our Comment
My point of view about the Evalia presence, with its overall exterior design I can say that it's quite interesting. But it's not the same with its interior though as standard furnishings are bound with 'just adequate' opinion. Especially with the same fabric upholstery in all of its variants, combined with its dashboard that looks dull.

With the absence of armrest and double blower for the rear passengers, it seems that the car is truly lacking on something for a family type car. Although the manufacturer has given a specific reason about the additional features will influence the car's retail price.