A minibus and van series that has been built for many years in Japan and sold throughout the Asia-Pacific region, has just been replaced. The all-new NV350 Caravan is expected to become a serious challenger for the segment-leading Toyota Hiace.
A prototype model, also called NV350 Caravan, had its global debut at the Tokyo motor show in November 2011 and the production variant is little changed. The project’s development codename is said to have been MP261.
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The NV350 Caravan is being introduced in Japan with the choice of two wheelbases – 2,555mm and 2,940mm – which also means Standard and Super Long (extended) variants. These measure 4,695mm and 5,080mm from stem to stern. A wider version will be launched in the Northern Hemisphere winter, Nissan says.
Passenger model grades at launch come with a standard 108kW (147PS) 2.5-litre petrol engine, but for the van versions there is also a 95kW (129PS) 2.5-litre turbodiesel or a 96kW (130PS) 2.0-litre petrol unit. All have four cylinders.
As was the case with the long-lived former model, the NV350 Caravan is rear-wheel drive and has a rigid rear axle and leaf springs.
Whilst Nissan is yet to reveal where the NV350 Caravan is manufactured, the plant is thought to be Nissan Shatai’s Shonen facility in Japan, the location for build of the former model.
The NV350’s global roll-out commences from the second half of 2012. Mexico is expected to again be the vehicle’s sole market in North America: the current model is sold there as the Nissan Urvan.
Author: Glenn Brooks
