Internationally known as the NV200, the very capable Evalia is seeing some of its worst days in the country. The Evalia failed to capture the fancy of buyers in the MPV segment despite being a very successful model overseas. Nissan was quick to respond to customer feedback and launched a refreshed version of the MPV in October 2013 resolving the niggles, but in vain. Now, the Japanese automaker has once again launched the facelifted version of the Evalia that sports exterior changes giving a fresh look to the MPV, priced between Rs. 8.49 to 10.67 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The 2014 Nissan Evalia facelift sports a revised grille that is more in-line with Nissan’s new global design language also seen on the updated Micra and Sunny sedan. It also replaces the all-chrome unit that was showcased at the Auto Expo. The black horizontal slats on the current model have been replaced by a U-shaped chrome grille with honeycomb mesh. The headlights retain the sleek sweptback design, while the bumper continues with the same arrangement as the outgoing model. At the rear, the changes aren’t prominent as the front, but you get chrome finished tail lamps adding a premium touch to the MPV.
Other updates are carried over from the earlier facelift of the MPV. The Evalia comes with slide type middle row windows, reclining captain seats in the middle row, roof mounted air-con vents for the second and the third rows along with rear wiper with washer. The dashboard features faux wood inserts across the centre console, an updated 2-DIN music system with USB connectivity and an anti-glare internal rear view mirror.
Mechanically there are is no changes to the engine and the Evalia continues with the tried and tested 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine producing 85 PS of power at 3750 RPM and 200 Nm of peak torque at 2000 RPM, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Evalia returns an ARAI certified fuel economy of 19.3 km/l and is equipped with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and dual front airbags. The 2014 Evalia facelift is expected to be launched in the coming weeks and we do not expect any significant change in prices.
The update to the Nissan Evalia comes at a time when the Honda Mobilio is at the brink of launch. Despite being updated with major changes in October last year, the Evalia sales continue to disappoint while rivals Maruti Ertiga and Toyota Innova have been performing consistently. Now with the Honda Mobilio coming, it is going to only get difficult for Nissan to maintain some kind of presence in the segment, and the updates might help the automaker win some sales, only if they do not go unnoticed in front of the Mobilio’s arrival.
