Nissan launches 7-seater Evalia MPV, to go on sale later this year

First-time exhibitor at the Auto Expo, Nissan chose the 11th edition of India’s largest auto exhibition to launch its made-in-India seven-seater Evalia multi-purpose vehicle (previously known as the NV200). The car was unveiled by Nissan’s corporate vice-president, Africa, Middle East and India, Gilles Normand.

Where the Evalia scores high is on passenger space. The monoform design makes for ample interior space, ideal for large families. Built on Nissan’s B-platform, the Evalia is a seven-seater with a 2+3+2 configuration. It is 4.4 metres long, 1.88 metres tall and 1.69 metres wide, but the most relevant statistic is the 2.73m wheelbase, which is 95mm more than Nissan’s X-Trail SUV. Powering the MPV will be the familiar 1.5-litre dCi turbo-diesel engine from the Sunny diesel saloon. Production of the Evalia will start in the second half of 2012 at Nissan’s factory near Chennai.

Nissan’s sales have risen from around 13,000 units in FY2010 to around 40,000 in 2011, the Micra hatchback adding to numbers in the recent past. The carmaker also plans to grow its dealer presence, which currently stand at 50 outlets. This is slated to more than double by the end of 2013 with 110 dealers providing 85 percent market coverage. The target is for 150 outlets by 2015.

“Our progress in India has been exceptional. An impressive rise in sales, award-winning quality from locally-built products, and an expanding range of innovative cars from a growing dealer network underlines the strategic importance of India to Nissan’s future growth plans,” said Normand.

“Such is the global demand for products built here in India, that we have brought forward plans to open a second production line at our state-of-the-art plant in Oragadam. The second line will open in March, well ahead of schedule.”

Other than the full range of Nissan models on sale in India, the company has also showcased the GT-R sportscar, the award-winning zero-emission Leaf electric car and the Compact Sports Concept.