Nissan Motor Company, the Japanese multinational auto maker, is plucking out all the stops, in its preparation for the grand launch of its Evalia ‘Urban Class Utility Vehicle' on September 26, 2012. The 2012 Nissan Evalia falls in the Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) category and is expected to engage in a direct face off against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova, upon its arrival.
Top industry critics have been juicing up the speculations buzzing around the media regarding the comparisons between Evalia and Ertiga MPVs. At a first glance, the Evalia appears a bit boxy on the rear side and flaunts Nissan's pioneer concept of sliding doors in the MPV segment, while the Ertiga scores slightly better points in terms of overall looks. The Maruti Suzuki product ticks all the points of a premium MPV while the upcoming Evalia scores well in its comfy dimensions. Evidently, from the exterior appearances of both the vehicles, Ertiga emerges out as a winner.
The most distinguishing feature among the upcoming Nissan MPV and Ertiga, is that the Maruti Suzuki product is available in both diesel and petrol options while the Evalia will be available only in diesel guise. The yet-to-be launched Evalia is anticipated to hold a Nissan K9K 1.5 litre turbo diesel engine that churns out a peak power and torque output of 85 bhp and 200 Nm, respectively. On the other hand, Ertiga is incorporated with a K-14B, 1.4 litre petrol power-mill, capable of producing a maximum 94 bhp power and a peak torque of 130 Nm, while the diesel variant of Ertiga features a 1.3 litre engine that delivers a maximum power-torque output of 88 bhp and 200 Nm.
Coming to the interiors, Ertiga sports the standard Maruti Suzuki feel and are decent as well as comfortable. From the initial pictures, the interior cabin space of Evalia looks superb and seems to have been designed while keeping in mind the usefulness quotient. The interiors of both cars will cater to different clientele and seem compliant with the Indian buyers' requirements.
The real deciding factor will be the pricing of both cars. Ertiga range is available from around Rs. 6 lacs (petrol model) to Rs. 8.9 lacs (diesel model) in the domestic car market, and has very swiftly snatched the top position from the ex-market leader Toyota Innova in the MPV segment. The 2012 Nissan Evalia appears a little pricey but only after its launch, will its price be made public. However, speculations are doing rounds that the latest product from the Japanese auto maker will fetch a price around Rs. 10 lacs.
