2017 Nissan Caravan Review
The Nissan Caravan, popularly known as the NV350, is a light commercial vehicle that has been gaining popularity in the Kenyan market over the years, posing serious competition to the prominent Toyota Hiace whose dominance in the van category has been unchallenged for ages. Known in other markets as the Nissan Urvan, the Caravan is renowned for its versatility and reliability.
You can get more about this Nissan Caravan
- Check our repository of car owner's manual: purchase owner's manual
Detailed Review
2017 Nissan Caravan front and side view
The Caravan is currently in its sixth generation codenamed E26 whose production commenced in 2012. The 2017 Nissan Caravan comes with three engine options, a 2.0 L QR20DE (Petrol), a 2.5 L QR25DE (Petrol), and a 2.5 L YD25DDTI (Diesel) linked to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
Similar to the Toyota HiAce, the Nissan Caravan comes in various body configurations. These are:
- By length – Standard and Super Long
- By width – Standard and Wide)
- By Roof Shape – Standard and High Roof
- By Floor Shape – Standard and Low
- By Doors – 4 Door and 5 Door
2017 Nissan Caravan Grades
- VAN DX SUPER LONG BODY WIDE- This grade comes with an AUX input, intermittent wipers, and manual climate control.
- RIDER VAN DX- This grade has an AM/FM Radio, climate control, power steering, and an engine immobilizer.
- RIDER VAN PREMIUM GX- This grade is fitted with fog lights, a large capacity center console, and an anti-locking braking system.
- RIDER VAN PREMIUM GX PRO- This grade is equipped with cupholders, AUX input, climate control, and an adjustable steering wheel.
- RIDER WAGON GX- This grade features brake assist, driver airbag, vehicle stability control, and curtain airbags.
- VAN DX LONG BODY- This grade boasts multiple airbags, child safety locks, a rearview mirror, hill-start assist control, and an engine check warning.
- VAV DX SUPER LONG BODY- This grade comes with fog lights, a large capacity center console, and an anti-locking braking system.
- VAN PREMIUM GX- This grade has an AUX input, intermittent wipers, and manual climate control.
- VAN VX LONG- This grade is fitted with brake assist, driver airbag, vehicle stability control, and curtain airbags.
- WAGON DX- This grade is equipped with multiple airbags, child safety locks, a rearview mirror, hill-start assist control, and an engine check warning.
- WAGON GX LONG BODY- This grade features brake assist, driver airbag, vehicle stability control, and curtain airbags.
- WAGON GX SUPER LONG BODY- This grade boasts a vehicle stability control, an anti-locking braking system, and a hill-start assist control.
Interior
Legroom & Space
The 2017 Nissan Caravan has a spacious cabin that can accommodate a large number of passengers. The first row is plain and very basic with ample legroom and headroom. Depending on the trim level, the second and third-row seats respectively also boast impressive headroom and knee room.
2017 Nissan Caravan first row
Cabin Storage
The 2017 Nissan Caravan features several storage compartments that aid in improving passenger comfort. The first row has two cupholders, a large center console, a glove box, and door panel storage.
Boot Space
The 2017 Nissan Caravan has a big cargo area that can accommodate large goods and haul them simultaneously.
2017 Nissan Caravan cargo space
Exterior
The 2017 Nissan Caravan shares many exterior similarities with the HiAce, including body size and shape, although the Caravan is slightly larger. The front end features a V-shaped grille with the Nissan emblem. The headlights give it a modern look, while the fog lights and air vents on the lower fascia add a sporty touch. The side profile has a long wheelbase with one or two sliding doors depending on the model.
The rear has a large tailgate with tail lights and indicators.
2017 Nissan Caravan front view
2017 Nissan Caravan front and side view
2017 Nissan Caravan rear and side view
2017 Nissan Caravan rear view
2017 Nissan Caravan Safety Features
The 2017 Nissan Caravan features multiple airbags, an anti-locking braking system, hill-start assist control, and stability control.
2017 Nissan Caravan Fuel Consumption
2017 Nissan Caravan 2.0 L petrol engine consumption- 9.3 km/l on average
2017 Nissan Caravan 2.5 L petrol engine consumption- 8.9 km/l on average
2017 Nissan Caravan 2.5 L diesel engine consumption- 11.9 km/l on average
2017 Nissan Caravan Acceleration
2017 Nissan Caravan 2.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 15.2 secs
2017 Nissan Caravan 2.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 14.7 secs
2017 Nissan Caravan 2.5 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 14.3 secs
The 2017 Nissan Caravan Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 liters
Ground Clearance
The 2017 Nissan Caravan has a ground clearance of 6.6 inches.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.
Spare Parts and Availability
One of the advantages of owning a Nissan is that spare parts and other body components are readily available in metropolitan areas. The Caravan is no exception.
Stability And Handling
The driving dynamics of the 2017 Nissan Caravan are very reminiscent of the HiAce and both cars feel more or less the same. The steering wheel responds well to road curvature and is therefore easy to control. The suspension is very rigid for hauling freight and also protects the occupants from jerky movements.
The engine works in tandem with the transmission system to give a smooth start and good acceleration. The diesel variants are the most exciting to drive, with plenty of torque and pulling power.
Other technology on board includes anti-lock brakes and stability control, which helps to improve the stability of this van.
2017 Nissan Caravan steering wheel and gear shift
Reliability
The 2017 Nissan Caravan is considered a reliable van. As much as the Caravan has surpassed the required ground clearance on Kenyan roads by an inch, driving on extreme off-road is highly discouraged for you risk damaging its body components. Transmission issues and injector mishaps in diesel variants are the most commonly reported issues by NV350 owners. Regular service and maintenance are required to avoid experiencing such issues.
Refer to the Nissan Caravan buyer guide for a thorough reliability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.
Resale Value: Average
Nissan Caravan Competitor: Toyota Hiace
What we like about the 2017 Nissan Caravan
Spacious cabin
Versatility
What we don’t
The diesel engine is sensitive and prone to failure
Conclusion
The 2017 Nissan Caravan offers an excellent alternative for people looking for options outside the HiAce. Its versatility and reliability will appeal to those in the transport business, as it can carry large numbers of people simultaneously, or even haul tons of freight at a go.
2017 Nissan Caravan side view
Get More With TopCar
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Import This Car
You can get more about this Nissan Caravan
- Check our repository of car owner's manual: purchase owner's manual
