2018 Nissan Caravan Review
The Nissan Caravan is progressively carving a niche for itself in the Kenyan market by offering an alternative to the prevalent Toyota Hiace, whose supremacy in the van category has been unrivaled for decades. The Caravan, also known as the Nissan Urvan in other markets, is well-known 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
2018 Nissan Caravan front and side view
The Caravan is now in its sixth iteration, coded E26. The 2018 Nissan Caravan is available with three engine options: a 2.0 L QR20DE (Petrol), a 2.5 L QR25DE (Petrol), and a 2.5 L YD25DDTI (Diesel), all of which are mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 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
2018 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 2018 Nissan Caravan boasts a huge cabin that can seat a large number of passengers. The first row is simple and practical, with plenty of leg and headroom. Depending on the trim level, the second and third-row seats have ample headroom and knee room.
2018 Nissan Caravan first row
Cabin Storage
The 2018 Nissan Caravan boasts several storage compartments that are designed to enhance passenger comfort. The first row includes two cupholders, a big center console, a glove box, and door panel storage.
Boot Space
The 2018 Nissan Caravan has an enormous cargo area that can accommodate bulky items and haul them at a go.
2018 Nissan Caravan cargo area
Exterior
The 2018 Nissan Caravan shares many exterior similarities with the Hi-Ace, including body size and layout, although the Caravan is substantially larger. The front end has a V-shaped grille with the Nissan badge. The headlights give it a modern appearance, while the fog lights and air vents on the lower fascia lend a sporty touch. The side profile has a long wheelbase with one or two sliding doors, depending on the model. A lip spoiler and roof rails can be added to lend the van an upscale and refined appearance.
The back has a big tailgate with rear lights and turn signals
2018 Nissan Caravan front and side view
2018 Nissan Caravan rear and side view
2018 Nissan Caravan Safety Features
The 2018 Nissan Caravan features multiple airbags, an anti-locking braking system, hill-start assist control, and stability control.
2018 Nissan Caravan Fuel Consumption
2018 Nissan Caravan 2.0 L petrol engine consumption- 9.3 km/l on average
2018 Nissan Caravan 2.5 L petrol engine consumption- 8.7 km/l on average
2018 Nissan Caravan 2.5 L diesel engine consumption- 11.6 km/l on average
2018 Nissan Caravan Acceleration
2018 Nissan Caravan 2.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 15.2 secs
2018 Nissan Caravan 2.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 14.7 secs
2018 Nissan Caravan 2.5 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 14.1 secs
The 2018 Nissan Caravan Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 liters
Ground Clearance
The 2018 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 2018 Nissan Caravan are quite analogous to that of the HiAce, and both cars feel similar. The steering wheel is responsive to road curvature and so easy to operate. The suspension is rigid enough to handle freight while simultaneously protecting the occupants from jarring movements. The brakes are reasonably robust and capable of bringing this car to a halt in a matter of seconds, therefore averting any kind of crash.
The engine and transmission system work together to provide a smooth start and good acceleration. With loads of torque and pulling power, the diesel models are the most exhilarating to drive.
Anti-lock brakes and stability control are incorporated in this van to improve stability.
2018 Nissan Caravan steeringg wheel and gear shift
Reliability
The 2018 Nissan Caravan is considered to be a reliable van. Although the Caravan exceeds the required ground clearance on Kenyan roads by an inch, extreme off-road driving is strongly discouraged as you risk damaging its body components. Transmission problems and injector malfunctions on the diesel versions are the most common problems reported by NV350 owners. Regular service and maintenance is required to avoid such problems.
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 2018 Nissan Caravan
Spacious cabin
Versatility
What we don’t
The diesel engine is sensitive and prone to failure
Conclusion
The 2018 Nissan Caravan offers an excellent alternative for those looking for options other than a HiAce. Its versatility and reliability will appeal to those in the transport business, as it can carry a large number of people at once, or even move tons of freight at a go. Individuals on a tight budget may not be able to purchase this van as its price is exorbitant.
2018 Nissan Caravan rear and 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
