REASONABLY PRICED LUXURY:Nissan Urvan Estate Microbus
07/15/2008 It’s enormous. With a size of 4990 mm length, 1690 mm width and 1990 mm height, the Nissan Urvan Estate Microbus can be easily seen when on the road. With its long body (wheel base of 2715mm), standard roof and four doors, the van has a seating capacity of 12 persons including the driver. It is spacious inside with lots of legroom, though some parts of the ceiling have low head room due to the air-conditioning ducts. Entry and exit is smooth and easy with jump seats. It is quite pleasant inside and cooling the huge interior is not a problem —as Ms. Rachelle Aquilizan of UMC mentioned, a jacket is necessary when riding in the van. This van is not typical of other vans with engines located under the front seats. Usually on long trips, the driver and front passenger would feel the heat of the engine under the seat. The Nissan Urvan Estate Microbus seems to be well insulated since such heat is not felt at all. The “airplane-inspired,” ergonomically-designed high-back seats are comfortable to sit on and may even be reclined. The standard sound system is ideal for traffic reports and other news programs. When driving the Nissan Urvan Estate, the power of the 3.0 liter diesel 4 in-line DOHC (code name ZD20DD) is felt even at low rpm. The electronic fuel injection system or ECCS supplies fuel to the motor accurately, giving good mileage for a microbus. Due to the van’s size, turns are best tackled with the slow in fast out rule. Maneuvering the Nissan Urvan Estate is not that difficult with a minimum turning radius of 5.4 mm. The van has an independent double-wishbone torsion bar type suspension with telescopic shock absorbers/stabilizer in front, and rigid axle semi-elliptic leaf springs with telescoping shock absorbers for the rear. Even at half capacity of less than six passengers, the ride at the front section of the van is tolerable. The ride at the rear section however is a bit “bouncy.” Backing up or reversing is made easier with the high driving position aided by a rear mirror. Other features include standard rack and pinion with power steering assist. The front 15-inch ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes with LSV load sensing valve provide stopping power. The van comes in 5-speed transmission only. Driving a microbus is surely an experience — it’s “reasonably priced luxury” indeed.  Back to top
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