Nissan India plans to introduce an MPV in the second half of 2011-12. Codenamed NV200, the model is one of the three vehicles the company plans to introduce in the next fiscal year from its joint venture with Ashok Leyland. The NV200 is a 7 seater MPV and is likely to compete with the Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo and Chevrolet Tavera. Built on a modified version of Nissan’s B Platform, NV200 has fully independent strut type front suspension mounted on a separate subframe and a compact and lightweight yet robust wide leaf spring rear axle. Performance comes from a choice of two engines, one petrol and one diesel.
The petrol version will be powered by Nissan’s renowned all aluminium 1.6-litre HR16 engine, as found in Micra, Note and Qashqai. Displacing 1,598cc, the 16-valve unit develops 79kW (108PS) and 153Nm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The diesel, also found on Note and Micra, is Alliance partner Renault’s acclaimed 8-valve 1.5 dCi (K9K) 1,461cc engine. Developing 200 Nm of torque and 63kW (86PS), it offers an ideal blend of performance, refinement and fuel economy. Power is transmitted through a five-speed gearbox.
