People movers are one of the most mundane, least exciting of car genres - or at least to automotive fans. They often lack character. And being the spacious 'Mr. Nice-to-Everybody', people usually take them for granted.
Still, MPVs continue to serve families with loyalty, performing school runs faithfully and grocery shopping errands dutifully. This brings to mind the Nissan Elgrand, which has been around since 1997 and has been through three generations now.
The 2014 version went through a series of small nips and tucks - the most significant and obvious being the new front facet. The full-sized MPV is also now available in a more luxurious seven-seater variant (the one sampled here).Up close and Personal
Being Nissan's flagship MPV, it is hard not to take notice of the Elgrand's existence, even if it's tugged at a corner in a crowded basement carpark. And as if it needed more on-road presence, the full-fledged people carrier took on a full-face grille - with a no less eye-catching chrome finish.
Still, MPVs continue to serve families with loyalty, performing school runs faithfully and grocery shopping errands dutifully. This brings to mind the Nissan Elgrand, which has been around since 1997 and has been through three generations now.
The 2014 version went through a series of small nips and tucks - the most significant and obvious being the new front facet. The full-sized MPV is also now available in a more luxurious seven-seater variant (the one sampled here).Up close and Personal
Being Nissan's flagship MPV, it is hard not to take notice of the Elgrand's existence, even if it's tugged at a corner in a crowded basement carpark. And as if it needed more on-road presence, the full-fledged people carrier took on a full-face grille - with a no less eye-catching chrome finish.
While current trends saw more use of subtle-looking matt colours and carbon fibre patterns, chrome has a refreshing effect on the Elgrand. It also has an aggression similar to that of an oversized guard dog, adding a wee bit of character to the conventional bread van.
This seven-seater variant sits above the eight-seater in the family hierarchy, and is portrayed as a more luxurious option. For $8,000 more, it gets leather seats, sunroof, electric front seats and individual Ottoman-style cushions in the centre row.
This seven-seater variant sits above the eight-seater in the family hierarchy, and is portrayed as a more luxurious option. For $8,000 more, it gets leather seats, sunroof, electric front seats and individual Ottoman-style cushions in the centre row.
The cabin is where the people mover demonstrates its luxury-inclined motives, with maple trims and diamond quilted seats, which feel as good as they look.
It may have space for one less person, but pampers all others with greater allowances - especially those in the middle row. And unlike most other MPVs, the last row of seats are decently sized to fit adults comfortably for long journeys.
The Drive
The new Elgrand retains the 2.5-litre engine and CVT transmission from its predecessor. Despite towing a heft of close to two tonnes, the behemoth of an MPV feels relatively punchy on the move.
The downside of the four-cylinder unit is that it can be rather thirsty. Despite travelling with at most two people on board, the people mover returns 8.5km/L - nothing close to the 11.2km/L claimed by the manufacturer.
It may have space for one less person, but pampers all others with greater allowances - especially those in the middle row. And unlike most other MPVs, the last row of seats are decently sized to fit adults comfortably for long journeys.
The Drive
The new Elgrand retains the 2.5-litre engine and CVT transmission from its predecessor. Despite towing a heft of close to two tonnes, the behemoth of an MPV feels relatively punchy on the move.
The downside of the four-cylinder unit is that it can be rather thirsty. Despite travelling with at most two people on board, the people mover returns 8.5km/L - nothing close to the 11.2km/L claimed by the manufacturer.
As expected, the CVT gearbox isn't the most engaging to work with. But it is very well-suited to transport the family in a creamily smooth, sleep-inducing manner. The touring experience is further helped by the comfort-biased suspension, which soaks up undulation on the road with ease.
Conclusion
Despite its humble badging, the Elgrand is equipped to live the high life, providing an experience which is expected of luxury models.
Driving involvement, or the lack of it, should hardly raise brows for anyone in the market for an MPV, who surely would have his priorities set on comfort rather than sporty driving.
Thus, it's hard to disagree that sneaking just under the $200,000 mark, the Elgrand is good value to get the family going in a spacious, comfy and grand manner.
Conclusion
Despite its humble badging, the Elgrand is equipped to live the high life, providing an experience which is expected of luxury models.
Driving involvement, or the lack of it, should hardly raise brows for anyone in the market for an MPV, who surely would have his priorities set on comfort rather than sporty driving.
Thus, it's hard to disagree that sneaking just under the $200,000 mark, the Elgrand is good value to get the family going in a spacious, comfy and grand manner.
