Minivan Nissan: a brief overview of three models of family cars

The concern Nissan started its history back in 1933, since then it has been constantly developing and increasing the number of products. To date, the mentioned company is the leader in the automotive industry. And the subject of our conversation will be the so-called "family" car of the brand "Nissan" - minivan. The photos below will help the reader to form his opinion about this class of Japanese cars.

Nissan Vanette

The first minivan "Nissan", which we will consider, is the Vanette model. He made his debut in 1979. Produced in two variations: in the form of a van and a minibus with a capacity of up to 8 people. This made the vehicle very convenient for large families. The model featured a rounded design, a frame chassis, an independent front suspension. The weight of the car "Nissan Vanette" was slightly more than 2.5 tons, and the carrying capacity - 700 kg. On the car installed carburetor engines in volume 1,2, 1,4 and 1,5 l with a capacity of 69-82 liters. from. And diesel two-liter unit for 63 "horses". The model of the Nissan Vanette Practic was equipped with a 2.4-liter injector motor (101 hp).

In 1986, the company introduced the second generation of the machine in question. The new minivan "Nissan Vanette" was distinguished by its angular outline of the body and a spring rear suspension. Power units were replenished with one turbodiesel (2 liters) and three petrol engines in volume of 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4 liters.

And now, in the 1990s, the third generation van minivan "Nissan Vanette" was born. These models had a modern layout (one-volume), but the drive remained rear. The engine of the car together with the front axle was moved forward of the cabin, due to which it received an ideal weight distribution - 50 x 50%.

Nissan Prairie

Another example worthy of attention is the minivan Nissan Prairie. This model debuted in 1982, it is considered the first universal cross-country with a full drive and a transforming cabin. This five-seater car has strongly surprised motorists with its characteristics. It can be said that the appearance of the novelty became a harbinger of a boom in vehicles such as minivans. By many characteristics and technical solution Prairie was ahead of its time. The "Nissan" of the second generation (1988) already resembled minivans in the classic, modern form. The model has significantly increased in size, the design of the car has become more modern. The line of engines is represented by an economical four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 2 liters and a more powerful unit with a volume of 2.4 liters. There was also an all - wheel drive modification of the car.

In August 1995, the third generation Nissan Prairie debuted. Significantly the body shape was changed: lifting the front part of the car gave solidity to the car and simultaneously increased the safety level of the driver and passengers in a frontal collision. The outlines of the rear part of the minivan also changed, and as a result the volume of the cabin increased. But already in 2002, "Prairie" was withdrawn from production.

Nissan Serena

Our review would be incomplete without a description of such a model as the minivan "Nissan Serena". This is a full-size family car with full or rear wheel drive. It was released in 1990 in Japan, and since the end of 1992, its production began in Spain. Nissan Serena has a high body - 1840 mm, its width is 1710 mm, and the length is 4315 mm. Despite the envisaged 5 seats, the car can seat eight people (although with difficulty), however, in this case, you can forget about the trunk. The interior of the cabin is quite simple and modest. The line of power units is represented by gasoline engines with a working volume of 1.6 liters with a capacity of 97 liters. from. And 2.0 liters with a power of 126 hp. And a two-liter diesel engine in 66 "horses". In 1995, the designers added another diesel unit to 2.3 liters with a capacity of 135 liters. from. The minivan was equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, as an option was provided for the "automatic". The maximum speed of the car is 135-170 km / h (depending on the power unit). In 2000, a new generation of "Serena" started. The car was distinguished by a new, more aggressive design. Minivan retained its classic layout, but at the same time found an independent suspension, it became 200 mm longer. All models are offered in a five-door version, with sliding doors.

Here we have briefly reviewed the history of the creation and development of minivans by Nissan. In some ways these cars were ahead of their time, and somewhere there were shortcomings. Whatever it was, but the car with the brand "Nissan" at all times meant reliability and good quality.