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2011 Nissan Elgrand Review

August 2010
Filed under: NISSAN Car News | NISSAN Headlines

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In line with its longstanding reputation for excellence, the new-generation Elgrand imparts a strong luxury presence and welcoming sense of hospitality and comfort for driver and passengers alike. The interior offers a number of features designed specifically for passenger comfort, including unique, multi-function high quality seats with leg rest and the world's first 11-inch electronic retractable monitor used in a minivan. A Private Theater System powered by a Bose® 5.1 Surround Sound System is available for the rear seats. In addition to comfort, the 2011 Nissan Elgrand offers class-leading fuel efficiency and dynamic performance. Every grade achieve, SU-LEV certification, emitting 75% fewer exhaust emissions than 2005 standards. This qualifies the vehicle for the tax exemption for environmentally friendly vehicles, which covers all 4WD and part of the 2WD grade of the 3.5-liter model for the 50% reduction on acquisition and weight tax for new vehicles. All 2.5-liter models will receive a 75% reduction.*1

Key features of the 2011 Nissan Elgrand are:
- Distinguished styling
-Majestic and sleek design, which are trademarks of the Elgrand identity
- The best-in-class comfort
-Evokes a feeling of the highest quality achieved in a personal mobility space
- Uncompromising pursuit of excellence
-Best fuel economy and drivability in its class

1. Dynamic Exterior, Supremely Comfortable Interior

The concept behind the development of the 2011 Nissan Elgrand, "Dynamism and Luxury you can feel," is expressed throughout the exterior and interior. The design incorporates both hallmarks of the original Elgrand - such as the blending of the two-stage headlights, thick front mask and grille into one form - with the latest technology, such as the modern 3-dimensionally designed seats.

The low and wide body proportions emphasize the Elgrand's stability, with the dynamic lines flowing from the front and leading all the way down the sides, highlighting its powerful profile. Each pillar is blacked-out, adding to the look of strength and solidity. The darkened windows framed from the side all the way to the rear with chrome moldings is a world's first. Rear combination lamps with horizontal and vertical lines add to its original look. Chrome-coated, polished aluminum-alloy wheels complete the luxurious and appealing appearance.

Elgrand's high-quality interior space focuses on enveloping driver and passengers in supreme comfort. The highly functional instrument panel adds a luxurious touch, wrapped from side to side with a gradient wood-tone panel. The meter panel is illuminated with a blue ring, giving the interior a modern look and exciting feeling, while the seats allow all occupants to experience high levels of comfort.

2. Exhilarating Yet Fuel-Efficient Performance

The 2011 Nissan Elgrand is equipped with a 3.5-liter VQ35DE engine tuned specifically for this application. With a maximum output of 206kW(280PS)/6400rpm and maximum torque of 344N・m(35.1kgfm)/4400rpm), it makes driving an exhilarating experience whether in the city or on the highway.

The 2.5-liter Elgrand is also equipped with a vehicle-specific tuned engine, the QR25DE, with responsive acceleration from low speeds, and high torque giving the vehicle a quick, strong driving feel. The engine is rated at a maximum output of 125kW(170PS)/5600rpm and maximum torque of 245N・m(25.0kgfm)/3900rpm).

The newly refined Xtronic CVT-M6 transmission boasts significantly improved fuel economy and powerful performance. Its wide gear range and low-speed lockup function helps achieve excellent fuel mileage. Furthermore, the driver's driving and acceleration control is automatically detected by the Adaptive Shift Control system to provide an optimized driving condition, combining superior driving performance and fuel efficiency.

All of the 4WD and part of the 2WD versions of 3.5-liter Elgrand meet the requirements for Eco car tax subsidy, including a 50% reduction on both acquisition and weight tax for new vehicles. 2.5-liter Elgrand is also qualified for the Eco car tax subsidy and a 75% reduction on acquisition and weight tax for new vehicles.*1

Platform, Body and Suspension

The Elgrand's all new platform benefits from Nissan's excellent minivan tuning capabilities, giving it a low center of gravity, comfortable seating for seven adults and ride comfort comparable to traditional sedans.

The combination of high-performance steering and rigid shock absorbers provide outstanding straight-line stability. Both the front and rear suspension utilize aluminum links and lower load springs that are lighter than the previous Elgrand design. The rear multi-link suspension assists in providing both superior driving stability and ride comfort. Elgrand's low center of gravity packaging, along with 4-wheel rebound spring shock absorbers, provide complete control and stability during steering and cornering. The 2011 Nissan Elgrand offers improved steering feel with the smallest turning radius available at the M class minivan level. In addition, the 73L fuel tank form is optimized to best fit the vehicle's body.

Quiet operation is another key element of the Elgrand platform and body structure. Significantly improved surface rigidity, a vibration-resistant floor and bead-shaped sound dampening flooring are utilized. In addition, the use of an acoustic windshield, sound insulators and strategically located dampening materials help give Elgrand the top level in noise canceling and comfort in class.

Elgrand also utilize YOKOHAMA dB (decibel) tires to help achieve excellent vibration and road noise reduction levels. The 18-inch sized wheels have the equivalent low road noise of standard 16-inch wheels (standard on 350Highway STAR Premium, 350Highway STAR and 250Highway STAR models).

3. Advanced Seating Designs, Innovative Utility

The 2011 Nissan Elgrand offers a range of advanced seat designs and innovative utility systems. Besides allowing to use the 1st and 2nd row passengers seat to use the leg rest at the same time, for the Elgrand 7 passengers model, the new Comfortable Captain Seat is adopted for the 2nd row passengers seat which incorporates three new technologies: 'seat cushion-integrated leg rest,' 'articulated seatback,' and 'three-layered cushion pads.' Nissan is the only automaker adopting all three technologies at the same time. With the seat's all-in-one seat cushion and leg rest design, the body is supported as a whole, helping maintain a posture that can be relaxed and stress-free. The seat cushion-integrated leg rest, supports the lower legs over a large area and helps spread the body weight to avoid leg swelling.

The 60/40 split bench 2nd row seat on Elgrand 8-passenger models also features large armrests, similar to captain seats, giving a highly luxurious feel. Elgrand's optimally designed foldable 3rd row seat can be easily stored, while also providing superior passenger fit and accommodation compared with similar vehicles.

Elgrand's new Quick Comfort Seat Heater, which was developed with a focus on human physiology, features a world's first seat heating technology. The Quick Comfort Seat Heater provides point-accurate heating to various parts of the body, with modes adjustable to every situation. In the beginning, the system starts heating the thigh and hip areas where people feel the warmth more. Later, it heats the lower back and the thigh area to maintain a comfortable warmth (standard on 350Highway STAR Premium model).

Another world's first function utilized on the 2011 Nissan Elgrand is the one touch switch system that not only unlocks the doors, but also automatically opens the One-Touch Auto Slide Door. Other utility features include a second mirror installed above the rearview mirror for easy communication with passengers in the 2nd and 3rd row seats.

Conveniently installed in the luggage compartment is the switch that folds the 3rd row seat. This switch also returns the seatback to its original position (available on the 350Highway STAR Premium model). A remote-controlled back door is also available, which is controlled by either the back door switch, the driver's seat or from the remote control key (available on the 350Highway STAR Premium model).

4. Advanced Technology and Equipment

As expected from the "King of Minivans," the 2011 Nissan Elgrand offers the latest advanced technology and features, ranging from a private theater system to eco-drive assist.

The optional Around View Monitor is ideal for use in garages and when parallel parking. The system utilizes a voice guidance system, simulated steering direction indicators and reverse positioning displayed on the monitor (Parking Guide System). The front/rear wide view monitor gives priority to safety with a 180° perspective view when negotiating visibly difficult intersections and reversing from parking lots. By registering the visibly difficult intersections in the navigational map, when the vehicle stops at these points, it automatically activates the front Wide View Monitor Navigation.

Also available as an option is the Carwings Navigational System (Integrated Digital Terrestrial Signal・HDD system). It features the most advanced map updating system with high-speed route calculation, built-in digital with automatic signal tuner (12 SEG/ 1 SEG) and an iPod®*2 compatible entertainment system.

For owners seeking theatre-quality entertainment on the road, Elgrand is offered with the optional Private Theatre System. It is equipped with a Bose® 5.1ch Surround Sound that recreates concert hall quality sound with 13 strategically placed high-performance acoustically tuned speakers. The system also features a large 11-inch electronic retractable monitor (a world's first). The size is 1.6-times larger than the 9-inch conventional model display, allowing greater visibility even from the 2nd and 3rd row seats.

Combining the Private Theatre System with dealer-optional floor carpets and the sound dampening acoustic ceiling and Elgrand's standard finely tuned sound reflecting glass windows, the interior offers an experience similar to that of a concert hall (350Highway STAR Premium, 350Highway STAR, 250Highway STAR optional).

Another special feature is the Eco-Drive Assist System, which promotes fuel-efficient driving through a number of ways - including coordinating the functions of the transmission and navigation system. For example, the navigation system provides curb radius and tollgate distance calculations to the management system in order to optimum engine brake control and reduce fuel consumption. The ECO mode function also maximizes acceleration performance, CVT response and integrated control CVT transmission schedules to improve fuel efficiency. Adopting a smooth assist takeoff system, Eco-Drive Assist supports the driver for smooth acceleration and better fuel economy, while the Smart-rev Control system maintains constant engine revolutions to avoid uneven speed changes and unnecessary fuel consumption.

Elgrand also offers a long list of available safety and eco technologies, including:

-Intelligent Cruise Control (350Highway STAR Premium, 350Highway STAR manufacturer option)
-School zone safe driving guide
-Safe driving support system
-Xenon headlamps
-Auto light system (linked front wipers, dawn sensors)
-Active AFS (350Highway STAR Premium, 350Highway STAR standard)
-Halogen fog lamp equipped front bumper
-Side under mirror
-VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control (TCS functionality included)
-ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) + Break Assist + EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution control system)
-Intelligent Brake Assist (350Highway STAR Premium, 350Highway STAR manufacturer option)
-Front seat active headrest
-Body construction for pedestrian protection / High-strength body construction (Zone Body)
-Driver and passenger seat SRS air bag system
-Driver and passenger seat SRS side air bag system
-SRS curtain air bag system
-Low-Friction Seatbelt
-Second seat ELR with 3 point seatbelt (Independent Buckle)
-Third seat ELR with 3 point seatbelt (Independent Buckle)
-Second seat ISO FIX Child seat anchor (right and left)
-Tire pressure sensor that detects decreased air pressure. It displays a warning on the information display. The system is combined with a buzzer alarm that gives guidance when the pressure comes to a certain level. This pressure guidance system was first adopted in Japan.
Unit sales: 1,900 units per month
Sales launch event: August 21 (Sat.), 22 (Sun.), 28 (Sat.), 29 (Sun.),2010

*1:By achieving both SU-LEV certification by emitting 75% fewer exhaust emissions than 2005 standards and 25% improvement in fuel economy over 2010 standards, automobile acquisition tax for new vehicles registered until March 31st 2012 will receive a 75% reduction.
Automobile weight tax for new vehicles registered until April 30th 2012 will receive a 75% reduction. In addition, automobile tax for the next year of registration for the vehicle that will be newly registered until March 31, 2012, will be reduced by 50%.
*2: iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Inc in the United States and in other countries.

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