Changan Automobile has launched a new variant for the Karvaan passengervan, called the Karvaan Plus. The new trim comes with an assortment ofimprovements in terms of specs and features over the previously offeredvariants.
In terms of general design, it is the same boxy minivan that offers a senseof modernity as compared to the entire small passenger van segment, with aforward sloping front profile, angular projector headlights, a large chromegrille, a pair of foglights down below, 3 body paint options, body-coloreddoor handles and side mirrors with a modern design on the side, and a pairof sharp-looking taillights and rear-bumper mounted reflectors around theback.
The interior has been improved as well with a new beige and black interiorcolor combination, a slightly revised dash, and door panels. There’sseating for 6 passengers in the van and the seats have reportedly beenreupholstered for enhanced comfort.
Features & Performance
Further enhancements involve an electric power steering (EPS), front powerwindows, central locking, keyless entry, beam height adjuster, 3-point ELRseatbelts for driver & front passenger, a seatbelt reminder system,adjustable headrests for all seats, 4-way adjustable seats for front row,2-way adjustable seats for the second row, fold-down seats for 2nd & 3rdrow, 2-zone AC vents, advanced speedometer with a digital LCD screen thatshows basic information, and an audio system with MP3/AM & FM/AUX+USBsupport with 2 speakers.
Performance-wise, the van features a 1.0 liter naturally aspirated4-cylinder petrol engine that makes 68 peak horsepower and 92 newton/metersof peak torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, which isstill the only transmission option that you get. In terms of brakes, youget a solid disc setup up front and a conventional drum brake setup outback.
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The suspension setup is the same as what is being offered by other playersin the segment, whereby you get a Mcpherson strut setup up front and atorsion bar leaf spring setup outback. As we already know, leaf springsuspension is fairly hard as compared to coil spring suspension, whichmeans that the ride of this new van wouldn’t be significantly better thanits competition.Price
The Karvaan plus can be had for Rs. 1.55 million, which makes it the mostexpensive locally produced small passenger van in the market. The Karvaanplus only has two main competitors in the market, namely, the Suzuki Bolanand the FAW XPV.
Both vehicles are cheaper than the Karvaan, but the Karvaan is bigger,roomier, and better looking as compared to its competitors. But in the end,the decision to buy either one of these would solely dependent upon theneed of the buyer.
