Nissan Thinks You’re Not Mature Enough To Appreciate What It Just Launched In Japan

Japanese car buyers may be seeing something others are missing. While much of the world continues its SUV fixation, Nissan is standing by the humble minivan, with the company’s chief product specialist suggesting that local customers are simply more “mature” in recognizing the advantages of MPVs.

Read: Nissan’s Elgrand Minivan Returns With A Design So Wild It Feels Like A Concept

The timing of this defense isn’t random either, arriving shortly after the reveal of the brand-new Elgrand, which replaces the long-serving model that debuted back in 2010.

Are Japanese Buyers More Mature?

Speaking on the sidelines of the Tokyo Mobility Show, where the new Elgrand was presented to the world, Nissan’s Toshiyuki Nakamura explained that the company continues to back minivans (known elsewhere as MPVs) because they offer practical advantages that resonate strongly with Japanese buyers.

“In [the] Japan market, customers are very aware and appreciate bigger space, and then three-rows, and then sliding doors – that’s really convenient for the market,” he told Australia’s Drive. “And those convenience things, globally, everyone [customers] feels [the same].”

He went on to say that outside Japan, many buyers still overlook these advantages, which is one reason SUVs maintain such strong global demand.

“But [in] other markets, people doesn’t recognize those features, and that’s why globally SUVs are still popular. That’s why for me, the Japanese customer is more mature,” he added.

That shift in perspective has been a long time coming. “Thirty years ago, customers didn’t pay much attention to those kinds of vehicles, they preferred sedans,” Nakamura said. “But once they recognized the benefits, they really embraced these models and the advantages they offer.”

Minivans have been popular in Japan for much of the past decade. Among the best-selling models include the Honda Stepwgn, Toyota Alphard, Nissan Serena, and, of course, the Elgrand.

Here in the US, the most popular minivans typically have SUV-inspired designs, including the likes of the Kia Carnival, Toyota Sienna, and Honda Odyssey. They also don’t prioritize luxury quite as much as some in Japan.

Futuristic Design And The Latest Tech

In the case of the new Elgrand, it benefits from a radically overhauled exterior design using Nissan’s ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’ design language.

Inside, the updates are just as substantial. The cabin now features dual 14.3-inch displays, a 22-speaker audio system, second-row captain’s chairs with generous padding, and large screens integrated into the front headrests.

In its home market, the Elgrand will be sold exclusively with Nissan’s third-generation e-Power petrol-electric drivetrain. It also introduces the brand’s new e-4ORCE electric all-wheel drive system that’s designed to improve handling and suppress pitching during acceleration and braking, making for a more comfortable ride.