D R I V E N

Given a fixed length, width and height, the most efficient shape to enclose a space is that of a box.  That's something that appliance designers, modern architects and seasoned travelers know only too well—we don't see too many cylindrical refrigerators or triangular office towers.  Passenger vans have to follow the same rule, so don't expect anything other than a refrigerator on wheels when you go shopping for that 12-seater.

Nissan tried quite hard with the Urvan Estate to make sure its refrigerator, er…van, stands out from the crowd.  They're off to a good start with the front, which features a pair of large trapezoidal headlamps flanking a horizontally-straked grille, and a formidable gray bumper.  As you circle the front, there is something noticeably different about this van.  Unlike its flat-fronted rivals, the Urvan actually has a vestigial hood.  This protrusion doesn't contain the engine, as that's still under the front seats, but it's been included in the design to provide a crumple zone to help absorb the impact of any crash.  From the driver's chair, It feels much better to be behind a crumple zone than actually be in the crash space.  The extension at the front is minimal and doesn't hamper maneuverability.  You can still come to within kissing distance of that G-Liner bus in front of you. 

There's not much to be said about the slab-sided left and right profiles, except that a mid-height crease helps to diffuse the sight of all that metal.  The 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels also help diminish the van-ness of it all.  The rear follows the front's styling theme, with red-and-clear trapezoidal taillights, and the largest possible hatch that can be fitted onto this body.  That tailgate opens end to end, and high enough to be out of head-conking range.

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