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Replacing the Elgrand, slightly smaller ideally, for mtb/camper conversion

Andy916

Andy916

Active Member
E51 Owner
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Location
Shropshire Hills
First Name
Andy
Elgrand
E51
I've had my S2 E51 for 9 years now, thinking about replacement but it's a difficult act to follow!

We have a rear conversion, sleeping two with insulation pads behind the curtains, often with a load of sports kit including bike. Often now it's just me to accomodate, plus a mountainbike or two. With one mid-seat removed that works just about ok but the rear kitchen limits things a bit. Also removing the seat leaves the runners in place which are a bit of a pain, flat floor would be better. Replacement van would hopefully have a bench seat / bed / storage down one side and a couple of bike mounts the other side.

Oh, and we've had an LPG conversion for 9 years now, from Simon (lpgc). At best it'll do 25mpg on gas on a motorway trip with the cruise set at the max, 110kmh, plus a bit of A-road - pretty good really. Supplies are patchy now though, for longer trips (UK).

So far so good, why change? Well, we live on some tiny lanes with a load of hills, and lots of my mtb trips involve that too. Something a bit smaller, lighter and more agile would be great - possibly a Serena or Stepwgn (+LPG?) or other import. Have also considered NV200 and Connect/Tourneo/Proace but don't like diesel much, and would miss the JDM luxury. Even a Bongo or Delica, if there are any decent ones left.

As well as the weight and soft springs of the E51, the auto box and engine characteristics seem a bit out of place on tiny hilly roads. The sport-auto in my 2016 Vitara with switchable 4wd is much livelier on the lanes, as is the 1.4 boosterjet engine although it's only pushing 1200kg or thereabouts. Is there a JDM van with a more up-to-date transmission I wonder, auto rather than manual (definitely not cvt)?

So, the luxury of an E51 but a touch smaller, more agile and more economical in the hills, does it exist? Suggestions welcome..!
 
The NV 200 is quite a bit smaller than the Elgrand. Have a look at this YouTuber couple, they started with a caravan changed to the NV 200 and now have a campervan.
Their early videos are all about the NV 200.
 
Not wanting a CVT rules out the Serena or Stepwagon. But I'd much prefer a Honda CVT than Nissan's.
It also rules out the same age range Toyota Voxys etc
 
Importland said:
Not wanting a CVT rules out the Serena or Stepwagon. But I'd much prefer a Honda CVT than Nissan's.
It also rules out the same age range Toyota Voxys etc
Click to expand...

Thanks! I've not driven these CVTs, have just read about maintenance being more critical to avoid premature wear, and imagining it'd be a bit soul-less to drive. My 3.5 E51 5-speed auto is fine on regular roads, really refined, relaxed and quick enough, but on tiny hilly lanes it feels a bit of a lump. Also the torque converter is slow compared to a more modern auto, like my 2016 Suzuki 6-speed.

I should probably have a drive in a Stepwagn and experience the CVT box. Worcs Rd in Stourport is my nearest dealer, they have one in stock but it's a 2015 1.5 turbo at £17k which is more than I'm looking to spend.
 
Andy916 said:
Thanks! I've not driven these CVTs, have just read about maintenance being more critical to avoid premature wear, and imagining it'd be a bit soul-less to drive. My 3.5 E51 5-speed auto is fine on regular roads, really refined, relaxed and quick enough, but on tiny hilly lanes it feels a bit of a lump. Also the torque converter is slow compared to a more modern auto, like my 2016 Suzuki 6-speed.

I should probably have a drive in a Stepwagn and experience the CVT box. Worcs Rd in Stourport is my nearest dealer, they have one in stock but it's a 2015 1.5 turbo at £17k which is more than I'm looking to spend.
Click to expand...
Yes, I know the StepWgn you're referring too. I was looking on their site the other day. I@m sure an 'RK5' (circa 2013 etc) stepwagon will be in their soon, as I've seen quite a few there over the months.
 
On reflection I should have had a Serena rather than my E51 - a bit smaller and possibly easier to maintain although not so sure about parts availability and resale value.
Some vehicles, eg possibly NV200, are primarily vans/commercial vehicles so less refined/car like to drive?
I also have a Mitsubishi Delica D2 (rebadged Suzuki Solio - a bit like a modern day Wagon R) with a Nissan/Jatco CVT gearbox - a bit gutless (only 1.2 litre engine) so you occasionally need to use the boost/rev increase button on the lever. More importantly it has a bit of a rattle in reverse even after changing the fluid/filters so I concur that in my limited experience CVT boxes aren't that great.
 
Cato Fong said:
On reflection I should have had a Serena rather than my E51 - a bit smaller and possibly easier to maintain. Some vehicles, eg possibly NV200, are primarily vans/commercial vehicles so less refined/car like to drive?
I also have a Mitsubishi Delica D2 (rebadged Suzuki Solio - a bit like a modern day Wagon R) with a Nissan/Jatco CVT gearbox - a bit gutless (only 1.2 litre engine) so you occasionally need to use the boost/rev increase button on the lever. More importantly it has a bit of a rattle in reverse even after changing the fluid/filters so I concur that in my limited experience CVT boxes aren't that great.
Click to expand...
Serena got the infamous Nissan CVT though.
 
Most cars though got something you'd change, so it's about which compromises suit the best.
The Elgrand and the (probable) upcoming cat/emission laws have put a spanner in the works, at least for me at the moment, and I'm not really sold on an Alphard (3.5, no CVT) as an alternative. Like the Stpwagn, seems cool, no cat issues if the law becomes more severe, but got a CVT. etc etc.
 
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