NV200: STILL THE CLASS ACT TO BEAT
Award winning compact van stays ahead of the competition
- Van of the Year NV200 continues to set the class standards
- Compact exterior hides largest cargo area in its class
- Clever design aids versatility
- New 1.5 dCi 110HP turbodiesel provides added performance with low emissions and strong economy
- Passenger car comfort and driving dynamics
- Innovative features, including rear view camera, available
- Van and passenger carrying Combi versions on offer
- Built in Spain for Europe
In the two years since it was voted International Van of the Year, the Nissan NV200 has proven itself to be the benchmark light van for businesses large and small. Innovative packaging, exemplary build quality and a host of thoughtful features have allowed NV200 to push the segment boundaries.
Its compact exterior dimensions, for example, belie a large and versatile interior with the longest cargo length (2.04m) and largest load volume (4.2 m3; VDA: 3.1 m3) in its class for standard wheelbase.
Designed with a priority on practicality, two standard Euro pallets fit easily between the rear wheel arches, while its loading height is also the lowest of all its rivals. Overall width, however, is a compact 1695mm usefully narrower than rivals allowing NV200 to squeeze through tight city streets more easily.
A rich mix of models, including half panel and combi versions as well as a conventional panel van, and an array of different door options with single or double sliding side openings and top hinged tailgate or split french rear doors at the rear add to the versatility of the range.
A range of frugal Euro 5 compliant petrol and diesel engines ensures there's an engine for every need, while a popular specialist conversion is a refrigerated version which has a 2.2 m3 load volume. The conversions, undertaken by Spanish company Gruau SA, can be adapted to suit the needs of different users.
Such has been the success of NV200 in Japan, Europe and China that Nissan is now looking to introduce the award winning van to other markets - including India and North America. All models sold in Europe are built at Nissan's Barcelona plant in Spain.
As well as its practical, usable space, NV200 has won accolades for its driving dynamics. NV200 sits on a modified version of Nissan's ‘Alliance B' road car platform, giving the van passenger car levels of handling and ride comfort allied to a commanding driving position.
This performance is matched by a range of engines ideally suited to the tasks NV200 is likely to face. The entry level 1.5 dCi turbodiesel develops 66kW (90HP) and 200 Nm of torque and is mated to a five-speed gearbox.
This has now been joined by a more powerful and flexible version of the eight-valve common-rail unit, developing 81kW (110HP) and 240 Nm: peak torque is available from as low as 1,750 rpm.
This engine has a new fuel return rail and control unit for improved fuel efficiency while injection pressure has been increased to 1,650 bar while improved spark plug performance speeds up cold start performance. It is fully Euro V compliant and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. CO2 emissions are just 139g/km..
A 1.6-litre petrol engine developing 81kW (109HP) and 153 Nm of torque is also available.
Low cost of ownership has been boosted by extended service intervals. Oil changes are now needed every 20,000 kms or once a year for the diesel versions and only every 30,000 kms or annually for the petrol versions. Fuel economy highlights include a combined cycle figure from 8.8 l/100 kms for the petrol versions and from 5.7 l/100 kms.
"No matter which engine is chosen, the combination of strong performance, excellent economy, low emissions and low running costs make a compelling argument in favour of NV200," said Sebastien Danvel, General Manager, Marketing Vans and Trucks, Nissan Europe.
NV200 in detail
NV200's clean, functional design combines styling cues from Nissan passenger cars and commercial vehicles but adds a few unique features such as the dramatic upswept swage line framing the door glass, while the deep side windows provide enhanced visibility.
At the front, NV200 has a new interpretation of the Nissan grille which flows into the slimline wraparound headlights. Depending on the version the bumpers are either black or body coloured. Single or twin sliding side doors enhance practicality while twin side hinged rear doors are standard though a top hinged tailgate is optionally available.
Interior
Despite the vehicle's compact overall measurements intelligent packaging means NV200 has the cargo space you would expect to find in a van with a much longer van. At its narrowest point between the rear wheel arches, the cargo floor is 1.22m wide and an impressive 2.04m long.
Even this dimension can be extended. A swiveling bulkhead is available which complements the folding front passenger seat to allow a load of up to 2.8m in length to be carried inside the vehicle. NV200 also has the lowest loading height in its class, just 524mm from ground level. In total, there's a potential 4.2 m3of cargo volume in the back of the van, around 25 percent more than its closest rivals. NV200's maximum payload is up to 793kg.
This vast cargo space has been achieved with higher driving position and the layout of the rear suspension, maximising the available load space.
The fuel tank is placed underneath the front passenger seat with the fuel filler located on the B pillar behind the driver's door. The compact rear suspension uses wide single leaf springs to provide the strength needed for a light commercial vehicle, but not at the expense of ride comfort, and at the same time permits a clear, wide load bay.
A high seating position for a commanding driving position combines with NV200's natural agility to ensure negotiating congested town centres is as painless as possible, while shoulder room is a match for all its rivals despite the narrower body. Cabin space is also helped by the ‘joystick' gearlever which emerges from the dashboard rather than the floor.
The single instrument is a speedometer which also incorporates a digital tachometer as part of a comprehensive on-board display. This gives the driver a vital array of information including a clock, drive computer, trip and overall odometers and a shift-up display, which can be set by the driver to improve economy.
Chassis
NV200 has MacPherson strut front suspension and an effective single leaf spring rear axle, while the wheelbase is 2725mm, contributing to NV200's large load area and keeping maneuverability at same time.
The front suspension features a sub-frame mounted strut-type system with combined coil-over-strut assemblies and a forward lower link. The sub-frame features compliant rubber mounts to isolate road noise and vibration from the platform, improving both general refinement and ride comfort. The front anti-roll bar is attached directly to the strut assembly to help provide more effective control of body roll while cornering, while ride comfort is enhanced by the adoption of ripple control shock absorbers.
Semi-elliptical suspension was chosen for the rear axle for two main reasons. The single leaf springs help spread the load likely to be carried in the vehicle, while the entire assembly is compact and uses heavily angled conventional dampers so as not to encroach on cargo space. This also helps to keep the load floor as low as possible. The layout has the further benefit of being simple, robust and cost effective.
Ride comfort and handling benefit from a rigid body. Extensively reinforced sills and pillars with no fewer than four cross members also help to enhance refinement. Despite the extra rigidity of the shell, the structure has been designed to reduce weight and increase cargo space.
Cabin and door impact absorption structures help protect occupants in case of an accident, while pedestrian safety is enhanced by the use of energy absorbing materials in the bumper, bonnet and cowl.
To aid manoeuvrability in town, NV200 has electric power steering, offering greater assistance at lower speeds with more steering feel provided as speeds rise. The system is tuned specifically for European tastes to give a strong self-centering action at lower engine speeds for easier town driving and greater feel at higher speeds.
Standard ABS is augmented by Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is available as part of an optional Safety Pack.
Equipment
NV200 might be an LCV but that doesn't keep it from having passenger car levels of equipment, comfort and convenience. In addition to ample storage space for oddments, the door pockets are large enough to hold two A4-sized map books, while a hidden compartment within the glovebox can house valuables out of sight.
Other features available either as standard or an option include air conditioning, a rear view parking camera, Nissan Connect satellite navigation with Bluetooth connectivity, remote central locking and electric front windows. On models with Nissan Connect, images from the rear camera are displayed on the centre screen. On other models, the images are displayed in a screen integrated into the main instrument panel near the central speedometer. In addition to the generous standard kit offered by SE trim, n-tec adds the popular Nissan Connect satellite navigation and communication system along with cruise control and a speed limiter which can be adjusted by the driver.
In-car entertainment is provided by a double DIN RDS display with integrated CD player and AUX-in facility for MP3 players. All models have a pair of 6.5-inch loudspeakers mounted in the front doors.
Combi
Proving NV200 versatility, it is also available as a Combi version with five or seven seats. The middle bench is split 60/40 and the entire assembly tumbles forward to ease access to the rear or to increase load space. The twin rear seats, where fitted, fold individually and are stored against the sides of the rear compartment. None of the seats needs to be removed from the vehicle to increase load space.
With all the seats in use, there's enough luggage space behind the third row to hold two large suitcases, while five large suitcases can be loaded when these seats are folded away.
