Depending on the body configuration you opt for, the Nissan NV range comes with a choice of either petrol or diesel engines
In an effort to bolster its commercial vehicle offerings, Nissan recently launched two brand new LCVs to the South African market in the form of stylish new vans dubbed the Nissan NV range. Freddie Louw, Nissan’s chief marketing manager for light commercial vehicles, says they are confident that the new Nissan NV panel van range will prove successful for Nissan in South Africa, “especially since our existing LCV models, like the Nissan NP200 and NP300 Hardbody bakkies, are the darlings of the LCV segment”.
Entering the market with lots to offer, the all-new Nissan NV200 boasts a total cargo volume of 4,2 cubic metres and a low floor sill (520mm) with a wide distance between the wheel arches (1 220mm), which places it at the top of its class when it comes to lugging ability. Thanks to its sheer dimensions, it can easily accommodate two Eurospec pallets, or almost 800kg of cargo thanks to its wide-opening doors and a hinge design which does not impede on load bay accessibility.
For those who prefer petrol power, the Nissan NV200 1.6i features a normally-aspirated 1,6-litre petrol engine that produces 81kW of power at 6 000rpm and 153N.m of torque at 4 400rpm. It is mated to a five-speed manual transmission with front-wheel drive, and if driven responsibly it will return a claimed average combinedcycle fuel consumption figure of 7,2 litres/100km.
The diesel version, the 1.5dCi, has a claimed consumption 4,9 litres/100km in the combined cycle, while still offering good power and excellent torque at 66kW at 4 000rpm and 200N.m at 1 750rpm. The NV200is also available as a highly versatile Combi with a modular 7-seating capability that allows you to transport people and luggage with the same efficiency as the panel van. The much larger Nissan NV350 range offers similar class-leading credentials as its sibling – with similar sporty styling and attention to detail in its cabin layout and architecture.
Depending on the body configuration you opt for, the Nissan NV350 comes with a choice of either petrol or diesel engines. The new Nissan NV350 2,5-litre four-cylinder Narrow Body Standard Roof, and Wide Body High Roof petrol models offer 108 kW at 5 600rpm and peak torque of 213N.m at 4 400rpm. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, and Nissan claims the Narrow Body Standard Roof uses unleaded at a rate of 11,8 litres/100km.
Its fuel economy is improved with the assistance of low voltage control of the alternator, whereby battery charge is monitored and the alternator’s voltage adjusted to curb overcharging the battery, thereby reducing load on the engine and lowering fuel consumption. On the diesel side the new Nissan NV350 2,5-litre Wide Body High Roof turbocharged version boasts 95kW at 3 200rpm and 356N.m of torque at 2 000rpm.
The claimed consumption is just 8,3 litres/100km on the combined cycle, which is truly remarkable considering its size. All Nissan NV200 and NV350 models come reasonably well appointed to ensure that drivers and co-drivers are kept cool, calm and collected when on their daily runs. Especially important features that are standard across the range include air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes, airbags (driver only in the NV350), electric windows and side mirrors, central locking with an alarm and engine immobiliser.
Prices start at R190 000 for the NV200 1.6 panel van and R240 500 for the Combi with the same engine. All models come with a three-year/ 100 000km warranty. Prices start at R279 500 for the NV350 2.5 petrol Narrow Body Standard Roof and all models come with a three-year/100 000km warranty and a five-year/90 000km service plan with 15 000km service intervals.
