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NISSAN NV200
Page 47
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Its a brave move by Nissan to launch a completely new panel van into a crowded market when demand is, by recent standards, at rock bottom. Yet that's exactly what the Japanese van-maker has done, and is now rotting the range out across Europe. You should expect to see UK vehicles soon.
After a number of years sharing Renault's van line-up, the NV200 marks Nissan's first steps to a complete LCV range of its own. First impressions have been positive. The loadspace area is well designed and the van can carry two Europallets, loaded through the rear doors with ease.
Minimal wheelarch intrusion, made possible by the use of 14-inch wheels and rear leaf springs, ensure a 1,200mm loadspace between the arches, while the cargo floor is just 520mm from the ground. The internal height is 1,320mm, and with the front seat folded flat, you have 2,800mm of loadlength with a full-width bulkhead, this is restricted to 2,200mm at the floor.
Power comes from a 1.5-litre diesel, offering 63kW, or a 1.6-litre petrol booting out 79kW. A higher-powered 78kW diesel will join the family next September for Euro-5 emissions compliance. Engines deliver their drive to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission there's no auto available yet and braking is by discs front, drums rear. The driver benefits from a higher driving position than we're used to from the Kangoo, which gives a good view of the road. The verdict: This has to be the leading contender for IVoY supremacy this year. But the driving comfort isn't class-leading and the 14-inch wheels make for a skittish ride. This may Leave the door ajar for a rival to challenge hard for gold. The VW Transporter comes with more individual face, including headlights and grille, together with new lights at the rear.
The new Euro-5 two-litre TDI produces 83hp, 101hp, 138hp and 178hp and is claimed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by an average of 10%. The last three outputs can also be specced with the firm's new seven-speed DSG box, while the improved 4MOTION four-wheel-drive transmission is available with the last two.
Standard equipment includes hill hold assist, an uprated electronic stability programme and an emergency braking light function, which flashes the brake lights when the van decelerates hard.
On the road, the new engine is the missing link VW's been crying out for it's smooth and progressive, delivering its torque strongly, while the DSG sevenspeeder completes the Transporter, resulting in a solid van to drive.
The verdict: The Transporter has always been one of our favourites, and while impressive, a new engine line-up would normally not be enough to see a product challenge for honours, but, in this case, it might just have a shot...