AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Having previously produced a van range off the back of

26th November 2009
Page 40
Page 41
Page 42
Page 40, 26th November 2009 — Having previously produced a van range off the back of
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

its parent company Renault (with the exception of its in-house Cabstar) Nissan has decided to break the mold with the launch of an all-new small LCV — the NV200.

With greater emphasis placed on this segment by van operators as downsizing fast-becomes the norm, together with the lack of a dominant brand in the sector. the company appears to have chosen its segment wisely.

Of course, it's never going to be easy for any new arrival, with quality products from Ford and Volkswagen already out there, together with the likes of Citroen's enlarged Berlingo, but, on paper, it looks like Nissan has certainly done its homework.

Available in one size, as a van or corn hi, which can carry seven people, the NV200 is powered by an 85hp 1.5dC:i engine that is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

However, it's in the rear that the firm will have to fight its biggest battle. Load volume for the van is 4.2m. which matches VW's Caddy Maxi and beats Ford's Connect LWB and Citroen's Berlingo LWB, both offering 3.7m3.

Payload is 752kg, which loses ground to the Connect and Caddy. They offer 902kg and 800kg respectively.

Also worth noting is the Nissan's GVW At 2,000kg, it is noticeably lighter than its three main rivals, which add between 150kg and 350kg -this should help fuel consumption Prices start at £11,850 for the E, which gets you ABS with EBD, CD/radio with WIP3 input, together with a rear parking camera and detailed trip computer.

However, there's no remote central locking, which is unforgiveable in this day and age.

The SE, priced at £12,350, adds electric windows and wing mirrors, full height or folding bulkhead and, yes. remote central locking.

It's the price factor that gives the NV200 its competitive edge. Citroen's Berlingo lists at £13,065, while the Ford and Volkswagen come in at £14,250 and £14.410 respectively. The warranty is 36 months/60,000 miles, while servicing intervals are set at 24,000 miles.

Productivity

Considering the Nissan NV200 is lighter than the average van in a similar class, and aided by a 1.5-litre engine while the majority of its competitors are nearer the two-litre mark, productivity was always going to be weighted in Nissan's favour.

All this added up to a laden fuel run figure of 44.7mpg which stacks up well against the competition — the Citroen comes in second at 43.2mpg.

An unladen run saw consumption improve to 47.3mpg which again was top of the pile.

In the rear, the Nissan comes with a well-designed load area that features a commendably low load-lip and a boxlike layout for maximising load space. Load length stanth at more than 2in, while the standard nearside sliding doom opens out sufficiently for decent access.

Also worth noting are the rear offset 70/30 doors, which allow you generous entry, even with just one door released they can also open out from an initial 90 degrees to l8t" degrees at the pull of a catch. In addition, there are six loae tie securing points located across the bottom of the floor. Available as an option are adjustable cargo-fixing points on the side of the inner load bay. together with a PVC floor covering, which will help to absorb knocks from any cargo.

Cab comfort

it's a case of function over fashion when talking about the NV200's interior, with the overall design tilting its hat to the god of practicality. It comes complete with plenty of touches to aid the driver on a day-to-day basis.

You get sound cab access and a driving position that provides enough adjustment to get comfortable, while the logically-placed stalks and controls are easy to use.

That said, were less enthusiastic about the digital and hard to read rev counter, which has you squinting to register it, There is. though, the compensation of a 'green' shift indicator light for economical cog swapping.

There's also storage aplenty, wi ill a well-designed central folding storage box (ideal for valuables) that has two cup holders, together with a number of large trays located on the passenger side. However. Nissan seems to have missed a trick here. The NV doesn't feel particularly 'new' or 'individual'. Grey plastics abound as far as the eye can see.

An injection of contrasting colour, even for the seat trim would have been a welcome relief, or the odd design quirk of sorts to help enhance the van's 'brandnew' status.

And although the fit and finish are first rate on the NV200, with a feeling of solidity clearly evident, it still feels a little lightweight on the move; while at higher speeds. the engine (which is taken from the Renault Kangoo) makes its presence known.

✓ On the road

it Nissan is making a great deal of noise about the NV200's

✓ combination of light weight and competitive payload, and ✓ in an urban environment, which is where the majority of ✓ users will be operating, it makes perfect sense.

✓ The vehicle feels agile and manoeuvrable, and allows you to navigate through traffic and tight spaces with effortless ease.

'the steering is quick and direct, while the engine provides enough torque to get you off the line and up to speed without you having to aim for the upper rev band.

The five-speeder isn't the slickest we've ever tested, but it moves from gate to gate adequately enough, while the brakes are progressive and require minimal pressure to cut the speed. The ride around town is satisfactory, with the NV200 coping comfortably with uneven surfaces thanks to its well-worked damping.

However, its small 14-inch wheels were always going to be a talking point, and in the pursuit of load volume, the Nissan concedes something in the high-speed ride stakes there is a degree of crosswind interference.

While it never feels nervous per se, the NV200 still somehow fails to feel as secure as. say, a Transit Connect. Add a full payload, and you'll soon discover that while that will help to balance the vehicle, it does make you work the engine that bit harder.

Inclines will have you dropping a gear and using the revs, and, in turn, this will drive up the noise levels in the upper band. Although this isn't a deal-breaker, with just one power output, it's something worth considering. •

Tags


comments powered by Disqus