Nissan NV200 Vanette - Review and Photos

Now comes a new generation of the Vanette which gets a new model designation of NV200 ('N’ for 'New’, 'V’ for 'Van’ and '200’ being the model classification) and though it is a light commercial vehicle, this new model has innovations that are noteworthy with packaging that is said to be the largest in its class. For example, even with an overall length of under 4.4 metres, its cargo floor area is more than 2 metres long.

The NV200 has front-wheel drive with power coming from either a petrol or diesel engine. The petrol unit is the all-aluminium 1.6-litre HR16 engine, a 16-valver which develops 79 kW/108 bhp and is mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine is a Renault 8-valve 1.5 dCi (K9K) unit developing 200 Nm of torque and 63 kW/86 bhp.

From the outset, the designers planned for the NV200 to be a multi-role vehicle, unlike the original Vanette which was conceived as a commercial van. Thus the new Vanette has a variety of equipment and trim options depending on the usage. It can be ordered as a panel van purely for carrying cargo or it can be a 5-seater combi for both cargo and people. In some markets, especially Europe, it will also be available as a 7-seater Family van which would function like a MPV.

The NV200 Vanette's low waistline gives the cabin an open, airy ambience. A commanding viewpoint gives the driver very good forward visibility while the steering wheel is tilted at an angle to allow a car-like driving position. The two-level instrument panel aesthetically blends a variety of surfaces, lines and materials to project a rich, high-quality feeling. Numerous storage compartments ensure ample capacity for easily and conveniently storing various small items.

The cargo area of the 2-seater panel van models is large enough to accommodate ''metre module materials'' (2000 x 100 x 44 mm) that are used for construction. Moreover, using the space under the front passenger's seat makes it possible to carry items up to 3 metres in length.

Needless to say, the NV200 will have top-notch safety standards and be equipped with items like front and side airbags and ABS. Also available in some markets will be a rearview camera to aid reversing.

The model recently began sales in Japan where it is priced at between 1,572,900 yen and 1,899,450 yen (RM57,400 – RM69,300). It is to be progressively introduced in many other markets worldwide as it is intended to be a global model. Later in the year, production of the model will also begin in Spain for the European market and a larger version, the NV2500, is likely to be introduced for the North American market in future.

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