The Nissan NV200 is one of our favourite test vehicles. Here's why...
1. It has tons of cargo space
4.2m3 of space to be exact, which can accommodate a load space of two Euro Pallets and a payload of 740kg. That's enough to carry three small motorcycles or an entire room's worth of IKEA furniture.
2. It has anchor points
Need to strap down your precious cargo? No worries. The NV200 has you covered with four anchor points inside in the cargo area to keep your package secure.
3. It’s easy to access
The cargo space is 1.36m tall, so you won’t have much trouble with headroom inside, and the floor height is 520mm from ground level for easy loading access. Plus it comes with dual sliding doors on both sides.
4. It’s fuel efficient
This bad boy is equipped with Nissan’s 1.6-litre HR16DE petrol engine with the Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control (CVTC). It’ll give you 107bhp, 152Nm of torque, and claimed fuel economy of 14km/L.
5. It’s surprisingly lightweight and nimble
Despite its size and long wheelbase, the NV200 has a curb weight of just 1,220kg (minus cargo and passengers). This baby will zip around traffic like fighter planes in an acrobatic dogfight.
6. It drives and rides like a car
The engine sits forward of the cabin rather than under the cabin, like a traditional van, so adapting to it is rather natural. And despite running rear leaf springs, the ride is actually quite compliant and comfortable.
7. It’s incredibly fun to drive! (Really)
So it’s lightweight, handles well, and has a pretty good petrol engine. What more could you want? How about a close-ratio 5-speed manual gearbox? The NV200 has that too. Let the fun times begin.
8. It has a high-tech digital meter
Want a multi-functional meter for your ride? No need to source for an aftermarket part, the NV200 is already equipped with one as standard. The digital meter will display a variety of information, from fuel consumption to engine revs and even an upshift indicator. That’s bragging rights right there.
9. There’s plenty of clever and convenient storage space
And we’re not simply referring to the cupholders either. Nissan has integrated several smart storage spaces across the dashboard and cabin for your convenience. Oh, and the passenger seat can be folded down as a table too.
10. It’s very affordable
The NV200 retails at RM65,733 (OTR with insurance). For that price range you can opt for a Perodua Alza, Proton Prevé, Suzuki Swift, or Mitsubishi Mirage to name a few. Yes, we’re comparing passenger vehicles to a commercial vehicle, but they will never be as awesome as the Nissan NV200.