By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Nissan
Now in its third year of production, the popular Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo van continues to set the standard for compact cargo van design, combining a small exterior footprint and excellent fuel efficiency with a large cargo capacity and outstanding versatility.
Cargo and Efficiency
Built on Nissan’s proven compact commercial platform, the NV200 Compact Cargo offers high cargo volume capacity in a small exterior package. Unique for North America, the NV200 Compact Cargo body is extended 7.9 inches versus the models sold in other global markets. This longer body length offers additional cargo carrying capability for North American customers.
The tall rear doors are a 40/60-split design, with the 60-percent side on the right side for easy access from a sidewalk. The 40-percent left side door is shorter, reducing its potential intrusion into the street when open. Both rear doors feature dual opening positions of 90º and 180º. The standard sliding side doors are designed for low effort. All doors are solid to accommodate advertising or business signage, with available privacy door glass, with passenger side sliding door glass and back door glass with privacy and defroster optionally available.
Added commercial flexibility is provided by the 20 standard integrated, reinforced cargo-mounting points, which allow installation of racks and shelves without drilling into the sidewalls, and six available floor mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area. Six exterior roof rack mounting points are also standard.
Interior and Exterior
The NV200 Compact Cargo‘s exterior design features a Nissan signature front grille, aerodynamic front-end design and functional cabin design. Other exterior features include halogen headlights, durable black front and rear bumpers and outside mirrors with wide-angle spotter mirrors and available heated function. Body-colored bumpers and outside mirrors are also offered.
The driver-focused cockpit includes both comfort and functional features. The driver’s seat is mounted in a high commanding position that is easy to get in and out of and provides a good view of the road and surrounding environment. The 6-way adjustable seat with manual lumbar and armrest is designed for durability with outboard vinyl wear patches.
Power windows with auto up/down are standard, as is a 12-volt power outlet on the instrument panel. An additional 12-volt power point in rear of center console is available. There is also a passenger-side under-seat storage tray, drive computer, battery saver feature, AM/FM/CD with auxiliary input and two front door mounted speakers.
The Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo offers Mobile Office functionality with a center console featuring laptop/hanging file folder storage, pen/pencil tray, CD holder and dual cupholders. Recessed storage areas are provided on the upper instrument panel for folders and documents.
Available technology includes Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required), and RearView Monitor, in addition the available NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps system includes a 5.8-inch touch screen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for audio and navigation, and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant.
Efficiency
The 2015 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo is built on Nissan’s proven compact commercial platform and features an efficient 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine rated at 131 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. The engine is matched with a responsive and efficient next-generation Xtronic transmission.
The suspension utilizes independent struts and stabilizer bar in front and a leaf spring design in the rear. Front disc/rear drum brakes with Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist are standard, along with electric power-assisted steering and 15-inch steel wheels mounted with 185/60R15 high-load all-season tires.
Summary
The Nissan NV200 provides enough room for hauling purposes with the efficiency and maneuverability required in an urban environment. The steering is light, maneuvering at low speed is easy, and has an exceptionally tight turning radius; you can make a U-turn in any narrow road or parking lot. Nissan makes the most of the properties in the design of a CVT transmission to keep the NV200 in the power band, it didn’t matter the weight or quantity that I was carrying.
Fuel economy is rated at 24 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for the 2015 Nissan NV200 Cargo SV. The manufacturer’s suggested retail base price starts at $21,710.00, the one I drove included the, Rear Sonar System, All Season Floor Mats, Technology, Exterior Appearance and Back Door Glass Packages, and it came in at $24,345.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
