The latest addition to Nissan’s commercial vehicle lineup is the NV200 Compact Cargo van. The NV200 is Nissan’s third commercial vehicle after the full-size NV Cargo and NV Passenger intended to help our customers be successful with their business needs. The Nissan NV200 was designed and built to help give our customers flexibility. It provides a new entry point for current cargo van and small pickup buyers looking for a compact, efficient alternative to their larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles. These small platform vehicles provide these efficiencies but still have the capability of carrying a high volume of cargo and allowing them to load and unload large items into the expansive cargo area. To help achieve these results, the NV200 was designed with tall rear doors that are split for easier accessibility to the cargo area; there are also sliding doors on each side. The interior has multiple amenities that allow the NV200 Compact Cargo to act as an office on wheels. As for drivability the NV200’s smaller body is ideal for maneuvering around traffic in busy cities, and for negotiating tight city parking spaces, and low garages.
Although the NV200 is new to North America, it has already been in use in more than 40 countries, receiving acclaim from both users and media alike for its optimal functionality and smart design. It won the 2010 International Van of the Year Award in Europe and the 2010 Commercial Delivery Van (CDV) of the Year in China. It also was given the Universal Design Award from Universal Design GmbH, for promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs. The three main advantages of the NV200 are; its large cargo capacity with small exterior footprint, ease of use and affordability.
“Our global success provides a great foundation for the North American version, which we know will become an essential tool for business,” said Joe Castelli, Vice President, Nissan Commercial Vehicles and Fleet.
High Volume in a Small Footprint
The US version body has been increased by 7.9 inches compared to the standard NV200 that is sold in other international markets. This longer body length offers additional cargo carrying capability for our customers. The NV200 provides a cargo capacity of 123 cubic feet. It measures just 186.2 inches in overall length, and 68.1 inches in width, on a 115.2-inch wheelbase. The NV200 has “car-like maneuverability,” while still allowing for a 1,500 lb. (S level), 1,477 lb. (SV level), maximum payload (including passengers).
40/60 Rear Doors
The NV200 design supports customer needs for ease of use by paying attention to the smallest details. The NV200 features tall rear 40/60 split doors with dual opening positions (90 and 180 degrees). Having a larger right door allows for easier single-door loading, and the available rear windows provide better visibility when maneuvering.
Exterior Features
The NV200’s design profile is achieved with its signature front grille, and aerodynamic front end which helps the functionality of its cabin design. The large body sides include low-effort dual sliding side doors and large areas available for business signage and graphics. Other exterior features included as standard equipment are halogen headlights, and durable black front and rear bumpers. Large outside mirrors feature a convex insert to help eliminate blind spots. Available heated mirrors are a help on cold, frosty mornings. An Exterior Appearance Package is available that includes body-color bumpers, door handles, and side mirrors along with a chrome grille. Windows are available for the rear doors.
NOTE: If your customer’s standard business causes them to use their vehicle with substantial load, you can manually adjust the headlight height of their vehicle to compensate for their payload.
NV200s Cabin
Climb in and you will see that serious thought went into the design of NV200 Compact Cargo’s cabin that help make it a better place to drive and a smarter place to work. The NV200 has 2-passenger seating with a driver-focused cockpit designed to provide both comfort and functional features. The driver’s seat has 6-way adjustability, along with manual lumbar and armrest, and the passenger seat has 4-way adjustability. They are both designed with heightadjustable front head restraints, and cloth seat surfaces with outboard vinyl wear patches for durability. The driver seat sits high, providing excellent outside visibility. The transmission lever is mounted closer to the driver to make it easier to reach.
Owners will find a relatively comfortable cockpit in which to work and hang out, with ample storage in the standard NV200. When it’s time to get down to business, the NV200 can convert easily into a mobile office. The passenger seat folds down to function as a worktop or an extended cargo space. Cockpit amenities include smart storage, with a center console that features laptop/hanging file folder storage, pen/pencil tray, CD holder, and dual cup holders.
Power windows with auto up/down are standard. A 12-volt power outlet on the instrument panel is standard, along with an additional available 12V power outlet in the rear of the center console. 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.
Technology
With the available Technology Package, all of a customer’s communication needs are close at hand.
Available technology includes a Nissan Navigation System with a 5.8 inch touch screen display. The Technology Package comes with Bluetooth® wireless communications, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), RearView Monitor, and telematics pre-wiring (Nissan Fleet Tracker).
Efficient and Affordable
The 2013 Nissan NV200 is built on Nissan’s proven B-platform, offering very good driver comfort in a compact commercial vehicle. The power comes from the proven HR20DE engine, a 2.0 litre, 16-valve DOHC inline 4-cylinder that puts out 135 to 140 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. It’s matched up with an a responsive and efficient Xtronic CVT® transmission. The NV200 boasts several segmentleading features including: best-in-class fuel economy of 24 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and excellent turning radius for maneuvering in tight city spaces.
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 (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) are standard. Also standard are electric power-assisted steering and 15-inch steel wheels mounted with 185/60R15C 94/92T high-load all-season tires.
This vehicle is equipped with special high load index 94 tires to carry a payload of up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg) as indicated on the tire information placard. Some aftermarket replacement tires may have lower load index ratings. While Nissan does not encourage customers to do so, please note that if a customer chooses to purchase a tire with a lower load index rating, the max payload capacity of the vehicle will be reduced.
Cargo Capability
Can the NV200 compact van carry a pallet? Yes, the NV200 can carry a standard 40” x 48” pallet in the cargo area. To maximize cargo space, NV200 features a flat cargo floor and minimal intrusion from the rear wheel wells. The low floor height and tall interior cargo height provide a cavernous cargo area to aid loading and unloading. The rear wheel wells have a compact and narrow design to maximize cargo room. The tops of the rear wheel wells were also flattened for easier stacking of boxes. The result is impressive cargo room that is large enough to fit a pallet in sideways. 18 integrated cargo-mounting points also allow for secure verticle fitting of cargo racks and bins. Added utility is provided by the standard integrated 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. With 180º of movement, securing packages is easy. They are also recessed into the floor, so they fold conveniently out of the way when not in use.
Maximum payload capacity for the NV200 is estimated at 1500 pounds. The rear suspension is leaf-sprung—like on a real truck!—while the front has struts.
NOTE: If customers swap out the high-load tires with non-spec replacement tires, their vehicle may not achieve the same Gross Combined Weight rating.
Safety
The NV200 includes standard safety features, such as the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) and roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front occupant head protection. They also have front seat mounted driver and passenger side impact supplemental air bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Replacing the tires on the NV200 with those not originally specified by Nissan could adversely affect the proper operation of the TPMS, VDC system, ground clearance, speedometer calibration, headlight aim, bumper height, maximum speed rating, and maximum load capacity.
When changing or replacing tires always replace the tires with the correct tire type, size, speed rating, and load index rating as the factory installed tire.
36.7’ Turning Diameter
NV200’s incredibly tight turning diameter will help customers negotiate narrow streets, tight parking structures and will allow them to place their vehicle as close as possible to drop-off points.
Two Well-Equipped Models
Two well-equipped models are avialble for 2013. The NV200 S and NV200 SV come in a choice of five exterior colors and matched with a gray cloth interior.
In addition to the long list of standard features on the NV200 S, the SV model adds power heated outside mirrors, power door locks with auto-locking feature and remote keyless entry with two key fobs, and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls. Also standard are cargo floor mat, additional 12V power outlet in the rear of the center console, six floor-mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area, and full wheel covers.
Several option packages will be available including: a Back Door Glass Package, an Exterior Appearance Package with body-color features, and a Technology Package with Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System with MP3 Capability in Audio Unit. The Technology Package also includes the Navigation System, RearView Monitor, and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately).
The new Nissan NV200 will be manufactured in Cuernavaca, Mexico and available through a select network of certified Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers nationwide.
The NV200 has two other variations of the vehicle as well, that are already in the works. The concept for the eNV200, a zero-emissions electric vehicle, debuted last month. The second variation is a taxi design that is part of the New York City’s Taxi of Tomorrow plan.
