Nissan NV400 2012 Van Review

Almost two years after the launch of its Master and Movano siblings, the third triplet, the NV400, is finally on sale in the UK. This is an eagerly anticipated event for Nissan as, minus a facelift and engine range, the Interstar has remained relatively unchanged in 14 years. But why has it taken so long? And what can we expect from this striking new vehicle? Liam Campbell finds out the details.

Ever since their first container ship arrived on our shores in the seventies, Nissan (or Datsun as they were then known) have always been a major player in the UK car market, but it seemed they were keen to keep their commercial endeavours in Asia. Most of their best selling commercials have either been, with the exception of the Navara, rebadged models from their French partner, Renault, or car based derivatives.

But Nissan have ambitious targets on the horizon, namely a doubling of their European LCV sales figures by 2014. Whereas the new NV400 is again built in conjunction with Renault and General Motors (Vauxhall), a great deal of effort has gone into making the NV400 more distinctive, and more Nissan.

“The bold new look helps us differentiate the NV400 from its competitors and gives us a distinctive face on the market”, explained Sebastien Danvel, General Manager of Van and Truck Marketing Europe, “With the NV200 and the NV400, there is no doubt Nissan means attractive functionality and great choice in the LCV market.”

The lights, grille and bonnet, for example, were designed in London at Nissan’s design centre and engineered at their technical centre in Bedfordshire. Another important point, especially for all the patriots out there, is that 85% of the 96,000 vehicles Nissan sold last year were produced at Nissan Manufacturing’s Sunderland plant, the most productive automotive facility in Europe.

A couple of new features, such as the chain driven camshaft, have helped boost the service intervals to two years or 25,000 miles (up from 18,000 miles). Oddly enough, the three year warranty has a 60,000 mile limit and no shorter unlimited mileage is offered.

Van specs and features are getting more car-like with every generation, and the NV400 is no exception. For instance, the standard spec. includes the likes of air conditioning, cruise control, speed limiter, trip computers, and Bluetooth with MP3, while rear parking sensors are standard on the ‘SE’ Grade. And for those really uncomfortable with reverse parking, a rear view camera can be purchased for £437.

A handy tool exclusive to Nissan is the Nissan Connect service, created in conjunction with their satellite system supplier. A subscription to their Live Service also allows drivers to get up to date with slow traffic warnings, alert them of any hazardous weather, speed cameras, and a business directory. Perfect for keeping customers up to date with any unexpected delays.

Engine

Reminiscent of the Ford Transit format, Nissan is now available to offer front and rear wheel drive versions for the first time. The veteran 2.5dCi that powered the Interstar has been retired and replaced by a new Euro 5 compliant 2.3dCi engine. Although power ratings remain the same at 100, 125 and 150 hp; torque outputs have been improved 10-15% to 285, 310 and 350 Nm and fuel consumption is around 10% better on each variant.

For greater engine flexibility, the fixed turbocharger on the 125 hp front wheel drive version can be upgraded to a variable geometry turbocharger, which is standard on both rear wheel drive variants (125 hp and 150 hp). All vehicles employ a 6 speed, manual or automatic, transmission.

Improved Suspension

Front suspension is provided by Macpherson independent struts whilst rear are single leaf spring for the FWD, double leaf for RWD and a triple for the RWD double wheelers.

Weights

Payload, as with most new vans nowadays, has been compromised with the compulsory fitting of extra safety modifications, more pedestrian protection measures and additional engine emission control features, so a new 4.5t twin rear wheel drive variant has been added to aid this, alongside the 2.8t, 3.3t and 3.5t vans. In terms of actual figures, payload on the lightest 3.5 tonner is 1620 kgs, and the rule of thumb for rear wheel drive vehicles is minus another 100 kgs.

As far as towing is concerned, the limit is 2500 kgs on a trailer with brakes, which is increased to 3000 kgs with the 4.5 tonner.

Volume and Lengths

With four load lengths, and three load heights; the total load volume on the new NV400 varies from 8m³ to 17m³. The load length is dependent on the drive axle, with load lengths 1-3 (2583 mm, 3083 mm and 3733 mm) only available on the front wheel drive and load lengths 3 and 4 (3733 mm and 4383 mm), the latter being nearly a foot longer than its SEVEL competitors (Relay, Boxer and Ducato).

The load width, however, loses out slightly to the SEVEL vehicles at 1765 mm, but there are three generous headroom options at 1700, 1894 and 2144 mm.

Access to the cargo area comes via impressive 1580 mm wide rear doors that range from 1627 mm to 1724 mm in height, and a nearside side loading door. For maximum versatility, there is the Offside Door Pack priced at £375, which also includes 270° opening rear doors.

A full steel bulkhead is standard on all versions, although a window can be added with heated glazed rear doors and wipers in the Rear Glazing Pack for £250.

Conversions

The new rear wheel drive option is expected to significantly improve Nissan’s conversion sales. In line with European Whole Vehicle Type Approval due in 2013, Nissan will offer factory build box vans, tippers and dropsides backed by Nissan warranty. In addition, Nissan will also offer Chassis Cabs for specialist conversions.

Price

The pricing starts at a fairly modest £18,995 excluding VAT for the basic 2.8t 100 hp ‘E’ Grade, right up to £30,045. This sits comfortably in between its siblings, the Master (£19,085 exc. VAT) and the Movano (£18,910 exc. VAT).

For variants up to 3.5t, the vehicle exercise duty and first registration stands at £265.

Overview

After a long wait, it will be interesting to see how the UK market responds to the new Nissan heavyweight. It represents Nissan’s ambitions of being more unique in their nature. Overall, it’s a competitive product at a competitive price and most certainly a step in the right direction to help Nissan achieve their ambitious European LCV targets.

 

This article was supplied courtesy of i-Van. →