More Is More With New Nissan NV200 Combi

2013/07/08

• More space: 7-seat NV200 Combi has ample space
• More practicality: easily convert from people mover to cargo carrier
• More mileage: efficient design and engine range ensures frugality

Rosslyn, South Africa – The all-new Nissan NV200 Combi is now available in South Africa. Following the release of its NV200 Panel Van sibling in June, the Combi variant of the NV200 forms part of a comprehensive new LCV offering from Nissan – now there is a Nissan LCV for everyone, no matter what their needs may be.

Following design principles demonstrated by the NV200 Panel Van, the NV200 Combi is smart, light on its feet, cleverly-designed and well-packaged, with the over-riding idea of 'more' being exhibited in all aspects. More space, more enjoyment, more versatility and more efficiency. More reasons to say 'yes'.

With a wide range of appealing features, the reliability and durability that comes with the Nissan badge as well as suitability to any environment whether it be urban, suburban or rural, the new Nissan NV200 Combi caters for the needs of the commercial and passenger sectors alike.

Its seven seat layout means there's enough passenger space for the whole family and the dog, or clients and employees, and its ability to easily swallow up large cargo items without lengthy seat-removal means it's the perfect family vehicle or business tool. More reasons to just get in and go!

In New York, people will find more reasons to take a ride in the new NV200 which will soon operate as a taxi, wearing the iconic yellow so strongly associated with the cabs.

In the city the NV200 combi is aiming to replace some 13,000 existing Yellow Cabs which ferry over 600 000 people around the city every day.

Chief Marketing Manager for the LCV Business Unit at Nissan South Africa, Freddie Louw, says: "The new Nissan NV200 Panel Van has already seen a warm reception in the South African market and we are delighted to be able to add the Combi version to our product portfolio. The new NV200 Combi represents another new segment for the Nissan brand and with so many good reasons to own one, we expect it to find favour with a large variety of new owners – from fleet clients and businesses who require versatility to families who are looking for seven seat practicality without having to break their budget. The new NV200 Combi is a real all-rounder."

Design

More style – the new Nissan NV200 Combi has been designed with both style and practicality in mind. The sharp, angular face which features well-defined headlights and a clean Nissan grille flow into upwardly-sloping design lines which join the flanks of the vehicle. Creating a sense of forward motion as well as a stern and assertive look, the NV200 Combi not only looks like it means business but is attractive and stylish enough to entice driver and passengers to get in and enjoy the experience. Not just a panel van with seats.

The large side profile – which alludes to the generous cabin space within – is both clutter-free yet stylish, the sharp lines from the front dictating an angular theme. The NV200 Combi features a sliding door on either side, not only adding to its practicality but also ease of use. Attractive 14-inch alloy wheels also contribute to the fashionable side profile. Seven colours are available on the new NV200 Combi, including white, silver, grey and black, with the more zesty red, 'Blue Marine' and 'Blue Green' colours allowing for ultimate expression of personality.

Much like the NV200 Panel Van, best-in-class cost of ownership has been a key element during the development of the new NV200 Combi. As such, the vehicle features clever design elements which not only reduce production costs but also repair costs to the consumer. An efficient energy absorption design for the front bumper has been incorporated to ensure that impact energy is both absorbed and dissipated away from the main chassis structure. The cooling system is also protected from impact damage in order to reduce repair costs, thanks to optimised packaging.

A low-cost parts basket coupled to excellent fuel efficiency also means best-in-class cost of ownership for the consumer, the new NV200 petrol and diesel variants reflecting average combined cycle fuel economy figures of 7.3- and 5.1-litres per 100 km respectively.

Being a seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle of course, efficient interior design and packaging is another area of triumph for the new Nissan NV200 Combi. Despite its compact exterior proportions, interior space has been maximised to provide excellent levels of comfort for occupants, with inherent benefits too for cargo-carrying purposes. The NV200 Combi in fact offers class-leading interior proportions, especially where leg room, knee room, luggage capacity and ease of access are considered.

Ergonomics have been tailored to ensure ease of use and a comfortable driving environment for the driver especially. The uncluttered dashboard incorporates the gear lever, which is mounted in close proximity to the steering wheel for a more natural driving action. Its ergonomic placement has also allowed the floor to be opened up, which makes the cockpit look and feel more spacious and inviting. A simply-laid-out instrument binnacle houses a large speedometer which is flanked by a smart 2.8-inch multi-information LCD display screen. Information displayed includes fuel range, fuel level, average consumption, instantaneous consumption, a shift-up indicator to increase driving efficiency and an economy meter as well as trip distance and outside temperature. The information can be changed via the multi-function steering wheel, which also incorporates controls for the audio system and Bluetooth hands-free telephony.

Seats are finished in durable cloth – the two-tone grey and blue upholstery not only looks and feels good, but offers a degree of robustness and strength. Like its Panel Van sibling, the NV200 Combi features a host of smart storage solutions throughout the cabin, including a conventional cubby hole, a storage tray atop the dashboard, smaller trays in the centre console and around the steering wheel, large door pockets and four cup holders.

While the NV200 Combi may have been designed to primarily carry people, the seven-seater can easily convert into a cargo-carrier, by simply folding away the seats. Its ties to the NV200 Panel Van can then be clearly seen, the available loading space subscribing too to the overall theme of 'more'. With the rearmost seats folded up against the sides of the vehicle, a generous 2.3 cubic metres of cargo volume is made available. However, folding the middle row forwards opens up a massive 3.1 m3 of cargo volume – which means the NV200 Combi can easily double as a workman's tool and a family chariot – or even a sportsman's companion, being able to easily swallow three bicycles with their front wheels still attached. The wide and high-opening tailgate coupled to a low loading sill also mean the NV200 Combi is exceptionally easy to load and unload.

Power trains

The new Nissan NV200 Combi comes with the choice of two tried and trusted power plants, designating the two new NV200 Combi models as 1.6i Petrol and 1.5 dCi Diesel. Both engines are mated to five-speed manual gearboxes and feature front-wheel drive. Both also offer excellent efficiency.

The new NV200 Combi 1.6i is powered by a normally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine, producing 81 kW at 6 000 rpm and a generous 153 Nm at 4 400. Efficiency from the 1.6i petrol model is admirable, an average of 7.3-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle average matched by carbon emissions of 169 g/km.

The diesel-powered 1.5 dCi model makes use of 66 kW of power at 4 000 rpm and a very healthy 200 Nm of torque from as low as 1 750 rpm. Not only does this make the 1.5 dCi model brilliantly driveable but with average fuel economy of 5.1-litres per 100 km and just 134 g/km of CO2, it's easy on the pocket as well.

Equipment

The new Nissan NV200 Combi models both exhibit high levels of safety and standard equipment. Safety equipment on both models includes ABS with EBD, VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), driver, passenger and front side airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchor points as well as a seatbelt warning buzzer for both driver and front passenger.

Standard-fitment equipment includes remote central locking and an immobiliser, air conditioning, a radio/CD audio system with aux and USB input ports as well as Bluetooth for audio streaming and hands-free cellphone use, an anti-bacterial gear knob and steering wheel, electric windows up front, electric mirrors, a multi-function steering wheel, 14-inch alloy wheels with a full-size spare and front fog lights.

All new Nissan NV200 Combi models come standard with a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty. Service intervals for both petrol and diesel variants are 15 000 km.

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