Meet one of the small bakkie segment's safest, trendiest, and most sensible options
With the introduction of the all-new Nissan NP200 entry level model to the half ton segment in Oct 2008, the South African market has started getting to know the class-leading features which this powerful global automotive brand has packed into its replacement for the iconic Nissan 1400. Taking the baton from such a legend and moving it forward is a challenge which saw the manufacturer draw on its extensive seven decades of experience in the commercial vehicle segment, and the resulting NP200 has already set about forging its own enduring reputation of utmost durability and reliability no matter how heavy the workload.
Building on the success of its entry-level workhorse model, Nissan SA is now pleased to announce an extensive range expansion. With additional safety, comfort, and aesthetic revisions, the new NP200 offerings bring youth and energy to the line-up. NP200 now delivers a well-judged combination of sporty flair with no-nonsense, hard-working business credentials.
Adding flair without deleting practicality
The eventual replacement of a motoring legend has given Nissan a brand new platform with which to take on the half ton bakkie segment. The NP200 range is diversifying with the introduction of new S and SE-models, packing the additional specs needed to be a contender across the full spectrum of the segment. The NP200 range is defined by its fusion of practicality and performance, underlying strength and overt style. It's the practical, yet stylish option for the younger buyer who knows what his growing enterprise needs, but also needs a vehicle which he doesn't have to park out of sight when undertaking an after-hours urban adventure.
With its even better looks and additions to the cabin making for a sporty, comfortable driving environment, NP200 now appeals to a younger, wider target market for whom working and playing hard must go hand in hand. The NP200 certainly appeals to a customer who has their own distinct tastes and is looking for a vehicle which suits their needs on multiple levels while fitting in with their energetic lifestyle.
Mike Whitfield, MD Nissan SA, elaborates; "With the addition of the new S and SE-lines to the NP200 lineup, our offering has a flavor for all tastes. No matter which model suits your needs best, you still get the practicality and sheer durability boasted by the base NP200, but now with the amenities which are always nice to have when you do get a few moments to concentrate on yourself and your lifestyle. And we've literally added all the extras you demand, from safety levels uniquely high in this segment to punchier engine options. There's an NP200 which now caters to all half ton buyer categories."
More flash, same core values
The range revision adds a pair of new engines to the single option available on the base spec NP200. In addition to this strong and proven 1.6-litre four-cylinder 8-valve petrol motor first launched, the duo of new petrol models receive an even livelier 16-valve engine of the same capacity, offering improvements both in power output and efficiency, developing more twist without negatively impacting fuel consumption in the least. Nissan now also offers a 1.5-litre common rail turbo diesel engine option, providing ample torque and pleasingly frugal fuel consumption in all driving conditions.
Both of these gutsy new motors endow the NP200 with lively performance, with the car-based coil-spring suspension configuration providing ride and handling characteristics akin to a small, nimble car. The dCi motor delivers a wholesome 200Nm of torque at just 1900rpm, and manages to return superb combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 5.3 l/100km in the process.
The new mid-level specification petrol model (indicated by S-designation) and high-spec (SE) models enjoy significant power and torque gains over the 8-valve motor in the NP200. Power jumps from 64kW to 77kW, with torque up a full 20Nm to a total of 148Nm. This increased urge gives the S and SE-designated NP200 models a real dynamic edge, so that when the class-leading load box is empty and it's time for the driver to relax, the vehicle is ready to deliver on another level altogether. And manages to return an identical 8.1 l/100km in the combined cycle!
Notes Wilhelm Baard, General Manager of Light Commercial Vehicle Business Unit at Nissan SA; "The availability of the two new engines, even before getting to all the specification upgrades, is great news for local NP200 buyers. A small, highly-efficient turbo diesel motor saves your business fuel costs thanks to its sheer frugality, while the 16-valve petrol gives you that extra overtaking energy without costing any more to the bottom line than the base petrol motor."
Great looks, great features, great bakkie
The face of the NP200 has been updated giving it a crossover feel consistent with some of the latest passenger vehicles introduced in the Nissan stable such as the strongly adventure-oriented but value-driven Livina X-Gear and funky Nissan Qashqai. The enhanced styling and additional features of the NP200 appeal to a young and trendy target customer for whom individual flair is as critical a purchasing criterion as proven durability.
Exterior aesthetics are pleasingly enhanced by the addition of colour-coded bumpers front and rear, as well as similarly body-coloured mirrors. Wheel arch extensions front and rear and a new sill cover do their bit to give the S-model an even more commanding road presence. These styling tweaks bring a more contemporary statement to the NP200 package, underlining that this is a bakkie for the current generation.
Customers who purchase an NP200 SE get this updated exterior set off against a black B-pillar as well as additional black door mouldings. The attitude of this range-topper is finished off with Integrated front fog lamps and attractive 15" alloys as standard equipment.
Outright practicality is an area in which the NP200 already lives up to its "No Ordinary Bakkie" promise by being the smartest investment for a growing business. It is the class leader in the segment with the largest available payload capacity at 800kg in the 1.6 engine category, the longest load box in its class at 1807mm, and the most capacious load volume at an impressive 1.25m3.
The vehicle also offers the roomiest interior cabin in the segment with cleverly positioned storage compartments, 300 liters of additional storage space behind the forward-tilting seats, with the two new models including air-conditioning and a Radio/CD/MP3-compatible audio system ensuring a comfortable and pleasurable drive.
Additional convenience features include powered mirrors and windows, with the driver able to get even more comfortable in the roomy cabin thanks to a height-adjustable seat with lumbar support (SE only) ensuring that even longer journeys can be completed with absolute ease and comfort.
"These extensions to the NP200 range reflect Nissan's objective of providing vehicles ideally suited to the needs of its target customer. This half ton bakkie, already a class leader in terms of capacity, efficiency, and durability, now also takes a front row position in measures of safety, comfort and styling." says Johan Kleynhans, Nissan SA Marketing, Sales and Aftersales Director.
The safest bet
All round occupant safety is improved with the addition airbags for both driver and passenger, further improvements to the strength and stiffness of the passenger cell, as well as leading the industry with the fitment of active safety systems in the form of ABS (Antilock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) on SE models.
The very dynamic qualities of the NP200, as its modern crossover styling suggests, also contribute in their own way to overall safety by delivering car-like road manners.
In addition to the rubberized load box and several integrated cargo hooks to ensure your load remains secure at all times, the NP200 can keep the cargo concealed with a slick tonneau cover, which comes as standard on the SE and is optional on all other models.
Nissan strength, Nissan style, Nissan value
With all of these addenda built onto the base vehicle the NP200 extended range appeals to a wider customer base. The stronger, more modern and self-assured exterior styling backed up by an all new level of interior refinement in the introduction of the S and SE-models, comes together in an all-rounder ideal for work and play.
This range extension brings the total number of NP200 models available from your Nissan showroom up to five. The full petrol-powered range begins with the base model already introduced to the market –the only half ton bakkie offering a 1.6-litre motor for under R100 000 today – and extends through the mid-spec S into the fully-loaded SE. The new dCi engine option will be available in basic and all-singing SE trim levels.
If you need something capable of getting stuck right in when called upon to carry a load, but without compromising on the niceties you'd miss when using it in pursuit of your more leisure-oriented adventures, the NP200 is the right answer, every time.
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