Stylish and trendy, low running costs and friend to the environment.
Nissan’s new NP200 Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) is today even more appealing than ever with the introduction of a 1.5dCi common rail turbodiesel-powered model to the range line-up, supplementing the eager 1.6-litre petrol models that have added a new meaning to being an all-rounder – stylish and trendy yet also very economical offering low cost of ownership.
More economical and more powerful
The addition of this new model gives customers the option of an even more fuel-efficient NP200, while retaining the class-leading strengths of the NP200 nomenclature. Despite impressive power and exceptional refinement from this 1.5-litre diesel motor of 63kW at just 3750rpm and 200Nm at 1900rpm, this power plant is an efficiency leader with a combined fuel-consumption of just 5.3l/100km in the EU test regime! That equates to a CO2 production of just 140g/km, easily an environmental leader in this space.
And it’s also more than enough twist on tap to haul the class-leading 800kg of loading capacity which the NP200 range has rapidly become famous for, making this a half-tonner with one-ton aspirations! As well as having the loadbox with the heaviest payload, the NP200 also boasts a load area which is the longest (at 1807mm) and has the highest volume in its class, making it the ideal vehicle for any reasonable daily delivery or transport needs; or a trendy private vehicle that is more than capable of carrying a range of leisure or sporting equipment.
The potent new diesel model combines this strength and exceptional carrying capacity with a consumption figure (5.3l/100km) which will ease the burden of fuel costs off of operators who cover large distances with their vehicles significantly. Its frugal nature allows more working between the inevitable pauses to top up the diesel in the tank, and a significantly lower overall running cost which will add up into a very healthy saving over the duration of ownership.
Two well-equipped models
NP200 dCi is available in two specification levels, a Base and a High spec. The better-equipped of the two adding key safety features, a standard-fit entertainment system, a healthy dose of new style thanks to the addition of 15” alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and sills, and even more comfort with the fitment of a height-adjustable drivers’ seat with lumbar support which offers a great alternative to the private motorist versus the traditional passenger car. The NP200 high spec models offer the styling, the comfort and all the niceties of a passenger car, only this time you also have the added cargo area to accommodate any leisure equipment the younger energetic individual quite often carries around.
Nadia Trimmel, Senior Product Manager at Nissan SA comments; “With these new 1.5 dCi-powered NP200s now taking to SA roads, the business of light transport and delivery has a brand-new cost-shaving option available to them in these trying times. This powerplant is exceptionally frugal without sacrificing on the hugely appreciated core strengths of the underlying NP200 model – its class-leading carrying capacity! In fact that 200Nm of torque makes the dCi NP200 the most energetic of the range, particularly at Gauteng altitudes where many of our customers live and work.”
The arrival of this new NP200 engine derivative has been eagerly anticipated by SA customers requiring a hard-working small LCV of a fuel-miserly nature. The NP200 already impresses with its carrying capacity, as well as its spacious interior complete with additional 300 litres of stowage capacity behind the front seats. In addition to this roomy nature, NP200 occupants can also rest assured when piloting the bakkie that their safety is being watched-over by a pair of airbags as well as the fitment of ABS and EBD (on High spec models) allowing the driver to steer the vehicle out of danger even in low-grip emergency situations.
Class-leading capacity
Despite lightweight consumption figures the new NP200 dCi is a gifted hauler, while featuring key usability specifications as standard-fit items where competitors charge more for these as costly optional extras. Even the base specification includes as standard a fully rubberised loadbox preventing scratching of the paintwork regardless of the freight being hauled, and additional occupant protection in the form of a beefy anti-intrusion bar or a full roll-bar in High-spec models) built into the cabin frames.
Trimmel concludes; “The availability of the 1.5 dCi-powered NP200 now completes our exceptional line-up, bringing superior fuel consumption and pulling strength to the superb practical attributes of this model range. The NP200 has perfectly fulfilled its difficult role as the replacement of an iconic model, in fact offering so much more than ever before in terms of ability, comfort, safety, and now fuel economy and environmental-friendliness as the final piece of this compelling puzzle not to mention the fresh and trendy aesthetic appeal that the NP200 has on offer’’
Now available
NP200 1.5dCi is available on showroom floors immediately for test-drives and customer purchases of course. Nissan has also added a bolt-on service plan option to the NP200 range with this addition, giving customers the peace of mind of up to 60 000 trouble-free kilometres for a very reasonable up-front cost of R11 058. This bolt-on service plan can also be purchased separately on 1.6-litre petrol models, with a full range of options between these two extremes of 150 000 and 60 000kms available so the customer can tailor this option to their precise requirements.
At a cost of R143 600 for the base specification, rising to R174 000 for the more generously-equipped High-spec model, the new NP200 dCi will save small businesses or private motorists thousands of Rands in fuel costs over its undoubtedly hard-working duty or play cycle, the powerplant perfectly complementing the already superb abilities of this commendable bakkie to an absolute Tee.
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