Nissan South Africa has upgraded the popular Hardbody line-up as part of the company's programme of continuous product improvement. The Nissan NP300 Hardbody now offers an even better value for money prospect with increased comfort specification, safety features and performance.
The NP300 Hardbody represents the 16th generation of the popular Hardbody, which has established itself as a tried and trusted name within the South African one-tonne market.
"The NP300 nomenclature is new to the South African market," explains Chris Schell, General Manager Commercial Sales and Marketing at Nissan South Africa. "Globally the Hardbody is known as the NP300 and we decided to therefore introduce the upgraded model range as the NP300 Hardbody. The 'N' stands for Nissan and the 'P' for Pickup, while the '300' is the series number in the commercial line-up."
The NP300 Hardbody range is available in two configurations; Workhorse and Hi- Rider available in Single Cab and Double Cab derivatives. The Workhorse models are available in Short and Long Wheel Base configurations with five petrol and five diesel derivatives on offer. (Some diesel models to be introduced later in the year.)
The addition of a variety of comfort and convenience features as well as upgraded engines provide the customer with further value for money while the competitive price positioning and addition of service plans to the range cement the NP300 Hardbody's position as a most enticing offering in the one-tonne segment.
PERFORMANCE
The upgrade in the NP300 Hardbody sees the introduction of a new 2.5-litre common rail diesel engine producing 98kW at 3 600rpm and 304Nm at 2 000rpm. The second-generation Common Rail System with 1800 bar injection results in low emission and improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness.
In addition to the new powerful diesel option customers have two petrol engine derivatives to choose from - both of which have been upgraded to comply with EURO2 emission regulations.
The 2.0litre (1 998cc) petrol model now produces 84kW at 5 600rpm and offers 169Nm at 3 200rpm, while the 2.4 litre (2 389cc) petrol model produces 105kW at 5 600rpm and 205Nm at 3 600rpm.
COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALITY
Nissan has enhanced the specification of the NP300 Hardbody range by adding features that will offer the customer specific benefits and further enhance the overall value for money prospect of the package.
Air conditioning has been added as a standard feature to certain models in the workhorse line-up. Further interior enhancements, on the entire workhorse range, include new dashboard layout, durable roof lining, vinyl floor covering, a new four spoke steering wheel, door panel storage pockets and warning lamps for water, fuel and temperature.
Certain workhorse models now also benefit from the addition of a dashboard glovebox, digital trip meters, digital clock, odometer and cabin lights.
The audio system in the Hi-Rider Double Cab, has been upgraded to a 6CD changer adding to the aesthetic appeal as well as the overall functionality of the vehicles interior features.
Low engine and road noise levels ensure a quiet cabin which translates into a relaxed long distance drive.
SAFETY
Safety features are increasingly sought after in the commercial vehicle market.
Nissan has therefore ensured the highest levels of safety in the NP300 Hardbody for both driver and passenger. Certain models will now receive driver and passenger airbags as standard safety equipment, making the NP300 Hardbody one of the safest commercial vehicles on the road. Halogen headlamps and side headlamp reflectors are now available on the entire workhorse line-up.
The upgraded NP300 Hardbody models are equipped with collapsible steering columns, side impact protections bars, integrated front crumple zones and integrated nudge bars and roll bars on all Hi-Rider Single and Double Cabs models.
A steel reinforced ladder frame chassis provides additional strength while side door intrusion bars add further protection to occupants in the event of an accident.
STYLING
The rugged appearance of the range has been enhanced further with the introduction of a new front end and cabin on the Workhorse models. This creates a more unified resemblance across the NP300 Hardbody range.
'S' and 'SE' derivatives have been added to the Workhorse line-up as high specification models. The 'S' models will feature 15" wheels, differential lock and tubular rear bumper as standard equipment. The 'SE' models now feature driver and passenger airbags, air conditioner, 15" wheels, differential lock and tubular rear bumper as standard fitment. The Hi-Rider models all feature body colour over fenders and colour coded front bumpers.
DURABILITY
The front and rear axels incorporate a rugged independent front suspension and heavy duty rear leaf spring suspension ensuring that the NP300 Hardbody can handle the most demanding loads and terrain, while a differential lock on Hi-Rider 'S' and 'SE' models gives added traction and stability in difficult conditions.
Service intervals are stationed at 15 000km cycles ensuring a minimum down time for business users. A 3 year / 90 000km Service Plan, 3 year / 100 000km warranty and 3 year /unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty give further peace of mind and keep running costs down (2.0litre SWB excludes a Service Plan).
VALUE FOR MONEY
The upgraded range has been price positioned to make the NP300 Hardbody an even more enticing prospect. The range features high levels of specification and product benefits at a competitive price, while overall running cost have also been reduced thanks to service plan introductions.
"Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME's) are a core focus for us and as such we wanted to ensure our line-up caters to the very demanding requirements of this segment," says Schell.
"A light commercial vehicle is primarily used as a working tool and therefore the Nissan NP300 Hardbody was designed to provide the highest levels of reliability and durability, whilst ensuring the lowest levels of overall running costs and repair, however it still retains the Hardbody DNA which gaurantees a stylish, rugged vehicle, versatile enough for work and play," concludes Schell.
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