Not every business needs a heavy-hauling diesel-powered van capable of lugging thousands of pounds. Some just need a cargo van and one that won’t cost an arm and a leg to buy and operate. For those, the Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo fits the bill perfectly.
The NV200 is the most affordable purpose-built commercial van on the market, undercutting its re-badged twin, the Chevrolet City Express by a few hundred bucks. Unlike its chief rivals, the Ford Transit Connect and Ram ProMaster City, the NV200 is only available as a two-seat cargo van. Nissan does make a passenger van version of the NV200, but it’s only available for taxi duty. You might’ve seen one if you’ve been to New York City over the past couple of years.
The standard engine on the NV is a small 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 131 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. It is paired to a CVT transmission, for maximum fuel efficiency – 9.7 L/100 km city and 9.0 L highway. That’s over 2.0 L/100 km better in the city than its closest rivals. The NV200 also benefits from very compact dimensions; it’s easy to park and maneuver, especially in tight alleyways and crowded urban areas.
While small on the outside, the NV200 is still capable of carrying a lot of stuff. Every model comes standard with six exterior roof mounting points, 20 integrated cargo-mounting interior points, flat wheel arches, and a flat-folding front passenger seat for carrying extra-long objects. Total cargo capacity for the van is 3,474 litres, and the cargo area can accommodate a 40x48-inch pallet. Six additional D-ring anchor points come standard on the SV, and can be used to secure loads.
The NV200 is available in S and SV trims. Both S and SV can be equipped with rear windows and a rear-view mirror.
Standard equipment on the S includes 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, power heated exterior mirrors, vinyl floor, cloth and vinyl-upholstered bucket seats, flat-folding front-passenger seat with seatback tray table, centre console with storage, cruise control, 12-volt power outlet, rear cargo light, a two-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, and Bluetooth handsfree phone.
The SV adds a chrome-accented grille, body-coloured bumpers, six floor-mounted D-Ring tie-downs, body-coloured mirrors, body-coloured tailgate finisher, wheel covers, rear parking sensors, power door locks, remote keyless entry and a second 12-volt power outlet.
The optional Technology Package adds a 5.8-inch touchscreen navigation system with Nissan Connect mobile apps, satellite radio, text-messaging assistant, USB ports, Bluetooth wireless streaming, and a reverse camera.
Pricing for the NV200 S starts at $24,498. The NV 200 SV sells for $25,798.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
