Though it’s already roaming the streets of NYC in taxi form, the Nissan NV 200 has now made its first official North American appearance as a commercial cargo van. Pitted against such utilitarian vehicles as the Ford Transit Connect and Ram Cargo Van , the NV200 is characterized by Nissan as a “right-sized van that optimizes cargo space while offering the best possible fuel economy and an affordable price.”
Riding on a 7.9-inch longer wheelbase than the global variant, the North American NV200 boasts 123 cubic feet of cargo space, making it slightly smaller inside than its rivals. Still, dual sliding side doors, 40/60-split rear doors and a low load floor should help the most of the available interior real estate.
Befitting its work-truck status, the cabin is a spartan but ergonomically-friendly space. Small-item storage is plentiful thanks to a center console featuring laptop/hanging file folder storage, a pen and pencil tray, a CD holder, and dual cupholders. Recessed storage cubbies are also located on the upper instrument panel for folders and documents, and the passenger seat even folds down to serve as a worktop or extends the cargo space for hauling longer items.
Nissan says that the NV200 will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a “responsive and efficient” CVT, though the automaker didn’t divulge power or fuel economy figures. The suspension utilizes independent struts and a stabilizer bar in front and a leaf spring design in the rear, while disc brakes are fitted up front with drums around back.
Tracking the trim levels
The NV200 will come in S and SV trim levels. The S will come standard with an AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input and two front door mounted speakers, power windows, a 12-volt power outlet on the instrument panel and a a passenger-side underseat storage tray, while the SV adds power heated outside mirrors, power door locks with auto-locking feature, remote keyless entry with two key fobs, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, rear cargo floor mat, additional 12V power point in the rear of the center console, six floor-mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area, and full wheel covers.
Available options include an an Exterior Appearance Package with body-color bumpers, door handles and outside mirrors and chrome grille, a Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, a Technology Package with a navigation system, RearView Monitor and XM Satellite Radio and Nissan’s Fleet Tracker system, which helps with business logistics.
Availability
Look for the NV200, which will be built in Cuernavaca, Mexico, to join the larger NV in Nissan showrooms in early 2013. Look for information on pricing, power and fuel economy to become available later this year.
