The Chicago auto-show saw the NV200, the latest compact cargo van from Nissan, make its American debut before the model goes on general release through distributors in spring. The utility van, a smaller version of the full-blown NV compact model, will follow on next year.
The angle for the design concept of the NV200 was to find a model that exploited a niche for an appropriately proportioned commercial vehicle. With a low-cost entry-point into the market yet retaining a decent payload for its size, this model promises to fulfil that role offering both a relatively cheap price tag and cheaper van insurance with a limited 2.0l cc double over head cam engine with a choice of gear boxes to suit your locale or driving style.
Much is expected for this model in the US. As recently reported here on cheapvaninsurance.co.uk, the crew-carrying version of the NV200 was recently chosen by New York City to be the next generation of its famous yellow taxi. Lead times on delivery expect to be reduced into the North Americas as the model s will be built just south of the border in the Nissan plant in Cuernavaca, Mexico for delivery straight into the approved Nissan dealerships across The States.
The current NV200 is already on duty in approximately forty countries across the globe, but release for the US market has been delayed slightly, possibly due to the extra 200mm added to length tailored specifically to hit that niche and a 12v power point for US appliances. With access for a standard Euro pallet in the back and a payload of over two thirds of a ton (e 1,500lbs), Nissan truly hope that the van proves flexible enough to satisfy the market.
To help deliver an all around thumbs-up, the driver’s comfort and needs have been well and truly addressed. Inside the cab, the focus is all about giving the driver what he wants and where he needs it. With everything from six-way positional seat which cab be manually adjusted to deflect prolonged stress on the lumbar, protecting the drivers posture away from the wheel to a virtual work desk with 12V power points and places for a laptop and folders, it could well be an office on wheels with the passenger seat moulded so that the back is a desk when brought flat into the forward position. I don’t know whether commercial drivers will see that as a good or bad thing but for self-employed tradesmen, it will be a boon.
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