Nissan NV200 1.6 Combi – A Perfect Car

A van for all reasons, this Combi filled people-moving, goods-transport and photographic duties with aplomb

In the recent past, Nissan has impressed with sensible and enjoyable- to-drive offerings such as the Livina/Grand Livina, Qashqai and Juke. Surprisingly, the NV200 was no different.

While we did not expect any-thing special from a people-moving version of a delivery van, this one impressed the CAR team right from the start. The main topic of conversation homed-in on the extra-low loading height of 513 mm. This makes it perfect for loading heavy items. To test this feature, we loaded three 40 kg bags of pool sand and a new pool filter, and the NV200 swallowed it comfortably.

We then moved a rather large dog kennel but, owing to the large size of the canine digs, we had to remove the rear seats. At 12 kg apiece, this is easily done by loosening four bolts and the whole process takes about five minutes once you have your 14 mm socket and rachet handy. Apart from load ability, our photographic team loved the low sill for close-to-the-road tracking footage, while dual sliding side doors make access a breeze.

As for the people-moving role, there are two seats up-front, three in the middle and two at the back that aso fold down. All seven seats are spacious and airy. With a full complement of passengers onboard, there is still an impressive 360 dm³ of luggage space. To test this, we transported some of our team to the airport early one morning to get to Johannesburg in a hurry to start our Performance Shootout and the boot swallowed our large suitcases with ease. To enlarge this space, there is also good under-seat storage. With the rear seats out of the way, there’s 736 dm³ and, with the middle row tumbled forward, a cavernous 1,792 dm³.

Now to motive power. Under the bonnet is the faithful Nissan 1.6-liter engine, one of the best in the business thanks to its even spread of torque. The five-speed gearbox is typically Nissan-slick, with a short lever right where you want it. A sixth ratio would help lower engine-noise intrusion at cruising speeds and improve fuel consumption, however. There is a small gearshift indicator that encourages you to change when the engine reaches 3,000 r/min – it dearly isn’t worried about laboring the powertrain.

The important stats? The mass is a surprisingly low 1,408 kg and acceleration to 100 km/h takes a respectable 12.54 seconds. Consumption should better our 8.64 liters/100 km index and the 55-liter tank should be good for 628 km.

After all the praise, we have to mention some obvious character flaws. The speedo needle does a Saint Vitus (the patron saint of dancing) move before start-up; missing are map pockets, a glove box lid, dipping mirror, center armrest and fixed windows apart from the front two; the headlamps switch off automatically, but not on; the center bin opens forwards (rather odd); the sun visors sit skew when they are moved to the side windows; the door pockets are much too thin; and the trip/fuel odo resets every time you switch off. Lastly, but probably most importantly, the brakes proved very weak in our emergency-braking test.

But back to the positives: there are steering-wheel-mounted controls and Isofix seat mountings; the rev counter is digital and can be toggled on or off along with the trip information; the alloys wheels are neat (although, at 14 inches, they are dwarfed by the expanse of metal); and the ride is very comfortable but the NV200 doesn’t roll too much under enthusiastic cornering.

Test summary

While the NV200 does compete with its Grand Livina stable-mate in terms of pricing, this van-based MPV offers more height, better loading capability and sliding doors. The engine and gearbox are both tried-and- tested units, and the space and large glass area make for an ideal all-round family touring vehicle without lumbering you with heavy fuel bills. “Surprisingly likable” is perhaps the best way to sum up the NV200.