Nissan NV200 review (2009-2019)
PROS
- Quiet and refined on the road
- Specialist Nissan commercial vehicle dealers
- Big load area
- Electric version available
CONS
- Only one engine choice and body style
- Worst in class payload
- Poor fuel economy
Summary
The Nissan NV200 is a versatile van that can tackle long journeys with ease but also excels when it comes to city driving. It is refined and comfortable while the light steering and a tight turning circle make it perfect for tackling more built up areas and getting out of a tight squeeze.
Space available in the load area is impressive for a small van and gives it an edge over similar vehicles such as the Ford Transit Connect, Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo. However, the single body style and one engine does mean there is little choice for buyers. But for small businesses, the NV200 is a useful choice.
An all-electric e-NV200 version joined the range in 2014, and was updated with a longer driving range in early 2018.
The NV200 is worst in class for payload (Read Best small vans for payload for the full list) and also ranks poor in terms of fuel economy (Read Best small vans for fuel economy for the full list). To find out more, read on for the full Nissan NV200 review.
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Just one engine is available in the NV200, the commonly-used 1.5 dCi diesel with 86hp. The engine performs well with a good amount of low down power and a smooth nature, plus it is economical and refined.
Light steering and a precise five-speed gearbox make the NV200 ideal for driving in built up areas and narrow streets, while it also performs well on windy roads with neat and controlled cornering. It's extremely quiet on the road with very little wind and engine noise, even at higher speeds.
In the all-electric e-NV200 you'll find the electric motor and front suspension from the Nissan Leaf.
The interior of the NV200 has a feel of quality, with many parts of the cabin shared across other Nissan car models - especially the stereo system - meaning it's refined and modern. A high and upright seating position makes visibility very good while the seats offer plenty of support making it comfortable for long journeys.
There is plenty of storage space too. Both the driver and passenger get a cupholder on the dash as well as in the central console, while there is a good-sized dashtop cubby - ideal for keeping paperwork handy - plus extra hidden stowage between the two seats.
The glove-box is also a good size but has no lid meaning anything inside is left on display, the door pockets are also very narrow. However, there is a drawer under the driver's seat to keep more important things hidden away.
The electric e-NV200 has a slightly smarter cabin with instruments and controls borrowed from the Nissan Leaf.
The NV200 has been designed so that if it's damaged, it will be quick and easy to repair - cutting down on costs.
The standard E version comes with a decent level of standard equipment including a CD stereo with auxiliary input, a sliding side door, steering height adjustment, 13 cabin storage areas and an immobilizer. However, you have to upgrade to the SE for electric mirrors, electric windows, driver's seat adjustment and a full steel bulkhead. At the same time buyers will have to pay extra for ESP stability control and passenger airbags as well as air conditioning.
The e-NV200's battery can be leased separately or bought outright and the van currently qualifies for the Government plug-in grant. It's also Congestion Charge exempt and should be cheaper to service with fewer moving parts.
Service intervals for the NV200 are every 12,000 miles and can be carried out at one of the Nissan commercial vehicle specialist dealerships or at one of the six centres run in partnership with Volvo Truck that offer 24 hours service.
The NV200 feels well built and is unlikely to let you down with the interior being rugged enough to withstand daily knocks and scrapes.
The NV200 comes with anti-lock brakes as standard as well as electronic brakeforce distribution. However, ESP stability control comes as a cost option as part of the 'safety pack' and only the driver gets an airbag as standard with passenger and curtain airbags available as optional extras.
