Nissan has finally given us a glimpse of its next-generation medium panel van, the NV300. Built in France by Renault and based on the 2014 Renault Trafic, the new NV300 will replace the Nissan Primastar, which was taken off sale in 2014.
The New NV300 will arrive in Nissan dealerships from autumn 2016, although it will first be seen by millions of TV viewers worldwide when it carries the official UEFA Champions League flag to Milan ahead of the final on May 28.
Chassis share with Renault, GM and Fiat
Underneath the NV300 shares the same chassis, driveline and bodystyles as the Renault Trafic, Vauxhall Vivaro and Fiat Talento (successor to the Fiat Scudo), the latter is expected to be launched in autumn 2016.
Nissan has delayed the launch of the NV300 (sister vans the Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro were launched in 2014), which has allowed dealers to clear existing Primastar stock and given the Design Centre in London chance to develop a distinctive style for the Nissan NV300.
Distinctive design
The redesign isn’t quite as extravagant as many would be expecting though. In fact, the only distinctive feature about the new Nissan NV300 is the grille; the headlights, front bumper and bonnet are the same as the Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro.
The grille features the recognisable ‘V’ that also appears on the rest of Nissan’s passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
Weights and dimensions
Chassis and loading dimensions will be the same as the Vivaro and Trafic however, which means there will be two nominal gross vehicle weights of 2.7t and 2.9t, with payloads ranging from around 1,000kg to 1,200kg. There are four load dimensions (two load lengths and two roof heights) offering a load volume range of 5.2 to 8.4 cubic metres.
Engines and driveline
Under the bonnet will be the same 1.6-litre diesel engine, in single- and twin-turbo form, that we have already tested in the Renault Trafic, Vauxhall Vivaro and Mercedes-Benz Vito. Even the Euro-5 variants are extremely fuel-efficient, achieving up to 47.9mpg on the combined cycle, however it’s the Euro-6 variants (power ratings and fuel economy figures yet to be released) that will feature in the Nissan NV300.
Pricing and availability
The new Nissan NV300 will be arriving in dealerships in autumn 2016, priced from around £18,995 plus VAT and will include Nissan’s respectable five years/100,000 mile warranty.
Exact pricing and specifications will be announced at the Hanover Motor Show in September 2016.
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