Nissan is launching a new small van called the NV250 to replace its aging NV200 model. Although we use the term ‘new’ loosely here, as the NV250 is nothing more than a rebadged Renault Kangoo – a van that’s been on sale in its current guise since 2008.
Renault and Nissan are Alliance partners, so it’s about time they got their act together and doubled up on their small vans like this. Even if the NV200 only dates from 2009.
Even more bafflingly, this is the second time there’s been a Nissan rebadge of a Kangoo – the first generation of the Renault was previously sold as the Kubistar.
What’s different about the Nissan NV250 compared with the NV200?
The NV200 has always been a bit of an oddball. It comes in only one body size, and although this gives you a large load area, the cab is a little cramped, the driving experience is rather upright, and its maximum payload rating of 728kg is the lowest in the small van sector.
The NV250 is a much more conventional small van, with a choice of two body lengths – L1 and L2 – and compared with the NV200 it has more driving technology available as well, including Hill Start Assist and Extended Grip.
Extended Grip is Nissan’s name for Renault’s Power Traction system, which features a limited slip differential, raised ride height and underbody protection panels for dealing with trickier, slipperier surfaces.
What’s the load capacity and payload of the Nissan NV250?
As a result of switching to the Renault platform, the new Nissan provides up to 4.6 cubic metres of load area (if using the passenger space as well), and maximum payload of up to 800kg.
That’s still not a lot versus the best small vans – the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Toyota Proace and Vauxhall Combo Cargo family can all carry over 1,000kg – but still an improvement.
Is the Nissan NV250 available as a crew van?
It is – another improvement over the NV200. The NV250 crew van is based on the L2 model, comes with two rows of seats, creating space for up to four people, and has a moveable bulkhead so you can safely make the best use of the load area depending on how many passengers are actually on board.
Again, this is an option carried over from the Renault.
Non-crew van versions of the NV250 can carry two or three passengers (the NV200 was limited to two), though three will definitely be a tight squeeze, despite the more generous size of the NV250’s cab area.
Are there any Nissan NV250 conversions available?
Yet another advantage of switching to the Kangoo platform is that the Nissan NV250 will be available with the same wide range of conversion options
This gives the NV250 much greater potential customer appeal.
Will there be an Nissan e-NV250 electric van?
Curiously, for the time being the current e-NV200 electric van based on the existing NV200 soldiers on.
This was easily the highlight of the NV200 range, so this is not bad news – especially as its claimed driving range (124 miles under the latest WLTP testing rules) is slightly higher than the equivalent Renault Kangoo ZE.
>> The Parkers guide to electric vans
What engines are available in the Nissan NV250?
There are three engine power options for the NV250, all based around the same 1.5-litre diesel engine – which is the latest development of the 1.5-litre dCi that Renault uses in the Kangoo, and meets the Euro 6D Temp emissions regulations that come into force in September 2019.
As a result, the Nissan NV250 panel vans come with a choice of 80hp, 95hp or 115hp, while the NV250 crew van is available with 95hp or 115hp.
Why buy a Nissan NV250 instead of a Renault Kangoo?
While Nissan’s dealer and servicing provision for vans isn’t on-par with Renault’s dedicated Pro+ set-up, the NV250 certainly has one advantage over the Kangoo: it comes with a five-year warranty.
This is still limited to 100,000 miles, so won’t necessarily help high-mileage fleet operations, but owner-drivers who don’t need cover for big distances but may plan to keep the van for several years will certainly benefit.
How much is the Nissan NV250 and when does it go on sale?
Nissan isn’t saying anything about the cost yet, but has announced that the NV250 will go on sale in September 2019.
Will bring you more details – and a full review – very soon.
Last question – isn’t there a new Renault Kangoo on the way?
Renault showed a concept for a new Renault Kangoo ZE electric van at a press conference in April 2019, previewing a dramatic new look for the Kangoo range.
However, information was noticeably limited, and we’re starting to suspect this might not be an all-new model but simply a heavily refreshed version of the existing platform. We’ve asked for further clarification.
Either way, expect the NV250 to morph into this new version once it goes on sale in 2020.
>> Renault Kangoo ZE Concept previews next-generation small van
Also read:
>> New vans coming soon – and recent launch round-up
