Nissan NV400 SE 2.3 dCi (125hp)
Van test review: COLIN DAWSON
What is it?
Nissan’s NV400 heavy van, introduced towards the end of last year, was developed in co-operation with Alliance partner Renault, and has much in common with the Renault Master and Vauxhall Movano. But The NV400 cannot be mistaken for anything other than a Nissan.
The NV400 has its own distinctive ‘face’, using three key elements of the Nissan look – bonnet, grille and headlamps – which was created at Nissan Design Europe in Paddington and engineered by Nissan Technical Centre in Bedfordshire. So there’s plenty here that’s homegrown.
It is good looking, and also offers a well-appointed cab with air conditioning and extensive storage facilities – perfect for keeping documentation in order and personal items safely stashed.
Loadspace on the test model is generous at 10.3 cu m and access is excellent via the large single sliding door side and 180º opening twin rear doors whether loading pallets with a forklift or for a driver accessing packages.
Power comes from a 2.3-litre, direct-injection, four-cylinder, 16-valve turbodiesel engine, which is available in three power outputs. Although smaller than the Interstar’s 2.5-dCi unit, it can match power outputs across the range at 100, 125 and 150hp, and torque figures have been bettered, at 285, 310 and 350Nm respectively.
Drivers also benefit from anti-lock ABS brakes with EBD for better stopping power as well as anti-skid ESP, and rear parking sensors – useful on such a large van with unglazed rear windows – and driver airbag.
What’s hot?
- Front-wheel-drive versions start from only £18,995 and rear-wheel-drive from only £25,395 (basic prices).
- High specification available; technology includes Nissan connect by TomTom navigation, incorporating Google local search, and Bluetooth connectivity (£650.00). Comfort Pack, provides front air conditioning, front fog lamps, and pollen filter (£750.00).
- Torquey, responsive engine with three power options plus six-speed manual and ‘robotised’ semi-automatic transmissions available. Euro 5 compliant engines benefit from reduced running costs thanks to improved economy and major service intervals extended to 25,000 miles or every two years.
- Three wheelbase versions, four different lengths, three different heights and cargo volumes ranging from 8m3 to 17m3; gross vehicle weights (GVW) ranging from 2.8 tonnes to 4.5 tonnes and choice of front- or rear-wheel drive versions make the NV400 extremely versatile and practical.
- Comfortable cab with air conditioning, and extensive storage facilities.
- Excellent access to cargo area via 180-degree rear doors and large nearside sliding door.
What’s not?
- Ride is fairly harsh when unladen.
- High noise levels.
What you need to know
On the road price (as tested) ex VAT: | £25,750.20 |
Load length: | 3,083mm |
Load width: | 1,765mm |
Load height: | 1,894mm |
Load capacity: | 10.8cu m |
Payload: | 1,620kg |
GVW: | 3,500kg |
Towing capacity braked/unbraked: | 2,500kg/750kg |
Engine: | 2,298cc 4-cyl diesel |
Power/Torque: | 125hp/310Nm |
Economy (combined): | 34.45mpg |
CO2 emissions: | 218g/km |
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