When Nissan introduced the NP200 late last year, the single-cab LCV replaced a South African staple – the iconic 1400 – to take the fight to the Ford Bantam and Opel Corsa establishment. Now the range has been extended to include improved specifications aUp until now the NP200 has only been available in a single specification level that employs a 1,6-litre 8-valve engine that produces 64 kW at 5 500 and 128 N.m at 3 000 r/min, but Nissan South Africa has announced a range extension with additional safety features, comfort and aesthetic revisions to lift the NP200 appeal from just an everyday workhorse to an attractive half-ton option in the segment.
“With the addition of the new S and SE-lines to the NP200 lineup, our offering has a flavour for all tastes. No matter which model suits your needs best, you still get the practicality and sheer durability boasted by the base NP200, but now with the amenities which are always nice to have when you do get a few moments to concentrate on yourself and your lifestyle. And we’ve literally added all the extras you demand, from safety levels uniquely high in this segment to punchier engine options. There’s an NP200 which now caters to all half ton buyer categories,” says Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Nissan South Africa.
The new S and SE specification models employ a choice of a livelier 16-valve version of the base 1,6-litre 8-valve unit that does service in the base model NP200 – for improved fuel efficiency and increased power output, as well as a 1,5-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine for its frugal consumption and ample torque output.
The 1,6-litre 16-valve engine produces 77 kW at 5 750 r/min and 148 N.m of torque at 3 750 r/min, whereas the 1,5 dCi produces 63 kW at 3 750 r/min and 200 N.m of torque at 1 900 r/min.
“The availability of the two new engines, even before getting to all the specification upgrades, is great news for local NP200 buyers. A small, highly-efficient turbo diesel motor saves your business fuel costs thanks to its sheer frugality, while the 16-valve petrol gives you that extra overtaking energy without costing any more to the bottom line than the base petrol motor,” says Wilhelm Baard, General Manager of Light Commercial Vehicle Business Unit at Nissan South Africa.
Exterior improvements include colour-coded bumpers front and rear, colour-coded side mirrors, wheel arch extensions and new sill covers, while customers who purchase an NP200 SE also get black door mouldings, integrated fog lamps and attractive 15-inch alloy wheels.
The NP200 also boasts particularly spacious capacities inside and out. It features an 800 kg payload capacity and the longest load box in its class at 1 807 mm. The cabin also makes use of a 300 dm3 storage space behind the forward-tilting seats, with the S and SE models benefiting from air-conditioning and a Radio/CD/MP3-compatible audio system. Additonal features include electric mirrors and windows, height-adjustable driver seat with lunar support (SE only).
All round occupant safety is improved with the addition of driver and passenger airbags, further improvements to the strength and stiffness of the passenger cell, as well as active safety systems in the form of ABS and EBD on SE models. The SE models also come with a tonneau cover to supplement the versatility and practicality of the rubberised load box with integrated cargo hooks.
“These extensions to the NP200 range reflect Nissan’s objective of providing vehicles ideally suited to the needs of its target customer. This half ton bakkie, already a class leader in terms of capacity, efficiency, and durability, now also takes a front row position in measures of safety, comfort and styling,” says Johan Kleynhans, Nissan South Africa Marketing, Sales and Aftersales Director.
Pricing
Nissan NP200 1,6i – R99 800
Nissan NP200 1,6i S – R129 800
Nissan NP200 1,6i SE – R151 800
Nissan NP200 1,5 cDi – R139 800
Nissan NP200 1,5 cDi SE – R169 800
