The base model NP200 was launched in September last year and the range has now been extended to offer more punch and power from a new 1,6-litre 16-valve engine in mid and high versions. The 1.5 dCi diesel engine (from the Nissan Micra) is also offered in base and high versions. “The Nissan NP200 base model has been accepted well in the market place, has exceeded all expectations and generated immense excitement among the public,” says Nissan SA managing director, Mike Whitfield.

“Nissan has built up a formidable reputation in South Africa as a leading brand in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market with the legendary 1400 Bakkie serving thousands of South Africans for more than three decades. We aim to utilise our experience in the LCV segment to further enhance our proposition and offer South Africans the NP200 range, catering for a wider and diverse customer base.”

The full Nissan NP200 range consists of three specification grades (base, mid and high end petrol derivatives from April as well as base and high end diesel derivatives (from June). “With the extension of the NP200 range, alongside the other commercial products in the Nissan stable, Nissan boasts the most comprehensive line-up in the LCV market, says director marketing, sales and aftersales at Nissan SA, Johan Kleynhans. “The NP200 also boasts a host of best in class features and proves to be the most affordable 1600 engine in the segment.”

The business end of the NP200 is the pick-up bed designed to last and carry a payload of up to 800 kg. The NP200 has the biggest load box volume of 1,25 m3 and boasts a loading length of 1 807 mm and a width of 1 374 mm.

The NP200 range is equipped with a rubberised load bed as a standard feature on all models. It also comes standard with a protective surround that prevents damage to the bodywork during loading operations and easily resists loads up to 100 kg. The tailgate is robust and will resist loads up to 300 kg when open, a capability usually only found on larger pick-ups.

A protective skid plate under the power train as well as a raised suspension and a high ground clearance also protects the vehicle.

With the 6 rope hooks mounted to the floor of the load box, securing cargo is easy and the 4 hooks on each side for attaching the load bed cover can also be used for attaching tall objects.

The bed floor, sides and cabin partition are especially corrosion-proofed and there are two ducts at the front to drain out rainwater.

The cabin offers significant passenger space as well as a 300-litre ‘safe’ area to store personal luggage, tools or a spare wheel behind the driver and passenger seats. Other storage capacity includes a glove box, door bins and drink holders and hooks for hanging work clothes near the doors to avoid impairing visibility.

Both front seats can be adjusted forward and backward and the back of the seats can recline. The NP200 S and SE are equipped with a height adjustable driver seat with lumbar support.

The NP200 has a high-performance braking system that contributes to short stopping distance, high stability and smooth braking with ventilated discs in front and drums on the rear wheels. The NP200 S and SE models are equipped with an anti-lock braking system and come with the latest-generation Bosch 8.0 system complete with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Nissan is committed to providing active and passive safety design that keeps occupants as safe as possible and crumple zones are engineered to maximise impact resistance. The engine compartment layout is designed for stacking in frontal impact conditions. The restraint system comprises 3-point seatbelts and impact-absorbent materials underfoot, in the dashboard and doors provide hip and lower limb protection.

Front and rear visibility is excellent, and the coil suspension ensures balanced response for safe emergency lane changes. All seats are fitted with three-point seat belts and the NP200 S comes with a driver air bag while the NP200 SE is equipped with driver and passenger air bags.

The NP200 is fitted with the high-tech Nissan anti-theft Microdot feature as standard, as well as a lockable spare wheel and fuel cap.

The 1 598 cm3 petrol engine fitted to the NP200 produces maximum power of 64 kW at 5 500 r/min with peak torque of 128 Nm at 3 000 r/min, driving through a 5-speed manual gearbox. Steering is of the rack and pinion type and it has a turning circle of 11,25 metres.

Both leisure and commercial requirements within the half-ton segment are catered for with the extended NP200 range with emphasis on providing the right package to small, medium and large business enterprises.

The Nissan NP200 comes with a 3 year/ 100 000km warranty and a 3-year anti-rust warranty.

“The Nissan LCV Business Unit has committed to achieving double revenues and top class LCV customer satisfaction during the Nissan GT 2012 plan period. To deliver on the two ambitious commitments we have defined a number of plans, including the launch of 13 new attractive and high quality products.

“The NP200 inaugurated the deployment of our product plan for the period and shows how committed we are to offering products that are built around our customers’ needs and exceed their expectations”, says Wilhelm Baard, general manager, LCV Business Unit, Nissan SA.