Versatility Top Feature of New-Gen Nissan NV300 LCV

HANNOVER, Germany – Nissan unveils its new NV300 light-commercial vehicle during the 66^th Commercial Vehicles Show here.

The NV300 replaces the Primastar model that along with its Renault Trafic twin, was assembled for many years at Nissan’s Spanish plant near Barcelona.

But the new NV300 will be assembled, together with its Trafic and Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro clones, at the Renault-Nissan Alliance plant in Sandouville, France, in a cost-cutting move.

The NV300, positioned between the NV200/e-NV200 and the NV400 models of the Japanese automaker’s LCV range, will be offered in of two lengths and two heights, including four for the van body, two for the 6-passenger Combi body and two 9-passenger Combi configurations.

The NV300 is designed to carry up to three Europallets, even in the short version of the model which has a load platform 4.4 ins. (110 mm) longer than the Primastar it is replacing, and can accommodate sheets of plasterboard or sheetrock 8.2 ft. (2.5 m) in length.

A trapdoor on the bulkhead of the cabin allows loads up to 12.3 and 13.6 ft. (3.8 and 4.2 m) long in the shorter and longer wheelbases, respectively.

Cargo volume ranges from 184 to 293 cu.ins. (5.2 to 8.3 cu.-m), depending on the model chosen.

The Nissan 1.6 dCi engine that powers the different NV300 versions can be requested in four different power levels: 95-, 120-, 125-, and 145-hp, but not all of them are available for all body variants.

The first two engines use a single turbocharger, while the other two have a twin turbo. All the engines are engaged to a 6-gear manual transmission. Steel 16.-in. wheels are standard, but 16-in. and 17-in. alloy wheels are available as an option.

All the engines have a diesel-particulate filter and use selective catalytic reduction to reduce nitrates of oxygen emissions. All comply with Euro 6 emissions standards.

The twin-turbo models have a stop-start system to reduce fuel consumption; the technology is an option in the 95-hp engine.

Nissan engineers say the most efficient cargo-hauling version is the 125-hp, with fuel economy of 13.9 mpg (5.9 L/100 km) and 155 g/km of carbon-dioxide emissions. The Combi figures are even better, with 13.2 mpg (5.6 L/100 km) and 145 g/km of CO2 emissions.

“Considering the complete NV300 range as a whole, fuel consumption has been reduced an average 2.4 mpg (1.0 L/100 km) versus the precedent Primastar model,” the automaker says.

The NV300 has a 5-year/10,000-mile (160,000-km) warranty, applicable to all original parts of the Nissan LCV range.

The cabin has been designed with functionality in mind, with a support to hold a smartphone, a tablet docking station, space for a laptop, cupholders and delivery notes. Altogether 3.1 cu-ft. (89 L) of storage space are available. Adjustable seat heights and lumbar support are optional.

The NissanConnect infotainment system, with satellite navigation, digital radio, Siri voice control for iPhone users, rearview camera and USB map updates will be available.

Despite having standard wide-view door mirrors, a parking-assist system – with a rearview camera image displayed in the rearview mirror and rear parking sensors ­– is offered as an option. A blindspot mirror built into the passenger-side sun visor, is standard on selected models. Trim levels and exact specifications vary by market.

Electronic safety and driver-assistance technologies including antilock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability program, anti-slip regulation traction control and hill-start assist are standard across the NV300 range, while a tire-pressure monitoring system is standard on the Combi.

Four solid colors will be available: red, gray, white and green, as well as six metallic colors: gray, silver, black, blue, brown and stone.