Nissan NV200 Review

Model review

Though Nissan might not be the biggest player in the commercial vehicle segment, its models have always proven steady, stable and sensible options over the years. 

That’s true of the NV200, Nissan’s most compact van, which was introduced in early 2010 as an all-new model. With a smart design and efficient 1.5-litre diesel engine under the bonnet, it was an appealing option to van drivers at the time, with the model also offering class-leading CO2 emissions and cargo capacity at its launch. 

Produced in Barcelona, the NV200 measures just 4.4m in length, yet still offers more than 2m in load length. Nissan soon after expanded the line-up with the passenger Combi model, bringing rear seats and a large boot. 

Latest model

In 2011 the NV200 benefitted from a number of tweaks, with key additions including a new touchscreen with Bluetooth and satellite navigation, while cruise control was also available for the first time. A more powerful 108bhp diesel engine was also added to the line-up, along with a new N-Tec trim level. 

Perhaps the biggest change to the NV200 over its lifetime was the addition of the electric e-NV200, though we’ve reviewed this model separately, and will focus our attention on the standard diesel van here. 

The NV200 remained in production until 2019, though the electric model would continue on sale for a few years longer. It was indirectly replaced by Nissan’s Townstar. 

Value for money

At its launch in 2010, the NV200 represented great value with a starting price of around £12,000, and it continues to be a compelling option on the used market. The cheapest examples start from around £2,500, which buys a high-mileage but usable example. Doubling that budget to £5,000 will buy a tidier example with around 100,000 miles on the clock. Be mindful that plenty of the examples for sale will be subject to VAT being added, so it’s worth checking before committing to a purchase. 

The most recent examples of the NV200 are noticeably more expensive, with prices rising to £16,000 for the latest 2018 or 2019 examples with minimal miles on the clock. 

Looks and image

It’s quite hard to make a van look exciting, but the NV200 isn’t exactly a bad-looking option. It looks a bit more squashed than some of its rivals, with a taller and more upright stance than models like the Citroen Berlingo and Ford Transit Connect. You can get more street cred by going for a top-spec version, however, which brings alloy wheels and painted bumpers, instead of thick black plastic and cheap-looking wheel covers. 

Inside, the NV200 certainly doesn’t have the best of interiors and looks and feels quite dated these days – particularly the examples that were last off the line. Though all vans get hard-wearing plastics, Nissan's cabins still feel low-rent. Bluetooth is included on most versions, though, while top-spec trim levels get a small touchscreen with satellite navigation, though again this system does feel quite old-fashioned these days. 

Behind the wheel, the NV200’s small dimensions mean it’s very easy to drive, while it’s narrow too – making it good around town, along with smaller rural roads. It’s little surprise the electric e-NV200 became a popular choice. It’s not the best choice for those doing lots of motorway miles, though, as the ride is quite bouncy and it’s generally not very comfortable on longer stretches.

Space and practicality

Despite its compact size, the NV200’s interior still offers a decent amount of space, with plenty of headroom for even taller drivers. 

In terms of room in the back, load capacity is one of the NV200’s stand-out areas, offering 4.2 cubic metres of load volume and a 739kg payload. Unlike many of its rivals, there’s just a single body style available too, and no high roof option. Two Euro Pallets can fit in the back of the NV200, while twin sliding doors are standard across the line-up. 

Engines

Nissan offers two diesel engines on the NV200 – a turbocharged 1.5-litre unit that’s available with 88bhp or 108bhp.

Go for the less powerful of the pair and it uses a five-speed manual gearbox, with the 108bhp  version getting an extra gear to make it better suited to higher speeds. Each is also capable of a top speed of 99mph. 

Running costs

Both of the NV200’s Renault-sourced diesel engines fare well when it comes to fuel efficiency, with the smaller power output version returning a claimed 55.4mpg, and 53.3mpg for the most powerful model. 

Things to look out for

Nissan’s vans have a pretty good reputation for reliability, with all versions coming with a five-year warranty when new, though this will have largely expired on most of the models you’ll see for sale. 

The Renault diesel engines are pretty bulletproof too, as shown by many examples for sale with in excess of 150,000 miles on the clock. 

Depreciation

The van market tends to be quite buoyant and particularly for smaller and more efficient models like the NV200. It means prices are still quite firm, even for older examples with plenty of miles. The latest examples are also commanding prices not too far off what they’d have cost when new several years ago.