Nissan NV200 makes European debut at Barcelona Motor Show

The van version of Nissan’s global NV200 will premiere today at the Barcelona International Motor Show.

Initially, the NV200 will be assembled in Japan for the European market, until production starts at Nissan’s plant in Barcelona in November 2009.

Sales of NV200 van and combi version will start from October 2009 in most European markets, while the Family version will be available in 2010.

“We are delighted to display the Van version of NV200 at this year’s Barcelona International Motor Show. It is a vehicle that will have a strong association with Barcelona once production starts at our factory here later this year,” said Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe.

NV200 uses innovative packaging ideas to create the largest and most practical cargo area in its class. Although a little under 4.4m in overall length, the van version of the NV200 has a load bay that’s more than 2m long (2040mm).

With front-wheel drive and the adoption of a highly compact rear suspension system, the NV200 can house two standard Euro pallets in the cargo area at a time. At 1.84m high NV200 is no taller than its rivals, while at 520mm from ground level, the floor itself is the lowest in the class to ease loading, helping to boost the cargo volume to 4.1m3. Maximum payload is 771kg.

Performance comes from a choice of two engines, one petrol and one diesel.

The petrol version will be powered by Nissan’s renowned all aluminium 1.6-litre HR16 engine. Displacing 1,598cc, the 16-valve unit develops 79kW (108PS) and 153Nm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.


The diesel is Alliance partner Renault’s acclaimed 8-valve 1.5 dCi (K9K) 1,461cc engine. Developing 200Nm of torque and 63kW (86PS), it offers an ideal blend of performance, refinement and fuel economy. Power is transmitted through a five-speed gearbox.

The NV200 is available with an optional rear view parking camera, a first for a van in this segment, while the cabin is full of storage spaces, pockets and cup/bottle holders. There is also a secret storage space large enough to hide camera, mobile phones or vital documents within the upper portion of the glovebox.

Joining the parking camera, other car-like items of standard or optional equipment include features such as Nissan’s Intelligent Key, power windows and ESP. Safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes with brake assist (BA) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) as standard. Driver and passenger airbags are also standard with side bags available as an option.

Cost of ownership is projected to be the lowest in class, thanks in part to the low running costs and high efficiency of the engines and drivetrains, plus the safety structure which helps to minimise crash damage to vulnerable under bonnet parts such as the radiator.

“The NV200 offers outstanding cargo space and class-leading cost of ownership. It also offers new references for performance, for manoeuvrability, driveability and load accessibility as well as an attractive design. With these credentials, NV200 is the smartest choice for entrepreneurs who use their vehicles in a busy urban environment,” said Simon Thomas.

“The NV200 is suited to meet the particular unmet needs of our customers and will break the current segment references,” concluded Thomas.