Anybody planning to purchase a new van may want to consider Nissan’s UK van range, which is soon to expand with the introduction of the new NV400. Van drivers should also remember the importance of securing comprehensive van insurance from a specialist provider like Staveley Head.
Developed in partnership with Alliance partner Renault, the Nissan NV400 has an interesting set of new features and a stylish design which should make it appealing on the market. Above all, Nissan appear to have focussed on providing their potential buyers with as much flexibility and choice as possible when it comes to the NV400.
To begin with, there are a variety of bodywork options to choose from. These include dropside vans, crew vans, tippers, combis, factory built panel vans and box bodies. Gross Vehicle Weights (GVW) for the new NV400 range from 2.8 to 4.5 tonnes and available cargo volumes extend from 8m3 to 17m3.
It doesn’t end there. The NV400 also comes in three different heights, four different lengths and with three different wheelbases. Available in front or rear wheel drive models, Nissan have developed their front wheel version to have enhanced fuel efficiency and a lower kerb weight, making it ideal for long distance drivers and a good choice for inclusion in long haulage and delivery fleets.
Nissan has also ensured the NV400 has enough power for all types of haulage. Featuring a new 2.3l four cylinder direct injection 16 valve turbodiesel engine, buyers have a choice of three different power versions: 100bhp, 125bhp or 150bhp. Transmission is available as automatic or six speed manual.
Conscious of the needs of heavy load vans, Nissan has invested a lot of thought into the suspension of the NV400 and has utilised Macpherson suspension on all models. Front wheel models are fitted with single leaf suspension in the rear. Single rear wheel models come with dual spring suspension and the double rear wheel models come with triple leaf suspension.
Anybody working in the haulage and delivery sector will testify to how vitally important Sat Nav has been in improving the efficiency of their services. The Nissan NV400 benefits from having Nissan Connect by TomTom fitted. Offering conventional Sat Nav services like route planning and mapping, there’s also the option of upgrading to a TomTom Live Service subscription, a useful service providing full Google Local Search access, weather forecasts and warnings, live HD traffic news updates and fixed and mobile speed camera alerts.
With standard and optional equipment packages, buyers have the option to kit their cab out with some useful equipment too. There’s a choice of rear view parking cameras, cruise control, air conditioning, parking sensors, trip computer, full Bluetooth connectivity and USB connection for gadgets.
Nissan has impressed with the Nissan NV400, which continues the manufacturer’s strong performance in this category of vehicle. The competitive starting price of £18,995 ex VAT is also very reasonable. Nissan have a highly ambitious business plan to double their market share for European LCVs in only three years. The NV400 is a good start.
The first Nissan van I ever bought (more than 25 years ago) was chosed because Nissan was the only company that would give me an on-road price. Other manufacturers wanted to charge extra for paint, a radio, even a passenger seat! Things have moved on but they still offer the best deals and I am still buying them although we now have a fleet rather than a single van.