2012 Nissan NV400 Review

Nissan's plan to double its share of Europe's LCV market within three years has been given a boost by the arrival of NV400, the company's new heavy van.

2012 Nissan NV400 photo -

Developed in cooperation with Alliance partner Renault, NV400 cannot be mistaken for anything other than a Nissan. Its distinctive ‘face' was created at Nissan Design Europe (NDE) and engineered by Nissan Technical Centre Europe. NV400 has its own unique bonnet, front wings, headlamps with integrated daytime running lights, grille and front bumper. The result gives NV400 a rugged, assertive look that shows it means business.

2012 Nissan NV400 photo

"The bold Nissan look helps us differentiate NV400 from its competitors and gives us a distinctive face in the market. With NV200 and now NV400, there is no doubt Nissan means attractive functionality and great choice in the LCV market," said Sergio Alcaraz, Vice President, Nissan, LCV Business Unit, AMIE.

But there's much more to NV400 than the way it looks. It is one of the most versatile and practical heavy van ranges on the market with gross vehicle weights (GVW) ranging from 2.8t to 4.5t.

2012 Nissan NV400 photo

For the first time, Nissan can offer the choice of front- or rear-wheel drive versions while NV400 comes in three wheelbase versions, four different lengths, three different heights and with cargo volumes ranging from 8 m3 to 17 m3. There are three power options plus six-speed manual and robotized transmissions.

In addition there are many different bodywork options, all back by the Nissan warranty. As well as factory-built panel vans and combis, there are crew vans, box-bodies, tippers and dropsides all built in house. Nissan will also continue to build chassis-cab for specialist body builders.

"NV400 is very versatile and offers a solution to each need in the heavy van sector," said Sergio Alcaraz. "It is much more than a replacement for Interstar and takes us into a much wider market segment thanks to the great breadth and depth of the range."

2012 Nissan NV400 photo

From a practical perspective, NV400 offers a far wider range of model types, sizes and options than the outgoing Interstar.

Operators have the choice between front or rear-wheel drive versions for the first time with Nissan vans. Front-wheel drive means a lower kerb weight for improved payloads, a lower frame height and improved fuel economy. Rear-wheel drive offers greater choice for chassis cab conversions and thanks to its high rear axle capacity is better suited to medium duty applications. Rear-drive versions are available with single or twin rear wheels.

Power comes from a direct injection, four-cylinder, 16-valve turbo diesel newly developed by Renault. At 2.3-litres it is smaller than Interstar's 2.5- dCi unit yet power outputs are the same - 100, 125 and 150 hp - and torque figures have improved to 285, 310 and 350 Nm respectively. All are Euro 5 compliant and enjoy lower running costs thanks to improved economy and to major service intervals which have been extended to 40,000 kms or every two years.

MacPherson strut-type independent suspension can be found at the front, while front-wheel drive versions have a single leaf spring at the rear. Rear-drive models have either a dual spring (single rear wheel) or triple leaf (double rear wheel).

The new cabin is slightly longer than before to create extra leg room while the seats are wider and longer for greater comfort. Safety features include twin front airbags as standard and side airbags optionally available. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is standard on all rear-wheel drive models and optional on front-wheel drive versions while anti-lock brakes are standard on all grades.

Standard or optional equipment levels reflect passenger car values and include Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic air conditioning, automatic lights and wipers, daytime running lights, parking sensors, cruise control with speed limiter, trip computer, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and USB and iPod playback through the sound system. A rear view parking camera is also optionally available to make parking manoeuvres as safe as possible.

Another option is Nissan Connect by TomTom. As well as conventional mapping and route planning, owners can subscribe to TomTom's Live Service content which includes live HD Traffic updates, fixed and mobile speed camera warnings, weather forecasting and access to Google Local Search, a vast database which lists the most up-to-date contact information of millions of business and services.

"NV400 is a far wider range of vans offering greater payloads, cargo space and many more features. Engines are more powerful, more economical and cleaner and the cabin is quieter and more comfortable with more storage space and plenty of practical touches," said Sebastien Danvel, General Manager, Marketing, LCV BU, AMIE.

2012 Nissan NV400 photo

"In short, NV400 offers far greater operator choice and will quickly become the benchmark vehicle in what has become, for Nissan, a much wider market segment."