After reading reviews about a new-ish powerful, economical diesel from Nissan, I had to see what all the fuss was about. Interestingly enough, I was hoping to sample it in the rather good Qashqai but imagine my surprise when a Nissan NP200 was delivered!
Nissan NP200 practicality
Despite the hordes of enjoyable sportscars and cabriolets that have come my way over the years, I still enjoy driving a solid, reliable utility vehicle. I enjoy the good, down-to-earth humbleness that goes with a sub-1 ton bakkie and Nissans NP200 is not something I have yet evaluated.
With gusto I got into the Nissan and made use of the space behind the drivers seat to hide my laptop. The only downside to driving bakkie/pick-ups is the fact that I cannot lock my possessions in the boot and Im constantly worried that Im going to have something nicked. For a small vehicle, the Nissan NP200 is actually rather spacious inside and even for taller folk like myself, I didnt feel uncomfortable.
Nissan NP200 interior
Nissans NP200 has a familiar interior and keen-eyed readers will spot that the interior is not dissimilar to that of the affordable Renault Sandero. Now before you recoil in horror, I can reassure that theres absolutely nothing wrong with this and the Renault/Nissan alliance is a brilliant arrangement. Did you know that the NP200 and the Sandero are built side-by-side in Rosslyn, Pretoria?
Nissan NP200 features
It has most of the basic features you can expect from a vehicle of this nature. Electric windows, air-conditioning, power-steering are there, as is a drive and passenger airbag. Its a work-horse and youre expected to make do with what you get. The interior has been assembled from rugged materials while the fabric seats are tough. Its as if Nissan knows that the dirtiest and muddiest of workers will be using this Nissan
Nissan NP200 engine
Ive been saving the best part of the Nissan NP200 until last and here it is; a fantastic engine. Sourced from Renault, the 1.5-litre 65kW 200Nm unit is one of the most impressive small-capacity diesels that I have evaluated thanks to a combination of performance and efficiency. Put your foot down in most gears and the NP200 accelerates without hesitation.
If youre in a hurry, the little engine does tend to sound a bit strained if you stray to the redline but if youre a diesel fan you should know that most of the power has ended long before that. Its frugal too and only needed a small top-up of 50ppm diesel on day seven. Nissan claims that it sips just 5.3L/100km, which is indeed impressive.
Nissan NP200 conclusion
Now heres the cruncher. The Nissan NP200 offers good basic spec, strong build quality and a spacious 800L load bay, coupled with a revised/improved warranty of six years/150 000km as opposed to the original three year/100 000km. I had the SE version which adds some sporty touches to the exterior but that costs R191,000. The base model (far more sensible) goes for R154,000.
Many of you will have read about my enthusing over the Chevrolet Utility a popular rival for the Nissan. Chevrolet has very recently launched a 1.3-litre diesel engine to counter this Nissan and if youre prepared to pay a bit extra (R172,400) for marginally better spec and a more efficient engine but less load space, then consider that if you dont like Nissan. Youd struggle to beat the base-model NP200 and Im not the only one who shares this sentiment as the plucky bakkie has been a top seller in the South African market.
Nissan NP200 price in South Africa
Nissan NP200 Base model – R 154 000
Nissan NP200 SE – R191 000
We like:
· Great engine
· Light on fuel
· Reliable
· Reasonable build quality
We dont like:
· Basic interior
Nissan NP200 1.5Dci specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, diesel
Power: 65 kW @ 3 750 rpm
Torque: 200 N.m @ 1 900 rpm
Transmission: five-speed manual
Wheels: 15-inch
0-100 km/h: NA seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy: 5.3l/100km (claimed combined cycle)
Also consider:
Chevrolet Utility
Ford Bantam
Second-hand Toyota Hilux
