White Van Man Reviews: Nissan NV400
NOW I know it’s hard to imagine something that’s bulky and sophisticated at the same time, but then you probably haven’t clapped your eyes on yours truly in a tux. I have to admit I cut a rather dashing figure and it’s (almost) very easy to forget about the more robust physique underneath.
That’s something along of the lines of what Nissan are going for with their NV400. They may have lost a bit of ground on the opposition in recent years, but they’re coming back in style – literally. They’ll be rolling out around 20 versions of this bad boy, but don’t worry they’re keeping it nice and simple for the UK, with just two models available – the E and SE editions.
Nissan have unashamedly targeted favourites such as the Iveco Daily, the Ford Transit and the Mercedes Sprinter and it looks like they’ve been quick out of the blocks on this one.
If you really want to get ahead of the field, you can also check out some cracking deals on van insurance with us. The SE version features a few nice extras, such as the option of reversing camera or sensors. You can add these to E model for £440 for the camera or £300 for the sensors.
The 2.3litre SE version boasts a load volume of 10.9m3, weighs 3.5 tonnes and comes with semi-automatic or ‘robotised’ transmission (all sounds a bit Doctor Who,eh?).
There’s decent enough fuel efficiency with the NV400 clocking up 34.0mpg on a combined cycle. CO2 emissions are 220g/km. Of course you’ll need to factor in fuel and road tax costs when your budgeting for this van, as well as comparing van insurance quotes.
The load volume and payload of 1625kg see it give the Transit and Sprinter a run for their money and it also comes with a trailer weight limit of 2500kg.
You can easily slide a standard Euro pallet into through the 270 degree twin rear doors. There’s also sliding near and offside doors. For an extra £375, you can add an offside sliding panel door. You can also order wood side paneling and floor trim for the cargo area which also features lashing hooks on the floor and pillars.
Take the rough with the smooth The NV400 is a smooth drive compared with previous models, although it will take a while to get used to the semi-automatic gearbox. A full load in the back will certainly keep those bumpy rides to a minimum. Cornering is reliable and stabling, helped in no small part by the power steering and responsive handling.
You may think a hulking van like this might be a might sluggish on the motorway, but the 315Nm of torque from the 125hp engine ensures you can coast along in top gear with no problem. Cruising on the motorway is helped too by the low noise levels inside the cab. While there’s less chance of bumpy rides, you may experience some bouncy ones due the suspended airsprung driver’s seat. It can feel strange at the start, but you will get used to it and there is the option of adjusting it too.
Nissan NV400 – Cutting a dash
It may not be a big consideration for such a bulky van, but the NV400 has quite a stylish look to it. Although the body is similar to that of the Renault Master, it has its own unique look. The bonnet, grille and front bumper are all very distinctive looking, making sure the NV400 doesn’t just blend into the background or get lost in the competition.
But it’s not just style which sets this apart. The suspension has a Macpherson strut independent system and an anti-roll bar, increasing its safety credentials – something that’s sure to save you money when you compare van insurance. The NV400 comes with a three-year warranty with service intervals of two years or 25,000 miles.
Plenty of wiggle room Nissan have stepped up to the plate as far as the cabin is concerned, adding an extra 5.8cm to the leg room compared with the NV400’s predecessor, the Interstar. Don’t be affronted by the fact that the seats are longer and wider, they don’t think you’ve put on weight, they’re just increasing the comfort levels….. honest!
Then there’s the kit – let’s face it, some of this gear would not look out of place in a car. There’s the Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic air condition, automatic wipers and lights, cruise control and daytime running lights. You can beat out some serious tunes (or a bit country and western, whatever floats your boat), thanks to the Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. Nissan have even fitted their own sat-nav system – Nissan Connect – which operates with TomTom and also has Google Local Search thrown in.
And if your van doubles up as your office, there’s plenty of little compartments for all your stuff. There’s cup holders for the morning (and mid-morning) brew, a chilled glove compartment (nice for that midday bottle of Lucozade) and lots of door pockets. There’s even a folding centre seat which features a swiveling table – you may never need to pop into the café again.
Stylish, strong and useful – and the NV400 not too bad either.
They may still have bit of ground to make up on the competition, but Nissan are making huge strides with this latest model.
WANT to see you mates go green with NV? Then compare van insurance and save even more moolah. Get an online van insurance quote today or drop our expert team a line now.