Nissan has added a pair of diesel-engined models to its NP200 pick-up range offering greater frugality and load-lugging ability to the popular little utility vehicle.By Gareth Dean
The Nissan NP200 dCi is powered by a 1,5-litre diesel unit developing 63 kW at 3 750 r/min and 200 N.m of torque at just 1 900 r/min – enough to make light work of the vehicle’s claimed 800 kg payload. At the same time, this engine returns a very respectable fuel economy of 5,3-litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of just 140g/k.
Two specification levels are offered; Base and High spec. The latter boasts such key safety features as ABS and EBD, as well as dual front airbags (which are also standard fitment features on the Base model) while stylistic touches include 15-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and sills. The High spec model also features a height-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, endowing it with the sort of comfort and ergonomics normally associated with more passenger-orientated offerings. Both models also sport 300 dm³ of storage space behind the front seats.
Even the base specification includes as standard a fully rubberised loadbox and additional occupant protection in the form of an anti-intrusion bar (or a full roll-bar in High-spec models) built into the cabin frames.
Nadia Trimmel, Senior Product Manager at Nissan SA comments; “The availability of the 1,5 dCi-powered NP200 now completes our exceptional line-up, bringing superior fuel consumption and pulling strength to the superb practical attributes of this model range. The NP200 has perfectly fulfilled its difficult role as the replacement of an iconic model (Nissan 1400), in fact offering so much more than ever before in terms of ability, comfort, safety, and now fuel economy and environmental-friendliness as the final piece of this compelling puzzle not to mention the fresh and trendy aesthetic appeal that the NP200 has on offer.’’
The NP200 1,5dCi is available from Nissan dealers now. Nissan has added a bolt-on service plan option costing R11 058, which covers the vehicle for up to 60 000 km for a very reasonable. This bolt-on service plan can also be purchased separately on 1,6-litre petrol models, with a full range of options between these two extremes of 150 000 and 60 000 km available.
Pricing:
Nissan NP200 1,5 dCi Base spec R143 600
Nissan NP200 1,5 dCi High spec R174 000