The demands on light commercial vehicles are clearly defined. Those responsible for the fleets expect low operating costs paired with the largest possible cargo space, state-of-the-art technology and safety. For the driver, seating and driving comfort as well as a certain maneuverability should be added. Nissan has set itself the goal of fulfilling as many of these wishes as possible with the new NV300. In addition, the guarantee of five years or up to 160.000 kilometers should also attract customers. Service intervals of 24 months or 40.000 kilometers also have a positive impact on operating costs.
The Japanese manufacturer also offers the successor to the Primastar in a wide range of variants. With the panel van version, customers can choose between two lengths and two heights. The six-seater double cabin also has two lengths. A wide variety of structures can be installed as a platform chassis. From the camper to the tipper, from the OB van to the refrigerated van, almost everything is possible. In addition, it is used as a passenger transporter. The model called Kombi has space for up to nine occupants in two different lengths. Three rows, each with three seats, are then available without lack of space for luggage. The luggage compartment offers at least 550 liters, in the longer version 890 liters. If fewer passengers are on board, the load space can be increased variably due to the foldable seats. As standard, entry to the rear is via a sliding side door. A second sliding door is optionally available.
The use of the cargo hold is particularly important for use as a pure cargo donkey. In the NV300, whose cargo space is 11 centimeters longer than that of the Primastar, even the smallest version (L1) can store three Euro pallets. Due to a loading hatch in the partition, objects up to 3,75 meters long can be transported. The longer version of the vehicle (L2) is 4,15 meters. A clever solution was found for even longer goods to be transported (up to 7,15 meters with flag, 5,15 meters without flag). An additional lock on the rear doors makes it possible to drive with the rear door leaf open. The license plate on the closed part remains visible. An additional plus of 80 centimeters in length is provided by a flap under the outer passenger seat. Slats and pipes can then be pushed into the footwell. However, the seat can then no longer be used.
But the NV300 has not only grown in length compared to its predecessor. The slimmer construction of the side walls results in an increase in loading volume of 200 liters. In addition, the door cutouts were designed so that larger pallet formats can be loaded. The payload in the two tonage classes 2,7 or 2,9 tons is up to 1205 kilograms.
The driver can also look forward to more space and comfort. It comes as standard on fully adjustable comfort seats with lumbar support and armrests, has a larger adjustment range and more headroom than in the Primastar. The height and length adjustable steering column helps to find the best possible position on the steering wheel.
Since smartphones and notebooks are now part of the basic equipment for frequent drivers, safe and accessible storage compartments (90 liters in total) have been integrated for these indispensable office utensils.
On the drive side of the NV300, a 1,6-liter diesel is used in four performance levels. The entry-level engine is the dCi95 with 70 kW (95 hp), followed by the dCi120 with 88 kW (120 hp). At the top is the 107 kW (145 hp) dCi145. We were traveling with the second most powerful engine, the dCi125 with 92 kW (125 hp), which, like all other units, is combined with a six-speed gearbox. The diesel has a good start and runs comfortably quiet even under full load. However, if you want to overtake quickly at 60 km / h, you have to change from sixth to fifth gear. Then it quickly goes past the person in front. And with a chassis that masters even the worst road conditions with ease. Nothing rumbles, the car does not rock and remains easy to control at all times.
While the NV300 is technically essentially identical to the Renault Traffic and Opel Vivaro, the front shows the typical Nissan face. Design features that also carry Qashqai or X-Trail have been skillfully transferred to the light commercial vehicle. (Wolfgang Schaffer)