Nissan NV400 – practical versatility with a distinctive face

Nissan NV400 SE 2.3 dCi (125hp)

Nissan's good-looking NV400 is available in three wheelbase versions, four different lengths, and three different heights

Van test review: COLIN DAWSON

What is it?

Nissan’s NV400 heavy van, introduced towards the end of last year, was developed in co-operation with Alliance partner Renault, and has much in common with the Renault Master and Vauxhall Movano. But The NV400 cannot be mistaken for anything other than a Nissan.

The NV400 has its own distinctive ‘face’, using three key elements of the Nissan look – bonnet, grille and headlamps – which was created at Nissan Design Europe in Paddington and engineered by Nissan Technical Centre in Bedfordshire. So there’s plenty here that’s homegrown.

The NV400 has a comfortable, well-appointed cab with air-con and extensive storage facilities

It is good looking, and also offers a well-appointed cab with air conditioning and extensive storage facilities – perfect for keeping documentation in order and personal items safely stashed.

Loadspace on the test model is generous at 10.3 cu m and access is excellent via the large single sliding door side and 180º opening twin rear doors whether loading pallets with a forklift or for a driver accessing packages.

Power comes from a 2.3-litre, direct-injection, four-cylinder, 16-valve turbodiesel engine, which is available in three power outputs. Although smaller than the Interstar’s 2.5-dCi unit, it can match power outputs across the range at 100, 125 and 150hp, and torque figures have been bettered, at 285, 310 and 350Nm respectively.

Sat-nav control panel is simple to use and slick in operation

Drivers also benefit from anti-lock ABS brakes with EBD for better stopping power as well as anti-skid ESP, and rear parking sensors – useful on such a large van with unglazed rear windows – and driver airbag.

What’s hot?

• Front-wheel-drive versions start from only £18,995 and rear-wheel-drive from only £25,395 (basic prices).
•  High specification available; technology includes Nissan connect by TomTom navigation, incorporating Google local search, and Bluetooth connectivity (£650.00). Comfort Pack, provides front air conditioning, front fog lamps, and pollen filter (£750.00).
• Torquey, responsive engine with three power options plus six-speed manual and ‘robotised’ semi-automatic transmissions available. Euro 5 compliant engines benefit from reduced running costs thanks to improved economy and major service intervals extended to 25,000 miles or every two years.
•  Three wheelbase versions, four different lengths, three different heights and cargo volumes ranging from 8m³ to 17m³; gross vehicle weights (GVW) ranging from 2.8 tonnes to 4.5 tonnes and choice of front- or rear-wheel drive versions make the NV400 extremely versatile and practical.
•  Comfortable cab with air conditioning, and extensive storage facilities.
•  Excellent access to cargo area via 180-degree rear doors and large nearside sliding door.

Access to the loadspace is excellent via the large single sliding door side and 180º opening twin rear doors

What’s not?

• Ride is fairly harsh when unladen.
•  High noise levels.

What you need to know