2013 Nissan NV200 Revealed: Some Competition for the Ford Transit Connect [Chicago Auto Show]

Vans are cool. The A-Group had a van, rock bands drive them, and Shaggy and Scooby rode in the Mystery Machine. So it’s with a smile that we watch the sliding-door offerings in this nation expand and enhance from Bronze-age chariots of sadness to Euro-bred hyperhaulers. Ford was 1st to launch a compact van right here, with the Transit Connect, which hit the industry in early 2010. Now, the competitors has arrived in the type of the tiny Nissan NV200.

New For Us, At Least

Just don’t confuse this with Nissan’s gigantor NV1500/NV2500/NV3500. And even though the NV200 is new in the U.S., it’s been on sale globally given that 2009. So the styling we see on our edition is familiar—especially if you followed the news of it becoming named the exclusive taxi for New York City commencing in 2013. An awkwardly sloped hood is the only nod to modernism for an otherwise standard two-box form. We picture it’s styled this way to maximize fuel economy, not due to the fact the designers have a factor for DustBusters.

The function-over-pleasing-form theme continues with the rest of the NV200’s styling. That front bumper, we admit, is downright hideous, but the normal unpainted gray plastic will aid hide dings and scrapes better than painted entire body panels. (The rear bumper also comes in gray it can be painted to match the body as an selection.) The cetacean bumpers also suggest the headlights are mounted relatively large, which is great the two for visibility and protecting them from worldly damage.

End-to-finish, the NV200 measures 186.two inches—5.six inches longer than the Ford Transit Connect. That is no accident: The NV200 as sold in the U.S. has been stretched almost eight inches amongst the wheels compared to its European configuration, and it is 13 inches lengthier general here than in the Old World. Dual sliding doors are normal, and the split rear doors open as broad as 180 degrees.

Electrical power comes from a 2.-liter inline-4. Final output figures haven’t been released yet, but we’re expecting 135 to 140 hp and approximately 140 lb-ft of torque. That engine will drive the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. No, we’re not joyful about that both, and have issues that the public perception of CVTs as unpleasant and not durable could deter buyers. That explained, the Transit Connect doesn’t specifically wow with its ancient four-speed auto. The NV200 must be able to beat the Ford’s fuel financial system of 21 mpg city and 27 highway.

Can You Carry a Pallet For Me?

Nissan would be content to tell you that, yes, the NV200 can carry a normal 40-by-48-inch pallet in the cargo region. Highest payload capacity for the NV200 is estimated at 1500 pounds the Transit Connect can deal with 1600 pounds. The Nissan’s rear suspension is leaf-sprung—like on a actual truck!—while the front has struts.

If you are not hauling a pallet, the cargo place also has as normal a amount of integrated mounting factors for shelving units (or whatever other amazing things you’ve received) as properly as optional floor-mounted hooks to safe cargo. What you will not uncover in the rear of the NV200—for now—is a bench seat. Initially, Nissan’s infant van comes only with two seats up front. Just as the firm additional a passenger edition of the big-brother NV, we expect that a people-carrying NV200 will also be presented to the public ultimately. Considering that a modified edition is going to serve as a taxi in New York and beyond, the dirty perform is currently done in fitting seats to our lengthier-wheelbase NV200.

Drivers should find a reasonably comfortable cockpit in which to function and hang out, with ample storage in the normal NV200. The upmarket SV trim adds cruise handle, an additional twelve-volt outlet in the center console, electrical power door locks with remote keyless entry, and energy heated side mirrors, among other goodies. Irrespective of trim degree, a range of standalone alternatives will be provided. Buyers can order an Exterior Look package deal that includes physique-color bumpers, door handles, and side mirrors along with a chrome grille a navigation method will also be provided. Windows are obtainable for the rear doors, too.

Dealerships won’t see the NV200 until finally early in 2013, and due to the fact of that Nissan’s not but speaking about pricing. With Ford’s Transit Connect starting at just below $ 23,000 and the bigger NV starting at roughly $ 26,000, figure on a base sticker in the neighborhood of $ 22,000.

For now, the NV200’s only competitors is the Ford, but this room will get more crowded within the subsequent number of many years: Fiat is bringing a tiny van to the U.S., badged here as a Ram, and Mercedes-Benz is probable to introduce one of its smaller sized vans presently on sale in Europe. Did a person say “small-van comparo”?

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