The Nissan NP200 range was enlarged late last year with the addition of a real, economical workhorse: the 1,5 dCi version. There are two turbodiesel models to choose from — with prices starting at R143,600, writes DAVE FALL.
Five models make up the current range of half-ton bakkies with the slightly peculiar nomenclature of NP200. Having lived in Pietermaritzburg for more than 30 years I seem to have a close-up and personal affinity with them! Three are petrol-powered, the balance turbo-diesel . . . having sampled the top spec 1,5dCi for a few days now, I’m really impressed with its build quality, looks and carrying capacity.
It’s amazing really — I stay in a block of flats and without fail when a bakkie comes my way for scribbling about someone is in dire need of a fridge to be transported for repair, or furniture to be shifted. Sure enough, that has just happened — and I’m too pleased to oblige. Under the bonnet is one of the quietest turbodiesel units I’ve come across of late, one that develops 63kW and 200Nm of torque — perfect for shifting gear!
Forget bakkies of old . . . the only concession to a creature comfort was possibly the bakelite ashtray stuck on the dash with a rubber sucker — the NP200 offers car-like quality, dare I say a luxury one at that. Economy appears to be superb — I’ve travelled 305 kilometres already and the digital fuel gauge hasn’t even moved!
Power steering, electric windows, remote-controlled wing mirrors, central locking and air-conditioning can all be found within. There’s posh carpeting, cubbyholes and plenty of room behind the seats to carry that weekend bag — quite safely hidden from prying eyes.
It’s hardly surprising these days that so many people buy half-ton and bigger bakkies over a car . . . they are such adaptable things. The loadbin fitted to this particular one has internal and external lashing points — a large motorcycle could be carried diagonally if need be — and with the tailgate closed properly, I reckon.
There’s lots of safety built into most bakkies these days and the NP200 is no exception to that rule — twin airbags, crumple zones and ABS brakes, for starters. (There’s also a really substantial rollbar that attaches to the floor of the bin and to high-up lugs on the cab just in case you should stick it on its roof.)
Personally, I wouldn’t bother buying a tin box (sedan). I’d rather go for something like this — especially as prices start from as low as R103,100. The top-of-the-range diesel derivative does cost considerably more at R174,000, I know, but there’s a cheaper specced version that has a ticket price of R143,600.
Full warranties apply to new vehicle ownership, and interestingly, servicing is only required at 15,000km intervals — diesel or petrol.
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