The Nissan NV400, a rebadged version of the Renault Master van that’s also sold as the Opel Movano, has just been updated with fresh new engines and gadgets like DAB digital radio and hill start assist program, among others.
Some of the new tech is aimed at cutting fuel consumption: it gets a new selectable ECO mode, which along with start-stop and regenerative braking should lead to noticeable improvements.
Aside from the previously mentioned hill start assist, Nissan now offers a feature called “Extended Grip,” available on both front- and rear-wheel drive variants. It uses the car’s stability and traction control systems to shift “engine torque between each of the driven wheels as required and by as much as 25 per cent to help start off and to maintain traction.”
There’s also the self explanatory Trailer Sway Control and a tire pressure monitor.
Buyers of the NV400 now get a choice of five engines. They all use the same basic block, a 2.3-liter direct-injected 16-valve developed in collaboration with Renault. The lowest powered variant makes 108 hp, the next one up 123 hp, while the new twin-turbo units make 132 and 162 hp respectively – there’s even a version of the new engine that comes with a single variable geometry turbo and makes 148 hp.
Nissan says the highest-powered variant returns 1.5 l/100km better mileage than its 148 hp predecessor, which they say equates to a saving of around €1,500 over three years.
When it comes to body styles, the NV400 can be had in three different wheelbases, four different lengths and in either front- or rear-wheel drive configurations. “There are also a variety of different bodywork options. In addition to factory-built panel vans, combis and chassis cabs for specialist body builders, conversion companies offer crew vans, box vans, tippers, drop-side trucks and minibuses.”
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