Nissan NP 200

After 37 years with the 1400 someone at Nissan remembered that they have a car in the half tonne segment. During all this time rivals would have steadily improved their equivalents especially the Opel Corsa Utility followed by Ford Bantam.

Nissan can be forgiven for neglecting the model as they were probably busy with more serious projects such as the Porsche bashing GT-R, the likable 350Z and cool SUVs such as Murano, Navara and Pathfinder. The one bakkie that has been helping the Japanese maker has been the Nissan Hardbody.

But boy did Nissan rake in profits with the 1400 from essentially a design that needed no further R&D. The legendary 1400 had (outgoing model) 47 KW and 97 n.m of torque. I fail to see what could be loaded, maybe not a quad bike or motor bike but certainly small businesses found the vehicle useful.

The NP200 takes advantage of the relationship Nissan has with Renault and this is evident in the car using a Renault engine producing and impressive 67kw from the 1.6 litre unit. The entry level model cost R88 900 which is cheaper than the Corsa at R92 500. The NP 200 has the biggest loading area in its class at 1,2 m2.

Does the car hold up well to the segment leading Corsa Utility? Difficult one. Looks are not NP 200’s strongest point. Actually the car is more suitable for commercial use than for every day driving. The interior looks a little Renaultish and has reasonable plastic finishes. On the other hand the Corsa Utility looks sharp and exciting on the exterior as well as boosting a friendlier interior.

All in all Nissan has played a sensible strategy with the NP 200 by making it more focused on light commercial purposes which results in a more affordable car for the buyer. The Utility is a more complete package that has appealing looks together with a more comfortable interior.

The new model is already doing well only a few months after being released and is a good replacement for the legendary 1400. A very affordable car which can be classified as cheap cars for sale.