Earlier, we wrote about the new Nissan Navara Single Cab with a choice of luton, steel or wooden body configurations, aimed at commercial users. Besides the pick-up truck, Edaran Tan Chong has also introduced the successor to THE commercial vehicle of past decades, the long lasting Nissan C22 Vanette. Introducing the all new NV200 Vanette.

Available here only in panel van form, the NV200, designed with Europe in mind, first made its debut in 2010. No longer an ancient box, the NV200 comes with safety features, functionality and fuel efficiency that will be alien to C22 users. The huge cargo space measuring 4.2m³ is able to cater to various applications.

Not detailed in the press release, but found in the print ad in today’s newspaper is the dimensions of the cargo area opening – 2.04 metres long, 1.36 metres tall and 1.5 metres wide. The single-leaf spring rear suspension not only offers a payload of up to 740 kg, but due to its compact design, cargo space is optimised to accommodate up to two standard sized Euro pallets.

Powering the NV200 Vanette is the 1.6 litre HR16DE engine with Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control (CVTC) producing 109 PS and 152 Nm of torque. The proven engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and ETCM claims best-in-class fuel economy of 14.0 km/l.

Unlike the C22, the engine is not below the driver’s bum, so heat intrusion and NVH will be greatly improved. New features include electric power steering, a Multi-Function Meter that displays info such as fuel consumption, range and driving time on a 2.8-inch Dot Matrix Display. The MFM also has alerts for speeding, maintenance, a timer and even a transmission shift-up indicator.

Standard safety features include ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Zone Body construction, driver’s airbag, pre-tensioner seat belts with load limiters, high mount stop lamp, wide rear view mirror and large side mirrors. The NV200 Vanette is priced at RM62,047, excluding road tax and insurance.