All-new NV400 set for November UK launch

Nissan dealers across the country are all set for the November roll-out of the Interstar replacement, the NV400. Developed jointly with Alliance partner Renault, which sells it as the Master (Vauxhall markets it as the Movano), Nissan has completely reworked the front-end with a unique bonnet, front wings, headlamps with integrated daytime running lights, grille and front bumper.

The necessary work to give NV400 its distinctive ‘face’ was carried out in the UK by Nissan Design Europe and at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe.

For the first time Nissan is able to offer a range of vehicles with a choice of either front- or rear-wheel drive and at gross vehicle weights from 2.8t to 4.5t. NV400 is available in three wheelbases, four body lengths and three roof heights, offering load volumes from 8.0m³ to 17.0m³. Gross payloads go from 1,030kg up to 2,254kg.

The reason for having two drive systems is that front-wheel drive provides a lower kerb weight for higher payloads, a lower frame height and improved fuel economy. Rear-wheel drive on the other hand offers greater choice for bodybuilder conversions and thanks to its high rear axle capacity is better suited to heavy-duty applications. Rear-drive versions can be had with either single or twin rear wheels.

NV400 isn’t just available as a large panel van and Combi van. There’s a full range of chassis and chassis crew cabs on offer, ready for conversion. The most popular bodies are available, factory-fitted, off-the-shelf. These include dropsides, tippers, box vans and minibuses.

Power comes from a trio of 2.3-litre Euro 5 diesels with outputs of 100hp, 125hp and 150hp. Peak torque figures are 285Nm, 310Nm and 350Nm respectively; a significant improvement compared with the old 2.5-litre units in the Interstar. Running costs are significantly better as well thanks to lower fuel consumption and major service intervals set at 25,000 miles or two years.

As far as the cab is concerned it’s identical to that of the Renault Master, bar Nissan badging naturally. It provides an extensive number of practical storage areas and the list of optional extras available is a long one. It includes Nissan Connect with a built-in integrated TomTom Live sat nav system (£650) and a huge storage bin under the dual passenger seat, the innermost backrest of which can be folded down to supply a convenient, swivelling table, as well as a rear-view camera with driver sunvisor-mounted LCD colour screen for £438.

“The bold Nissan look helps us differentiate NV400 from its competitors and gives us a distinctive face in the market. With NV200 and now NV400, there is no doubt Nissan offers attractive functionality and great choice in the LCV market,” said Sergio Alcaraz, vice president of Nissan’s, LCV Business Unit. “NV400 is very versatile and offers a solution to each need in the heavy van sector. It is much more than a replacement for Interstar and takes us into a much wider market segment thanks to the great breadth and depth of the range.”

NV400 prices start at £18,995 (excl VAT) delivered; click here to download a PDF of the full price list. We’re attending the European press launch in the middle of November and will publish a full report shortly afterwards.