Launched last year to much acclaim the NV200 is a bit of an oddity when it comes to putting it in a category. It has the looks and styling of a downsized panel van with the footprint of a short-wheelbase light van, but at 4.2m³ and a 752kg payload the capabilities of a long-wheelbase one.

It is no surprise therefore that Nissan is now offering it as a five or seven-seater Combi. In essence a compact people-carrier.

As with the van versions, power comes from a 1.5-litre turbodiesel producing 85hp — a 110hp option is in the pipeline — and developing peak torque of 200Nm. Drive is to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

A compact suspension system employing wide single-leaf springs is fitted at the rear while the front suspension set-up includes MacPherson struts, springs, dampers and an anti-roll bar. Disc brakes are fitted at the front, drums at the back, and ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution come as standard. Electric power-assisted steering is fitted offering a commendably tight 10.6m turning circle kerb-to-kerb and 11.1m wall-to-wall.

In standard trim NV200 Combi includes a second row of seats, split 60/40, which can be folded forwards to extend the load length when necessary and provide 3.1m³ of load space. Twin sliding side doors are fitted as standard.

Three specification levels are offered; S, SE and SE Plus. All Combis come with driver and passenger airbags, remote central locking, electric windows and door mirrors, and a radio/CD player with an Aux input socket.

Move up to SE and it adds air conditioning, reversing camera, front fog lamps, heated door mirrors and alloy wheels to the mix. Top-of-the-range SE Plus also includes side airbags and ESP. All models bar S spec can be specified with two additional rear seats that can be folded away and stowed against the sidewalls.

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