What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide

Operating

A stop/start system that kills the engine if it is allowed to idle wastefully at the lights or in a traffic jam should help keep fuel consumption and CO2 emissions down. All you need to do to start the engine again is dip the clutch. The system can be switched on and off using a button on the dashboard.

Press the Eco button on the gearbox console and you immediately decrease engine power and alter throttle pedal response. By doing so you make little noticeable difference to your on-the-road performance if you are unladen or lightly laden but can enjoy up to 10% better fuel economy. The only time you may struggle is if you are tackling a steep hill fully laden.

Permanently functioning is Smart Energy Management, which recovers energy every time you brake or decelerate. It too helps minimise fuel usage. Quoted fuel consumption is 47.9mpg on the official combined cycle. We averaged closer to 44.0mpg with extensive use of the Eco button on motorway journeys.

An alarm is fitted and side rubbing strips help protect the paintwork from minor damage.
The manufacturer is to be praised for the comprehensive warranty package it has assembled – a key reason for putting the NV300 on your shopping list.

It is protected by a five-year/100,000-mile warranty with roadside assistance provided for the duration. The paintwork warranty lasts for five years too, while the anti-perforation corrosion guarantee lasts for 12 years.

Service intervals are set at two years/25,000 miles and in our view should be complemented by interim safety checks, especially if the van is working in an arduous environment.

Nissan NV300 L1H1 125 2700 Acenta

Price (ex VAT)      £23,455
Price range (ex VAT)     £21,015-£28,210
Gross payload     1,081kg
Load length     2,537mm
Load width (min/max)     1,268/1,662mm
Load bay height     1,387mm
Load volume     5.2m³
Loading height     552mm
Rear door aperture     1,320x1,391mm
Side door aperture     1,284x1,030mm
Gross vehicle weight     2,820kg
Braked trailer towing weight      2,000kg
Residual value     15.3%*
Cost per mile      46.0p
Engine size/power     1,598cc, 125hp @ 3,500rpm
Torque     320Nm @ 1,500rpm
Gearbox      6-speed
Fuel economy      47.9mpg
Fuel tank      80 litres
CO2     155g/km
Warranty      5yrs/100,000mls
Service intervals      2yrs/25,000mls
Insurance group     37
Price as tested      £24,085
(* after 4yrs/80,000mls – source: KwikCarcost)