Nissan revamps half-tonner

The locally-built and developed Nissan NP200 Loaded features a host of value-adding enhancements and special additions, and will be available in a production run of just 300 units.

The new NP200 Loaded seeks to enhance its lifestyle and sports appeal with visual upgrades forming the essence of its unique list of accessories.

The Nissan NP200 is a dual-purpose vehicle, providing great versatility and practicality for business use with features such as an 800kg payload, a standard rubberised load box (1 250 litres) and a specially-designed tailgate which can handle 300kg – a feature common in much larger pickups. The tractable petrol engine in the Loaded limited edition makes load-lugging easier, with peak torque (200Nm) available relatively low down in the rev range (3 000rpm), matched to short ratios for the first three gears.

Personal use is enhanced by the spacious cabin, which features numerous storage spaces for a practical and comfortable lifestyle vehicle.

As the name suggests, the new NP200 Loaded has been fitted with smart extras and is based on the 64Kw and 128Nm Nissan NP200 1.6 with air conditioning and the safety package with ABS and dual airbags. The NP200 Loaded is available exclusively in white, and features special Loaded branding which incorporates silver and red accents in the decals, carpets and seats.

Loaded-specific equipment inside includes full leather upholstery, a front-loading CD/MP3/WMA/radio/USB/aux and Bluetooth-enabled audio system, special black carpets and central locking. On the outside, stainless steel nudge- and sports bars, black roof rails, a black tonneau cover and specially-designed Nissan-Concept alloy wheels complete the Loaded look.

All accessories have been developed and approved for the NP200 Loaded and do not affect the vehicle’s standard and class-leasing 6-year/150 000km warranty. Totalling a value-add of 29%, the extras on the Nissan NP200 Loaded represent exceptional value and appeal, with a resultant vehicle price difference below their R25 000-extra worth, and one which still makes the NP200 Loaded a class-leading value proposition.

– Own correspondent.