A sensible option

One such option is the Nissan NV200 Combi and the one I spent some time with was the 1.5 dCi Visia. There is also a 1.6i petrol version. Priced at R303 900 it is not cheap but, unfortunately, this is a segment that reaches a long way north of that.

However, the real cost issue is going to be long-term saving in the form of fuel. Nissan claim 5.1l/100km for the 1.5 diesel and 7.3km/l on the petrol. I returned figures for the diesel that were in the petrol ballpark, but that was towing a trailer and making no serious effort to be economical. The exact figures will depend on the usual factors, such as load and driving style, but they will still remain low.

Despite the low consumption, the 66kW engine – and, more importantly, the 200Nm it delivers – provided plenty of power, and the interior, although not super luxurious, was perfectly comfortable.

The gear lever is mounted close to the steering wheel and this really added to the easy driving experience. This also opens up floor space and adds to the impression of roominess. There is a 2.8-inch multi-information LCD display screen which communicates fuel range, fuel level, average consumption, instantaneous consumption, a shift-up indicator to increase driving efficiency and an economy meter as well as trip distance and outside temperature.

The cloth seat looks as if they will take a pounding but are perfectly comfortable. There are also plenty of storage spots dotted around.

Although the Combi was probably not designed with a family as its primary focus, the little bus has the safety features an owner would insist on for their loved ones. This includes ABS with EBD, vehicle dynamic control, driver, passenger and front side airbags, Isofix child seat anchor points as well as a seatbelt warning buzzer.

Standard-fitment equipment includes remote central locking and an immobiliser, air conditioning, a radio/CD audio system with aux and USB input ports, as well as Bluetooth for audio streaming and hands-free cellphone use, an antibacterial gear knob and steering wheel, electric windows up front, electric mirrors, a multifunction steering wheel, 14-inch alloy wheels with a full-size spare and front fog lights.

The seven-seater can easily convert into a cargo-carrier. By simply folding away the seats you open up 2.3m3 of load space. However, folding the middle row

forwards opens up 3.1m3 of load bay – which is more than enough for just about any household load.