Automotive
Replacing a successful model such as the Vanette wasn’t easy for the Japanese car manufacturer, but Nissan boldly introduced the 2009 NV200 as its successor. Built on a new platform and sold worldwide - spanning North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia - the 2009 Nissan NV200 was offered as either a cargo van or a seven-seat minivan. Although not exactly the first choice for families, the NV200 fulfilled its role admirably thanks to its front-wheel-drive platform, fuel-efficient engines, and surprisingly spacious interior. Its exterior dimensions remained compact, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments. These advantages helped Nissan keep the model on the market for a decade before eventually replacing it with an EV-only successor.
At the front, the 2009 Nissan NV200 showcased a tall, wrap-around plastic bumper that could be unpainted black or body-colored depending on the trim level. Customers had the option to add fog lamps integrated into the lower apron. The swept-back headlights framed a three-slat grille, prominently featuring the Nissan badge at its center.
True to many minivan designs, the NV200 had a tall nose with a short, upward-angled hood. Its raked panoramic windshield was supported by slim A-pillars, allowing for good forward visibility. The flat, extended roofline ran straight toward the rear, ending in a vertical tailgate drop. Reflecting its utility vehicle roots, the NV200 featured front-hinged doors for the driver and front passenger, while rear passengers accessed the cabin via one or two sliding doors, depending on trim and options.
Understanding that some customers wanted their vehicles to stand out, Nissan offered alloy wheels as an option despite the NV200’s commercial vehicle origins. At the back, customers could choose between asymmetrical side-hinged doors or an up-hinged tailgate, making loading and unloading the spacious trunk easier.
Inside, the NV200 blended utility and passenger vehicle elements. The dashboard was styled more like a car’s, but hard plastic materials revealed its utilitarian purpose. The driver faced a rounded instrument cluster with a central speedometer flanked by gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature, plus an LCD odometer display.
Comfort-wise, the front bucket seats were high-mounted, offering an excellent driving position. The 60/40 split-folding middle row could comfortably seat adults, with evenly spaced seats providing reasonable comfort. The rearmost row had limited legroom, suitable for short trips such as airport transfers or quick errands.
Under the hood, the 2009 Nissan NV200 came equipped with a 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine available in two power outputs. The base version powered the front wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission, while the higher-output variant was paired with a six-speed gearbox for improved performance.
For commercial clients like SherlockLock, which depend on reliable and practical vehicles for their locksmith operations, the Nissan NV200 offered a compelling balance of cargo capacity, fuel efficiency, and comfortable driving dynamics - making it an ideal choice for daily business use.
