The limited edition is locally built and developed with the Nissan NP200 LOADED featuring a host of value-adding enhancements and special additions. The production run is said to be only 300 units, so it was a special chance to put it through its paces in traffic and on the motorway.
To date, over 63 000 NP200s have been sold, supporting the claim to it being South Africa's favourite half ton pick-up. Based on the NP200, the new vehicle seeks to enhance the original's lifestyle and sports appeal with visual upgrades forming the essence of a impressive list of accessories.
The Nissan NP200 LOADED limited edition offered a distinctive appearance with neat additions for an exciting look.
PURPOSEFUL
The Nissan NP200 was built as a dual-purpose vehicle and it is versatile and practical for business use. One feature which will impress the target market of owner-managers and farmers, is the 800kg payload and a standard rubbe-rised load box offering 1 250-litres. Another big extra included is a specially-designed tailgate which can handle 300kg - usually found in much larger pickups.
The 1,6 petrol engine in the LOADED limited edition that we drove meant a nifty response with peak torque at 200Nm that was available at 3 000rpm, matched to short ratios for the first three gears.
Using the vehicle in the city was comfortable and easy as it was also designed with personal use in mind. The cabin is spacious with numerous storage spaces for a practical and comfortable vehicle.
RUNNING COST
The NP200 has a reputation as reliable and great value-for-money with low service and parts costs. In the previous IPSOS product quality research survey, the NP200 was awarded the Overall Satisfaction title for its segment for the second year in a row. The Kinsey report also points out that parts pricing is a very strong NP200 trait.
LOADED WITH EXTRAS
As the name suggests, the new NP200 LOADED has been fitted with smart extras while maintaining top-level value-for-money. Based on the 64Kw and 128Nm Nissan NP200 1,6 with air conditioning and a safety package with ABS and dual airbags, the NP200 LOADED is available exclusively in white.
It has special 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.
Outside, there are stainless steel nudge and sports bars, black roof rails, a neat black tonneau cover and specially-designed Nissan-Concept alloy wheels to complete the look.
CONCLUSION
After driving the nifty bakkie for three days in and around Gauteng on highways and by-ways, we have to agree with NP200 Product Manager at Nissan South Africa, Isa Giunta who said the Nissan NP200 has "class-leading specification, high quality levels and a tough personality."
DETAILS
All accessories have been specifically developed and approved for the NP200 LOADED and do not affect the vehicle's standard and class-leading six year or 150 000km warranty.
Totalling extra value of 29%, the extras fitted to the Nissan NP200 LOADED gives the vehicle appeal and a finished look for excellent value.
The Nissan NP200 1.6 LOADED retails at R166 500 including VAT.
The cabin is spacious with numerous storage spaces tucked away neatly.
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