Nissan's 1400 Bakkie has seemingly been around as long as boerewors. But now the SA classic goes the way of the ox wagon with the arrival of the new NP200.

Take a load off

Though the NP200 is classified as a half-tonner it is in fact closer to a one-tonner with a 800kg payload capacity. The load bed comes as standard with a protective surround that prevents damage to the bodywork during loading operations and resists loads of up to 100kg.

The tailgate is designed with safety and durability in mind and will resist loads of up to 300kg when open. The bed floor, sides and cabin partition are corrosion-proofed.

Maximum load length is more than 1.80m and maximum load width 1.37m, while a sill height of 64cm, with tailgate down, helps with loading. A rear step provides easy access to the bed.

And if you're fastidious about these things, there are 16 anchor points — four fasteners on the bed surround on either side of the vehicle, two hooks on the safety hoop with load restraint, and six rings on the load bed floor.

Step inside

Inside there's not much comparison with its vintage predecessor, with the cabin combining the feel of a passenger car while not compromising on the practicality and versatility that is consistent with a bakkie.

Designed to appeal to business users and private motorists looking for a practical leisure vehicle, the NP200 offers a modern and robust interior. Materials for the dashboard, door panels and upholstery, are sturdy and durable, an important consideration whether its application is work or play.

Front and rear visibility is improved, partnered with a commanding driving position and advanced ergonomics. Stowage areas are littered throughout the cabin with a glovebox, door bins and cup holders all easily at hand. A 300 litre stowage compartment behind the seat is accessible by tipping the driver’s seat forward and ideal for compact items like tool boxes, freeing up the load bed for heavy and bulky loads.

The rear window is fitted as standard with a double-barred partition than can be reinforced with a safety hoop with load restraint in order to protect the cabin against load intrusion from any heavy or dangerous objects loaded on the load bed.

Power steering, four-speed fan and heating system with recycle function, bucket seats with cloth upholstery, and height adjustable headrests come as standard with a radio system available as an optional extra.

Power to the people

The NP200 will initially be launched with a 1598cc petrol power plant developing a claimed 64kW at 5500rpm and a torque peak of 128Nm at 3000rpm. The first three gear ratios are short, resulting in impressive acceleration from pull away and at low speeds when heavily loaded. The two top speeds are tailored to provide fuel efficiency.

The NP200 suspension has been designed with passenger car-like comfort in mind. The front suspension comprises a MacPherson layout, with wishbone arm and non-damped cradle and a front anti-roll bar. The reinforced rear suspension uses an H-type torsion beam, plus coil springs and extended-travel vertical dampers perfectly suited to South African road conditions.

Stopping power comes courtesy of disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear.

The vehicle is fitted with 15" steel wheels with a full size spare wheel. The purposeful stance of the NP200 is accented with body colour bumpers both front and rear as well as tinted glass all round.

Safe and sound

The passive safety system includes three-point safety belts. The engine compartment layout is designed so that the content will tend to stack up under frontal impact conditions. The dashboard material has a highly absorbent polypropylene honeycomb structure to minimize the risk of knee injury on impact. Enhanced lower limb protection is afforded by under-foot padding on driver and passenger sides.

The Nissan NP200 comes with a three-year/100 000km warranty and a six-year anti-rust and corrosion warranty. Service intervals are stationed 15 000km apart.

The Nissan NP200 is fitted with an anti-intrusion bar that secures the rear window, and space behind the seats hides belongings from prying eyes. You also have a lockable spare wheel and fuel cap.

The new bakkie is initially available in a single model configuration with a range expansion early in 2009.

Pricing:
Nissan NP200: R88 900