May 20, 2009 Author: Chips
The Vanette (also known to Malaysians as 'C22’) is a Nissan model which has been around a long time and in fact, Tan Chong Motor Assemblers was assigned by Nissan as a global supplier for the model as far back as the late 1980s. It’s a low-priced robust and simple van which has served in various roles, from family transport to pasar malam cargo carrier.
Now comes a new generation of the Vanette which gets a new model designation of NV200 ('N’ for 'New’, 'V’ for 'Van’ and '200’ being the model classification) and though it is a light commercial vehicle, this new model has innovations that are noteworthy with packaging that is said to be the largest in its class. For example, even with an overall length of under 4.4 metres, its cargo floor area is more than 2 metres long.
Cost of ownership is also projected to be the lowest in class, thanks in part to the low running costs and high efficiency of the engines and drivetrains, plus the safety structure which helps to minimise crash damage to vulnerable under bonnet parts such as the radiator.
Concept model of the NV200 which was shown in Tokyo in 2007. Slide-out module was a clever idea but probably too expensive to commercialise
It sits on a modified and extended variant of the Nissan B platform which is also used for the Micra and Note (and also distantly related to the Renault Clio platform). This means an independent strut-type front suspension mounted on a separate subframe and a compact and lightweight wide leafspring rear axle to cope with heavy loads. Anti-roll cars are fitted front and rear and like the Nissan Latio, the shock absorbers have an anti-ripple feature which gives increased stiffness for reducing high-frequency vibrations.
The NV200 has front-wheel drive with power coming from either a petrol or diesel engine. The petrol unit is the all-aluminium 1.6-litre HR16 engine, a 16-valver which develops 79 kW/108 bhp and is mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine is a Renault 8-valve 1.5 dCi (K9K) unit developing 200 Nm of torque and 63 kW/86 bhp.
As part of its functionality supporting eco-driving by owners, standard on all models is a vehicle operating information display that shows real-time and average fuel consumption readouts. In addition, manual transmission-equipped models come with an indicator that shows when the next higher gear should be engaged to optimise fuel economy.
From the outset, the designers planned for the NV200 to be a multi-role vehicle, unlike the original Vanette which was conceived as a commercial van. Thus the new Vanette has a variety of equipment and trim options depending on the usage. It can be ordered as a panel van purely for carrying cargo or it can be a 5-seater combi for both cargo and people. In some markets, especially Europe, it will also be available as a 7-seater Family van which would function like a MPV.
The NV200 Vanette's low waistline gives the cabin an open, airy ambience. A commanding viewpoint gives the driver very good forward visibility while the steering wheel is tilted at an angle to allow a car-like driving position. The two-level instrument panel aesthetically blends a variety of surfaces, lines and materials to project a rich, high-quality feeling. Numerous storage compartments ensure ample capacity for easily and conveniently storing various small items.
The cargo area of the 2-seater panel van models is large enough to accommodate ''metre module materials'' (2000 x 100 x 44 mm) that are used for construction. Moreover, using the space under the front passenger's seat makes it possible to carry items up to 3 metres in length.
Needless to say, the NV200 will have top-notch safety standards and be equipped with items like front and side airbags and ABS. Also available in some markets will be a rearview camera to aid reversing.
The model recently began sales in Japan where it is priced at between 1,572,900 yen and 1,899,450 yen (RM57,400 – RM69,300). It is to be progressively introduced in many other markets worldwide as it is intended to be a global model. Later in the year, production of the model will also begin in Spain for the European market and a larger version, the NV2500, is likely to be introduced for the North American market in future.
As for Malaysia, ETCM is not saying much about whether it will be offered though it seems very likely as it has the size and functionality which is suited for this market. The question will be whether it is going to be assembled locally or imported. If it is assembled locally, then the old C22 Vanette will either be sold alongside as a very cheap alternative or it will be phased out. The C22 still sells pretty well (over 1,300 units of thw window van version in 2008) and ETCM may be reluctant to retire it, just as it was reluctant to stop selling the 130Y Sunny until 1996, 13 years after it was launched. If the C22 continues, it would be the longest running model in Malaysia now that the original Saga has entered the history books.
Source: MotorTrader
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