ProSound Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 The Nissan NV-200 is Nissans answer to the Ford Transit Connect and smaller option then the Dodge Ram Pro Master. The Nv-200 was also first to the market in late 2013. I took delivery of mine two weeks ago and have already driven it about 1000 miles. Below are my impressions. Performance and Passenger Cabin The NV-200 is a 4 Cylinder 131Hp powered van this is the only engine option I had concerns that it might be under powered however I am happy to report while fully loaded with pretty much everything I own including a Rubbermaid follow cart, Loaded PSC Vertical sound cart, Rock N roller eng cart, 50lbs of shot bags and other assorted gack I had no issues on my 600 miles trip this past week and found the van to be fast enough for my needs and very easy to drive. It drives more like large SUV then a van and had no issues going anywhere I needed to go including a tight parking garage and a very narrow alley. I also averaged between 24-25MPG on the trip while fully loaded which exceeded my expectations and is important as getting full mileage in the ENG world is very rare. The Passenger Cabin feel more like a SUV then a commercial van. The seats, trim and controls are all very comfortable. I bought the technology package that includes XM, Blue Tooth, Nav, back up camera and Cruise Control which are all working as advertised. There are plenty of storage bins and spots to put everything I need close by. It is a very comfortable ride for larger passengers as well I am 6’4 and close to 300lbs I find it to be very spacious so if you’re a smaller framed person you will have a ton of room. Cargo Area The Cargo area is well laid out as well with 6 built in tie downs dual sliding side doors and 180 degree rear doors it is easy to get to all your gear. I can access all the items on my follow cart from drivers side sliding door and my Rock N Roller ENG cart from passenger side. The floor comes standard with a rubber mat which seems to do a good job at keeping the ride quiet. It also came with a wire mesh bulkhead included for security and to protect you from your gear. The rear door is only 19.5 in off the ground so lifting things in or in my case using a ramp is easy. As you can see in the attached photos I can reach all my items without climbing into the van. I don’t even need to climb in to un ratchet the carts or remove them. The van is currently in ENG mode. My PSC vertical cart will fit behind the Rock N Roller if needed but most of the time I will remove the Rock N roller and place the PSC near the front and use the extra space for my tent, rugs and 2 more tubs of stuff I only use on features though will good packing I can fit everything I own in the van it is just very tight. Final Impressions I think this van is a good price point and fit for any sound mixer who works the kind of jobs I do. I do 50% corporate/commercial 35% reality/eng and 15% union features and commercials. It is the perfect size for 85% of my work and I can make it work for the other 15%. I still have a personal car but could easily have this van as my every day driver if I needed to. Overall I am very happy with my purchase so far and look forward to driving this van for the next 10-12 years. If any has any questions I am happy to answer them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Wexler Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 Really nice! Thanks for the hands on review and the pictures. Looking good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sound Grab Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 If I remember from the other thread you chose this over the FTC because of comfortability due to your body height? I'm still leaning towards a FTC (old-style) simply because of the cargo height. The difference between the 2013 FTC and the NV200 is about 6 inches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProSound Posted February 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 If I remember from the other thread you chose this over the FTC because of comfortability due to your body height? I'm still leaning towards a FTC (old-style) simply because of the cargo height. The difference between the 2013 FTC and the NV200 is about 6 inches. Passenger Comfort and Price are two major reasons. The Nv-200 is more fuel efficient then older model FTC as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Ragon Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 Whats the height? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProSound Posted February 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 Whats the height? Exterior Height is 6ft 1.5 in 53in inside But rear door is only 48in Full Specs here: http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/nv200-compact-cargo/specs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RScottATL Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 Beautiful van, Whitney. Hope this gives you many years and many miles of good service and good times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BudRaymond Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 Thanks Whitney! Great review. Nissan also has plans to take the Leaf powertrain and make an electric version. http://www.env200.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProSound Posted February 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Thanks Whitney! Great review. Nissan also has plans to take the Leaf powertrain and make an electric version. http://www.env200.com/ Thanks for the link Bud I had no idea they were making an electric version very cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old school Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Good review Whitney. I test drove it and your review is right on IMO. I think it (the NV 200) will make a lot of people happy. CrewC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip Perkins Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Good for you on getting the barrier between the cargo area and the front seats. They seem like very solid rigs, I bet they hold they value well. philp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJW Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Good to know they are good for comfort as the next London taxi looks to be based on this van. And it looks like a real Nissan: the bigger vans they sell as Nissans in Europe are just badged vans from their parent company Renault. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Maxwell Posted February 9, 2014 Report Share Posted February 9, 2014 Thanks for the great review! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProSound Posted February 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2014 Good for you on getting the barrier between the cargo area and the front seats. They seem like very solid rigs, I bet they hold they value well. philp Yes the barrier was a must for me and I think everyone should have one in there van. I have seen what happens when I cart breaks free during sudden braking or if someone "forgets" to tie something down. This is a very solid divider too it has 6 bolts onto ceiling and and "L" bracket with 6 more bolts on the floor it isn't going anywhere and leaves a nice bit of room behind the seats even when fully back that fits my tool case, first aid kit and my DC air pump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProSound Posted February 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2014 Good to know they are good for comfort as the next London taxi looks to be based on this van. And it looks like a real Nissan: the bigger vans they sell as Nissans in Europe are just badged vans from their parent company Renault. Tim The Nv-200 taxi is the New York City new Taxi. My local dealer had a Taxi Version as well and it was awesome best Taxi I have ever seen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sound Grab Posted February 9, 2014 Report Share Posted February 9, 2014 Chevrolet seems to have picked up the NV200 and rebranding as the City Express. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgullotta3 Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 Great review! this looks like a pretty good cargo van for many reasons but your reasons are the best ones. Great pic, great set up....good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProSound Posted February 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 Great review! this looks like a pretty good cargo van for many reasons but your reasons are the best ones. Great pic, great set up....good luck! Thanks, I am really enjoying it so far it has made life so much easier so far Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wandering Ear Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 Thanks for the review. While my astro van is doing fine for now, this is one of the options i have looked at and would seriously consider if i were buying a new van. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BudRaymond Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 Astro Van: Winner of worst crash test rating ever! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Wexler Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 When I still had my Astro Van, my daughter read the results of the crash tests (something like .2% chance of survival for a front seat passenger and less for the driver --- whole dashboard and wheel come loose and crush the driver) and she refused to ride with me and pleaded for me to sell the van. Years later I did sell it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwill Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 Whitney How do you secure karts and such, are there tie down points? also what are you experiencing gas mileage wise? Have you had any issues where parking garages won't take the vehicle? I work in NYC a bunch and my Volvo wagon is always welcome, not so much with Fords TRANSIT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnpaul215 Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 It appears to be the same size as a full sized minivan. At just over 6 feet tall, it'll fit in any garage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnpaul215 Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 Astro Van: Winner of worst crash test rating ever! Really? Glad I toured in one of those and had the back packed with band gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wandering Ear Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 Astro Van: Winner of worst crash test rating ever! Haven't heard that, but somehow not surprised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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