2013 Nissan NV200 1.5 dCi Acenta SE Van

Despite its compact dimensions, the Nissan NV200 has a generous load volume and payload. This light urban van comes with a choice of 1.5-litre diesel engines, sourced from Nissan’s Alliance partner Renault. Both promise low fuel consumption. The Renault-sourced diesel in the Nissan NV200 gives buyers a choice of 89bhp and 110bhp outputs. Power is sent to the front wheels through five-speed and six-speed manual gearboxes respectively. Nissan claims the 89bhp model delivers 55.4mpg fuel consumption and emits 135g/km of CO2, with the 110bhp van promising 53.3mpg economy and 139g/km emissions. Load capacity is the real strength of the NV200 – it offers a very generous space considering its compact dimensions, with 4.2 cubic metres of volume in the rear and a 739kg payload. There’s enough room for two Europallets, while bulky loads up to 1.36 metres in height can be carried, thanks to the tall roof. However, conventional vans like the Renault Kangoo Maxi – with its 4.0 cubic metres of load space and up to 800kg of payload – aren’t far behind. Other rivals have the edge over the NV200: the Fiat Doblo Cargo is offered with a 1,000kg payload option, and can handle loads of up to 5.0 cubic metres in XL high-roof trim, while the long-wheelbase version of the Ford Transit Connect has a maximum payload of 905kg.