Nissan NV350 Van Revealed, Australian Debut Unlikely

UPDATE: Nissan Australia comments added.

Nissan's new NV350 van will debut in Tokyo next month, entering the brand's light commercial range above the NV200 revealed in 2009.

Nissan says the NV350 offers room enough to carry items up to three metres long. That's 200mm more space than the current overseas model, and it makes for a slight edge over the Toyota HiAce LWB's 2930mm-long cargo area.

Mechnical and powertrain details have not been offered yet, but Nissan promises segment-leading fuel consumption figures in both petrol and diesel models. Renault's 88kW and 300Nm turbodiesel engine could be on the cards.

In the cabin, Nissan has relocated the gear shift level to the dashboard, and the parking brake has been moved to the floor. There's also a multifunction display in the centre stack, and a reversing camera will feature as an optional extra.

Nissan says the NV350 is also the world's first commercial vehicle to feature a keyless push-button ignition system.

"The NV350 offers a variety of amenities that are unusual in this vehicle class," Hideto Murakami, Corporate Vice President of Nissan's LCV Business Unit, said.

“Superior fuel economy projects the NV350 to be the segment leader and the customizable cargo area can be adapted to different needs. I am confident, whether for business and personal use, the NV350 will exceed expectations."

Australia

Speaking with TMR today, Nissan Australia's Jeff Fisher said that an Australian debut for the NV350 is not planned at this stage.

"It's not on the radar right now. The van market here is too small and competitive, with limited returns," Mr Fisher said.

The smaller NV200 could be on the cards, however: "We are keeping an open mind about the NV200," he added.