Nissan NP200 Review: Why This Is South Africa’s Top-Selling Bakkie

You're in the market for a rugged yet affordable bakkie, and your search has led you to consider Nissan's popular NP200. As South Africa's best-selling bakkie for over a decade, the Nissan NP200 has proven itself to be a reliable and hardworking vehicle that provides exceptional value for money.

With a starting price under R226,000, the NP200 comes equipped with a 1.5L petrol engine that delivers 66kW of power and 135Nm of torque, providing enough grunt for both urban driving and off-road adventures.

The no-frills interior provides comfortable seating for two adults and a jump seat in the back of the spacious one-ton load bay. For buyers on a budget looking for an uncomplicated bakkie that simply gets the job done, the Nissan NP200 should be at the top of your list.

Nissan NP200: South Africa’s Best-Selling Pickup Truck

As South Africa’s best-selling pickup truck, the Nissan NP200 dominates the light commercial vehicle market. If you’re looking for an affordable, durable bakkie for small business or personal use, the NP200 should be at the top of your list.

The NP200 offers three trim levels: base, mid, and high spec. The mid-spec model provides an ideal balance of features for most buyers, with power steering, air conditioning, central locking, and an MP3-compatible radio. The high-spec NP200 includes extras like alloy wheels, electric windows, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Under the hood, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 77 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. While not exceptionally powerful, the NP200's powertrain returns excellent fuel economy, especially for a commercial vehicle.

With a payload capacity of up to 1,150 pounds and room for up to two passengers, the NP200 handles most typical bakkie duties with ease. For transporting larger or bulkier cargo, an extended King Cab version with a six-foot bed is also available.

Overall, the Nissan NP200 offers an unmatched combination of value, dependability, and utility for buyers in need of an affordable light-duty pickup. For these reasons, it thoroughly deserves the title of South Africa’s best-selling bakkie. If you’re looking for a hardworking partner for both business and pleasure, the NP200 deserves your consideration.

Specs and Performance of the Nissan NP200

When considering the Nissan NP200 for purchase, it is important to evaluate its specifications and performance to determine if it meets your needs.

The NP200 is equipped with a 1.6L 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 77kW of power and 154Nm of torque. This provides adequate power for typical driving conditions and payloads up to 750kg, allowing the NP200 to serve well as a workhorse vehicle.

Fuel efficiency is a notable feature, with a claimed combined cycle fuel consumption of just 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers.

• Transmission: 5-speed manual. An automatic option is not available.
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive.
• Payload: 750kg.
• Towing capacity: 1,500kg braked, 750kg unbraked.

Ride quality is basic but fit for purpose. The NP200 comes equipped with an independent front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension. While not luxurious, it can handle minor off-roading and poor road conditions. The high ground clearance also provides good maneuverability.

Safety features are limited to dual front airbags, ABS brakes, and rear parking sensors on certain models. However, a sturdy body-on-frame construction provides solid protection.

Overall, the Nissan NP200 provides good value as an affordable and dependable work vehicle for small businesses and fleet usage. Performance and capability are perfectly suited to commercial needs, with a proven track record of low cost of ownership over the lifetime of the vehicle.

For drivers seeking comfort and advanced features, alternative options would likely need consideration. But for basic and budget-friendly utility, the NP200 hits the mark.

Safety Features in the Nissan NP200

Airbags

The Nissan NP200 comes standard with driver and passenger airbags for maximum safety in the event of a collision. The airbags are designed to deploy in moderate to severe frontal impacts to cushion the driver and front seat passenger upon impact.

Anti-lock Braking System

For optimal braking performance and control, the NP200 features an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).

The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during emergency braking situations, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. The EBD system distributes braking force appropriately between the front and rear wheels based on the vehicle load.

Additional Safety Features

• The seat belt automatically tightens the front seat belts in the event of a collision to prevent occupants from jerking forward.
• ISOFIX child seat mounts allow baby seats and child seats to be securely fastened.
• An engine immobilizer prevents the vehicle from being started without the correct key, thereby reducing theft.
• A high-mounted third brake light alerts other motorists when the brakes are applied.

While the NP200 may lack some of the advanced safety features found in modern passenger vehicles, such as lane departure warning systems or blind spot monitoring, its solid construction and suite of standard safety features provide peace of mind and reasonable protection for occupants.

For a workhorse bakkie in its class, the NP200 offers good value in terms of safety. Regular servicing and maintenance will also help to ensure all components like airbags, ABS, and seatbelts function properly to maximize protection in the event of an accident.

Overall, if you're looking for an affordable, dependable bakkie for commercial use in South Africa, the Nissan NP200 deserves consideration for its proven track record, durability, and commitment to safety.

Its suite of standard safety features provides essential protection for you and your passengers during everyday driving or in emergencies.

Interior Comfort and Convenience in the Nissan NP200

The Nissan NP200 provides a comfortable interior with several convenient features for both driver and passengers.

Spacious Cabin

The NP200 offers ample headroom and legroom for up to five adults. Its rectangular-shaped cabin provides a spacious feel, enhanced by large windows that allow natural light to fill the interior. Seating surfaces are made of durable yet comfortable cloth fabric.

Storage Solutions

Several storage compartments throughout the NP200's cabin help keep items organized while on the go. A large glove compartment, door pockets, back seat pockets, and cupholders provide space for maps, chargers, cups, and other necessities. The NP200 also offers ample trunk space for hauling cargo, tools, or recreational equipment.

Functional Dashboard

The NP200's dashboard puts controls within easy reach of the driver for a user-friendly experience. Large gages display speed, fuel level, and engine data. Simple knobs and buttons control the stereo, heating, and cooling.

A basic infotainment display provides information on audio, Bluetooth connectivity, and vehicle diagnostics. The no-frills interior focuses on functionality over flashy features.

Safety Technology

While the base NP200 lacks advanced driver assistance features, it provides essential safety tech. Dual front airbags, ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, and brake assist help avoid collisions and mitigate impacts. ISOFIX anchors securely fasten child safety seats. Daytime running lights, automatic headlights, and four-wheel disk brakes also come standard.

The NP200's spacious, utilitarian cabin and focus on simplicity over style reflect its purpose as an affordable, hardworking bakkie for commercial and personal use. Its interior comfort and convenience features provide essential functionality that both businesses and individuals seek in a compact truck.

Why the Nissan NP200 Is a Top Choice for South Africans

The Nissan NP200 has proven itself to be a top choice for South Africans looking for an affordable and dependable bakkie. Here are a few reasons why the NP200 dominates the South African bakkie market:

Reliable and Durable

The NP200 is built to handle South Africa’s rough roads and adverse conditions. Its robust chassis and suspension provide a stable ride over uneven terrain. The NP200’s proven 1.5L and 1.6L petrol engines are known for their reliability and longevity. With proper maintenance, an NP200 can easily surpass 200,000 kilometers.

Affordable and Practical

With a starting price of around R150,000, the NP200 offers unbeatable value. It achieves an optimal balance of affordability and functionality. The NP200’s simple but practical design focuses on what matters to buyers - reliability, efficiency, and utility. The NP200’s payload and towing capacity suit both commercial and recreational needs.

Customizable and Versatile

Nissan offers the NP200 in a variety of trims and body styles to suit different needs - single cab, double cab, chassis cab, and panel van. The NP200 can also be customized with canopies, toppers, bed liners, tow bars, and other aftermarket accessories. This versatility and customizability allow the NP200 to serve well in both commercial and leisure applications.

Strong Resale Value

Due to its popularity and proven dependability, the NP200 retains a significant portion of its value over time. Its resale value is among the highest of all bakkies in South Africa, especially for well-maintained examples. This strong resale value provides further incentive for buyers looking to minimize the total cost of ownership.

In summary, the NP200’s combination of reliability, affordability, practicality, and customizability has earned it a loyal following and cemented its status as South Africa’s best-selling bakkie. For these reasons, the NP200 should remain a top choice for value-conscious buyers for years to come.

Conclusion

The Nissan NP200 has undoubtedly earned its title as South Africa's top-selling bakkie thanks to its winning combination of reliability, versatility, and affordability. With its bold design, spacious interior, impressive cargo space, and advanced technology features, the NP200 appeals to a wide range of consumers, from individuals seeking a practical daily driver to businesses requiring a dependable work vehicle.

Moreover, the NP200's fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and customizable options make it a cost-effective choice for both personal and commercial use. Whether you're navigating urban streets or tackling light off-road conditions, the NP200 delivers a comfortable and efficient driving experience.

With its exceptional performance, safety features, and practicality, it's no wonder that the Nissan NP200 continues to dominate the South African market. If you're in the market for a reliable and versatile bakkie, the NP200 is undoubtedly worth considering.