Nissan's Fullsize Van Becomes Passenger Friendly
Nissan has come out with a new passenger version of its function-first (and can we say hideous looking?) NV commercial vans.
The new NV3500 HD van is offered for personal (read: family) and fleet use, offering more seating configurations than any of its two competitors in the segment. In fact, the NV3500 HD can hold up to 12 passengers when optioned with four rows of seats.
The 1-ton van will be offered with a choice of a 4.0-liter V-6 (261 horsepower and 281 pounds-feet of torque) or a 5.6-liter V-8 (317 hp and 385 pounds-feet of torque). Both engines will have five-speed automatics mounted behind.
The NV3500 HD uses a modified Titan front-section boxed frame that gives the NV a very low load floor, an important feature for the commercial van segment. Likewise, NVs can be ordered with a roof extension that allows drivers to quickly grab cargo from the back of the van (from either the driver’s seat or rear doors). The new passenger vans, most likely ordered without the extended roof, are designed to meet the needs of both large families and small-business fleet operators.
The passenger vans will be offered in S, SV, and SL trims and will include option packages such as Power Basic (power windows and locks), Towing (Class IV hitch, wiring, heavy-duty batteries and extendable heated mirrors) and Technology (rearview camera, XM radio, navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity).
The NV is built in Canton, Miss., along with the Titan, Pathfinder, Xterra, Armada, QX56 and Frontier. The NV is available through a select network of certified Nissan commercial dealers. For more info, go to www.nissancommercialvehicles.com.
