The 2012 Nissan NV is the new kid on the work-van block. This segment was once pretty small, but today the choices are greater, giving customers more flexibility in choosing their rolling workspace.

LOOKS

The NV is built on the Nissan titan platform, and as opposed to more conventional vans that have the engine close to the cab, its engine is housed further out in the NV's longer front. The 2012 model comes with two roof configurations: a standard roof that has a height of 1,953 mm from floor to ceiling; and a high roof that has a height of 2,156 mm from floor to ceiling. Further, the NV is available in three versions - the NV1500, the NV2500 HD and the NV3500 HD.

IN THE CAB

Driver and passenger seats are buckets with a centre console that is larger enough to fit a laptop and can also be used by both occupants as an arm rest. The outside portion of the driver's seat is reinforced and a seat wear patch has been sewn in to provide lasting strength for the countless times climbing in and out of the cab. The seats are fully adjustable and can recline. The biggest problem with work vans today is the limited movement of the driver's seat. When a bulkhead is positioned behind the seats you can recline no more than two clicks and the available leg room is usually non-existent. Because the NVvan is more truck-like, it provides more room and the sight lines are very good. The centre console not only has room for a laptop, but you can slide the top forward to provide a work desk. The high roof model provides overhead storage. The 2500 SV AND 3500 SV models feature a 120-volt, 400-watt power inverter.

POWER

There are two power plants available: the base 4.0-litre 261 horsepower with 281 lbs.-ft of torque; and a 5.6-litre V8 with 317 horsepower and 385 lbs.-ft of torque. Both are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

SAFETY FIRST

Available backup sensors help guide you back safely. I would have liked to seen a backup camera as an option as I think it would be helpful in tight spaces. The airbag system incorporates seat belt sensors to inflate the front airbags, with available side impact airbags built into the seat and available roof mounted curtain airbags to help provide head protection in the event of a rollover.

PUMP FREQUENCY

TBA

STICKER PRICE

NV 1500 Standard Roof S V6 $30,998

NV 2500 Standard Roof S V6 $32,298

NV 2500 Standard Roof SV V6 $34,528

NV 2500 Standard Roof S V8 $ 33,148

NV 2500 Standard Roof SV V8 $ 35,678

NV 3500 Standard Roof S V8 $34,448

NV 3500 Standard Roof SV V8 $36,978

NV 2500 High Roof S V6 $ 34,988

NV 2500 High Roof SV V6 $37,218

NV 2500 High Roof S V8 $ 35,838

NV 2500 High Roof SV V8 $ 35,368

NV 3500 High Roof S V8 $37,138

N V 3 5 0 0 High Roof S V V 8 $39,668

WARRANTY SUPPORT

3 year/ 60,000 km complete vehicle

3 year Roadside assistance

5 year/ 100,000 km Powertrain

5 year unlimited km corrosion perforation

VERDICT

I really enjoyed driving this van. I was impressed with the Sprinter when it first came out and I am more impressed with this van. Fatigue is a big factor when operating a work van day in and day out, but with the comfort level provided by the NV, I feel that would not be a problem. This work van provides lots of room in which to work and will help make your job easier.