Nissan's NP200 replaced our beloved 1400 bakkie last year, offering a very sensible package, with class-leading interior and cargo space for the money.

A competitive alternative to the Ford Bantam and the Opel Corsa Ute, its appeal was however limited by only a single model derivative being offered, an eight-valve 1.6-litre petrol model with bare-basics specification. The styling also failed to excite.

As was always part of the plan, these concerns have now been addressed, with this latest 'range extension'. Two new engines are now offered, mated to two specification levels: S and SE.

Let's start with the engines. There's a new 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol motor, with 77kW and 148Nm on tap and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel, good for 63kW and 200Nm. The latter is claimed to sip just 5.3 l/100km on the combined cycle.

The specification offered as standard on these models is a huge improvement over the baseline eight-valve NP200 that we've known until now. It even fares better in the looks department, with a new front end with styling elements inspired by crossover vehicles like the Livina X-Gear and Nissan Qashqai.

These bakkies are also endowed with body-coloured mirrors, wheel arch extensions front and rear and a new sill cover do their bit to give the S-model an even more commanding road presence. SE models also get 15-inch alloy wheels, front foglamps, a black B-pillar and additional black door mouldings.

The diesel-powered S model has similar specification to the baseline 1.6-litre eight-valve petrol, while the petrol-powered 1.6 16V S gets a whole host of extra specification items, including air-conditioning, a CD/MP3-compatible audio system, sliding rear window, rear cabin storage compartment and a driver-side airbag.

The 1.6 16V and 1.5 dCi SE versions add to this with a tonneau cover, electric windows and mirrors, height adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a passenger-side airbag and ABS brakes.

But what's it like to drive?

With the new 16V petrol motor it is instantly noticeable how much more power and torque are available on tap.

The gear ratios have been set up so that the first three gears assist with quick launch as well as easy get-away when fully laden, and the last two gears have the added benefit of increasing fuel economy.

In comparison the new NP200 will be hard pushed to be beaten: its payload is unmatched in category (800kg), the interior has a quality feel, and it comes in cheaper than its competitors throughout the range.

Now that it matches its rivals throughout the range from base model to more expensive luxury models you should expect to see more of these NP200’s running around town.

Nissan NP200 pricing:
1.6 8V Base: R99 800
1.6 16V S: R129 800
1.6 16V SE: R151 800
1.5 dCi Base: R139 800
1.5 dCi SE: R169 800

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