The 2014 Nissan NV200 is the compact version of the larger NV series of vans. It competes against the Ford Transit Connect and new Ram ProMaster City in a market that has demonstrated an increasing demand for smaller, more efficient alternatives to the Ford E-Series and Chevrolet Express/GMC Savanas that dominated U.S. service fleets for decades.

Livery operators will recognize the NV200 as the winner of New York City’s hard-fought “Taxi of Tomorrow” competition.

The NV200 is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four that delivers 131 horsepower (hp) at 139 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque. That’s a far cry from the 283 hp delivered by the C/V’s V-6, but the NV200 makes up the difference in fuel efficiency — logging 24 miles per gallon in city driving against 18 miles for the C/V.

The Transit Connect is available with a choice of two engines; both are more powerful than the NV200’s 2.0 and deliver comparable fuel efficiency.

Nissan’s van does boast a maximum cargo capacity of 122.7 cubic feet (cu. ft.) and a payload of 1,500 lbs., falling just short of Ford’s numbers, while the ProMaster City will lead the class with an 1,883-lbs. payload.

The NV200’s rear cargo doors feature a 40/60 split that helps keep the shorter driver’s-side door from poking out into traffic, and the interior cargo walls feature pre-drilled mounting points for racks, bins and shelves.

The NV200 is available in S or SV trim, both of which include a number of passenger car-like creature comforts. Both include a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and a passenger seat that folds flat to serve as a workstation or mobile lunch table.

Standard equipment includes A/C, power windows, CD stereo with auxiliary jack, map and cargo-area lights and several cleverly designed storage areas, including a laptop-ready center console.

The SV trim adds keyless entry, power locks and mirrors, standard cruise control and more.

Cruise and Bluetooth connectivity are among a number of options available on both trim levels; SV buyers can add a Technology package that brings a 5.8-inch touchscreen display with upgraded audio, navigation, rearview camera and more.

The 2014 Nissan NV200 is available now with a starting MSRP of $23,185.