Nissan unveiled its all-new 2013-MY NV200 Compact Cargo Van at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The automaker said this new vehicle is designed for current cargo van and pickup truck customers who are looking for a compact alternative to a full-size van. Although the van is new to the U.S., Nissan said its NV200 compact van is already in use in more than 40 countries.

You can view a gallery with additional photos of the NV200's exterior and interior here.

Nissan is offering the van in two models, the Nissan NV200 S and Nissan NV200 SV. Both come in a choice of five exterior colors and a single gray cloth interior choice.

“There is an increasing need for a ‘right-sized’ van that optimizes cargo space while offering the best possible fuel economy and an affordable price – the exact sweet spots of the innovative new Nissan NV200,” said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles and Fleet. “Businesses today, both large and small, are also looking for vehicles that represent their brands in the best light – smart, innovative, and professional. NV200 does that and much more.”

Performance

The 2013-MY NV200 is powered by a 2.0L 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine and an Xtronic CVT transmission. The automaker hasn't released fuel-economy numbers yet for the vehicle, although Nissan said it focused on fuel economy as one of the van's features. The van’s suspension features independent struts and a stabilizer bar in front and a leaf spring design in the rear.

Exterior

Nissan modified the vehicle for the U.S. marketplace, extending the vehicle by 7.9 inches when compared with the global platform. The van is 186.2 inches in length and sits on a 115.2-inch wheelbase. Design-wise, the NV200 compact van features a signature front grille and an aerodynamic front end. When it comes to wheels and tires, the van features 15-inch steel wheels with 185/60R15 high-load all-season tires.

On the sides, the van features include “low-effort” dual sliding side doors and space on the sides for graphics and related business branding information. In the back, the NV200 provides tall 40/60 split opening doors with dual opening positions (90 and 180 degrees). Additional features include halogen headlights, black front and rear bumpers, and outside mirrors with wide-angle spotter mirrors and an available heated function.

Interior

Inside, the van features a “functional” cabin design, according to Nissan. The driver’s seat is six-way adjustable with manual lumbar adjustability and an armrest. It’s designed for durability with outboard vinyl wear patches, according to Nissan. The NV200 also offers features for “mobile office” work, such as a center console with laptop/hanging file folder storage, pen/pencil tray, CD holder, and dual cupholders. The van’s cabin also features recessed storage areas on the upper instrument panel for folders and documents.

The passenger seat can fold down to serve as a work area or provide additional cargo space.

In terms of available cargo space, the van has a 1,500-lb. estimated maximum payload. Total cargo capacity is 123 cubic feet (estimated using SAE J1100 rev 2009, according to Nissan). The cargo area has space for loading 40x48-inch pallets. The van also has standard integrated mounting points, which allow installation of racks and shelves without drilling into the sidewall. Six floor-mounted hooks in the cargo area are optional.

The van offers a number of features, such as standard power windows (with auto up/down), a standard 12-volt power outlet on the instrument panel, and an available 12-volt power point in rear of center console. The passenger-side sear features an under-seat storage tray, drive computer, a battery saver feature, an AM/FM/CD with auxiliary input, and two front-door-mounted speakers.

The vehicle also offers technology upgrades useful for drivers and for better communication with a home office and customers. Available technology upgrades include a Nissan Navigation System, Bluetooth wireless communications, XM Satellite Radio (an XM subscription is required, and sold is separately), a RearView Monitor, and telematics pre-wiring (Nissan Fleet Tracker).

Nissan offers a number of additional features for the SV model, including power heated outside mirrors; power door locks with auto-locking feature; remote keyless entry with two key fobs; cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls; a rear cargo floor mat; an additional 12-volt power point in the rear of the center console; plus the previously mentioned six floor-mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area, and full wheel covers.

Safety

The standard safety features on the NV200 compact van include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags, front-seat-mounted driver- and passenger-side impact supplemental air bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Options

Nissan said it plans to offer a number of option packages for the NV200 compact van. These options include a rear glass door; an Exterior Appearance Package that features body-color bumpers, door handles and outside mirrors and chrome grille; a Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System; and a Technology Package that comes with Nissan Navigation System, RearView Monitor and XM Satellite Radio (subscription required, sold separately).

Nissan said it will manufacture the new Nissan NV200 in Cuernavaca, Mexico and sell it through a select network of certified Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers nationwide.