Nissan NP200 – Forever A Legend
The Nissan NP200 is one of South Africa’s most popular bakkies and a favourite within the half-tonne bakkie market, selling over 1000 units per month locally. However, the Japanese automaker has officially confirmed the popular bakkie will be discontinued in South Africa from March 2024.
Capable, reliable and very durable, the Nissan NP200 has established itself as a stalwart in South Africa over the last 10 years. The NP200 shares its platform and engines with the previous generation Renault Sandero and Logan. It features a single cab, two-seater design and is closer to a hatchback in size.
The Nissan NP200 is a very practical and versatile bakkie with loads of driver-friendly features including electric windows, CD/MP3 player and air conditioning. Despite its small size, the Nissan NP200 can move a sizable load and has a surprisingly large cabin space, so passengers can sit comfortably when along for the ride.
Brief History Of The Nissan Bakkie
Nissan bakkies have a long and prosperous history in South Africa. In 1976, production of the Datsun 1200 started at Nissan’s plant just outside of Pretoria, after the bakkie’s initial debut globally in 1971. It made a massive impact and helped cement Nissan’s name in the history books.
The Nissan 1400 then came to the market in the 1980s and was a firm favourite from the start. South African-designed and built, this vehicle was based on the Dacia Logan Pick-U. It was dubbed the ‘Champion of Africa’, and even though it was a huge success – production ceased in 2008. The Nissan 1400 was then replaced by Nissan’s NP200.
Fast forward to now and the Nissan NP200’s 2024 discontinuation means that the Navara single-cab bakkie will be the only model produced by the Rosslyn plant.
“The Rosslyn manufacturing plant is the light commercial vehicle (LCV) hub for Africa, and the locally-produced Nissan Navara is a core model that will enable Nissan’s ambition across the continent,” Nissan SA commented.
The legendary Nissan NP200 is bound to enter the hall of fame, being one of the best half-tonner bakkies ever produced locally. Fortunately for fans of the NP200, there’s still ample time to buy one before next March.
Interested in purchasing a Nissan NP200? Why not visit one of our Group1 Nissan showrooms today, in Kuils River, Stellenbosch, Johannesburg or Uitenhage? We also offer a new car delivery service nationwide, so you can buy from Group1, no matter where in SA you are!
