Nissan has launched five- and seven-seat Combi versions of its award-winning NV200 light van, offering an alternative for businesses and families looking for practical load- and people-carrying.

The NV200 Combi comes with a 1.5-litre diesel engine offering fuel and economy figures of 53.3mpg and 139g/km, and handy rear sliding doors for easy entry to the rear. We tried the five-seat version, which leaves a huge 3.1m2 boot space behind it, although you can have an extra two seats in that space for £382. To drive, the Combi lacks in the delicacies of car-based people carriers, both in terms of the cabin and materials, and with the squeaks, rattles and engine noise van drivers will be accustomed to.

The Combi is a durable, practical and very well-packaged vehicle, but in passenger form it doesn’t quite live up to the excellence of its commercial vehicle derivative.

Nissan NV200 Combi 1.5 dCi SE five-seat
P11D price £16,978
Model price range £15,685-£17,888
Fuel consumption 53.3mpg
CO2 (tax) 139g/km (19%)
BIK 20/40% per month £54/£108
Service interval 12,500mls
Insurance (1-50) group 25
Warranty 3yrs/100,000mls
Boot space n/a
Engine size/power 1461cc/85hp
Top speed 98mph
On sale February 2010
Score 5/10
Verdict Very durable, but a
passenger van rather
than a car-based
people carrier