2012 Nissan NV hauls the goods

On the vehicular-evolutionary chart, full-size cargo vans haven't progressed much beyond the shag-carpeted, porthole-windowed, rolling disco lounges of the 1970s.

Not a bad thing for obvious reasons, unless you're a tradesman or anyone else whose business requires a heavy-duty box on wheels to haul tools, equipment or goods.

Enter the 2012 Nissan NV (Nissan Van), directed at what Nissan found was the least-satisfied segment of automotive customers.

"It's been too many years since any manufacturer in this segment has taken a 'clean sheet' look at the needs of owners and operators," said Joe Castelli, Nissan North America's vice president, commercial vehicles and fleet. "We've invested more than five years researching the comfort, style and smart functionality demands [of] business owners."

The NV has rugged body-on-frame construction and is built in the United States at the renovated Canton, Miss., plant. The all-new 146.1-inch-wheelbase chassis rides on 17-inch wheels. A pickup-style front end featuring wide doors satisfies customer demands for more room, better visibility and a less-intrusive engine location.

Practical touches include thicker side bolsters to fight entry/exit wear on seats, predrilled reinforced mounting holes for roof racks or interior shelving, floor-mounted D-rings and 243-degree swing-away rear doors. An available center console doubles as filing cabinet and laptop compartment.

Nissan has partnered with companies to offer shelving and exterior graphics at no charge.

High-roof models have six feet, three inches of standing room. Engine choices are a 4.0-liter, 261-hp, 281-lb-ft V6 and a 5.6-liter, 317-hp, 381 lb-ft V8, both with five-speed automatic transmissions. Unfortunately, no diesel is planned.

The speed-sensitive steering, four-wheel, 14-inch discs and tight turning radius enabled us to move confidently through busy Miami traffic to pick up and deliver materials (donated by Nissan) to Habitat for Humanity.

Base pricing for the NV undercuts that of the Ford E-series and General Motors' Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cargo vans, starting at $24,590. The top-of-the-line 3500 high roof is $30,590.

RV and ambulance companies are already expressing interest, and, with a 9,500-pound towing capacity, amateur racers will, too.

By Patrick C. Paternie