We need (something like) the Nissan NV200 Sussex Campervan in the USA!

Photo via Sussex Campers UK
Photo via Sussex Campers UK

This Nissan NV200 Sussex Campervan comes from one of the most enthusiastic, small conversion-van (campervan) countries on the planet, England. Based in Horsham, West Sussex (UK) – Sussex Campervans builds high quality van conversions. They convert many vans and Sussex Campervans seems to specialize in a hint of exterior customization too.

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They managed to make the Nissan NV200 look kind of snazzy with that new pop-up roof.

Many of the van conversion businesses in the United States remove a lot of utility and storage space from the van they convert. The Nissan NV200 Sussex Campervan looks utilitarian. Looking at these photos, you can see how Sussex Campervans opened up a lot of usable cargo space inside.

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The Nissan NV200 Sussex Campervan (they call it a “camp-car,” I have no idea why) is a cozy camper that looks like it fits a party of two comfortably; although, I bet a small family could make this configuration work. The interior setup is fairly typical of interiors we’re used to from Westfalia sold in the United States. There is a popup bedroom area, large enough for two adults, a two burner stove, sink with faucet, a folding table and a small refrigerator.

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Storage in the Nissan NV200 Sussex Campervan looks limited, but there are storage compartments in the back and under the rear seats. There appears to be an optional loo (porta-potty) that stores under the seat too. Considering the compact size of the NV200 the Nissan NV200 Sussex Campervan has a lot of features.

“The Sussex Campervans NV200 CamperCar PT is a full campervan, cunningly designed into a vehicle less than 14’6” long. It’s taken all of our wealth of experience and love for the campervanning lifestyle to create something this lovely! You really can drive this campervan every day – it’s shorter than a Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Vectra, and very nimble, light and easy to drive. Finally: true freedom to turn every day into a little holiday and nip off at the drop of a hat.

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The Nissan NV200 has won praise for its good looks, excellent performance and fine engineering. An entirely new design, it is versatile and fun at the same time. Powered by the renowned Renault 1.5 dCi diesel common-rail engine, economy of mid-50’s MPG is achieveable – in a campervan! Modern refinements are fitted as standard equipment, such as an excellent stereo with iPod connection, BlueTooth and steering-wheel control, a colour reversing camera for parking, electric windows and central locking. Visit us for a test drive – you might not want to drive home in your car.” – – Sussex Campervans

Sadly, there are no diesel Nissan NV200 vans coming to the USA anytime soon. Still, we do get the 2.0 liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine that makes 131 hp @ 5,200 rpm and 139 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm. It’s connected to the front wheels via a Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission). This combination nets 24 mpg combined. You also get:

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4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
15″ Steel wheels with 185/60R15 tires
Black exterior trim
Gray cloth interior with vinyl bolster wear patches
Fold-down passenger’s seat with seatback tray table
Mobile Office Style center console with storage
40/60 Split rear cargo doors
20 Interior integrated reinforced cargo-mounting points
Six exterior roof rack-mounting points
180° Maximum opening range for rear cargo doors
Six standard air bags
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

Now, with the basics in mind: you can buy a base-model Nissan NV200 for $20,490. Hypothetically speaking: if you wanted to upgrade to what the Nissan NV200 Sussex Campervan gives you – you should be able to get one (IF they sold these here) for well under $40,000. In fact: if you has some skill with fabrication, I bet you could build your own version for less than $10,000 (on top of the base-model’s NV200 price).

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Think about it: a brand new, economic RV for the price of a mid-sized sedan.

Hell, if you’re in to electric mobilization – the Nissan NV200 will have an electric variant coming out soon. Imagine an electric RV!

Prices for the Nissan NV200 Sussex Campervan (Camper-car) start around £29,995 (which is just under $50,000 US… but things are always painfully expensive in the UK).

Speaking of the Nissan NV200…

Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed  worldwide.
Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed
worldwide.
Nathan Adlen
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.