A STAR IS BORN
Our Rating: 7.3 / 10
Nissan’s Interstar Van Has Fresh Revisions With Which To Tempt Buyers Away From The Established Panel Van Candidates. Steve Walker Reports…
In commercial vehicle terms, Nissan remained on the periphery of things until quite recently. Their 4x4 vans and pick-ups had been popular, as had the Cabstar E flat bed truck, but success in the more lucrative mainstream van markets eluded them. The Interstar was the first in a series of vehicles given remit to change all that and it’s recently been the subject of a thorough upgrade providing the fresh impetus it needs in a competitive marketplace.
The stRange pang of déjà vu that’s likely to be felt by Vauxhall and Renault van drivers when they first clap eyes on the Interstar can be explained away with one simple fact. Beneath all the badging, branding and cosmetic detailing, Vauxhall’s Movano, Renault’s Master Van and Nissan’s Interstar are one and the same. Granted, if you must scrutinise the specification lists in detail, you will come across some differences in equipment levels from Range to Range, but the variations are few. All three models have been on the receiving-end of reasonably far-reaching facelifts so that the latest versions look and feel significantly different while still staying the same – if that makes any sense.
The engine line up on Interstar has been simplified to one 2.5-litre dCi powertrain available with three outputs, 100, 120 and 150hp, all offering improved performance and refinement. Service intervals have remained unchanged (20,000 or 30,000km depending on engine or 2 years). Euro 4 compliancy on the new engines means that emission levels have been cut significantly (50% for NOx) while maintaining the same level of refinement, consumption and performance. In addition, buyers can specify a diesel particle filter (DPF) – which eliminates 99.9% of diesel engine emissions – or receive it as standard fitment on the 2.5-litre dCi 150hp engine. In order to cope with the torque increase of the new diesel engine line up, this van is available with a hi-tech 6-speed gearbox Range of manual and robotised transmissions offering improved reliability and performance.
Nissan has been listening to owners of the current Interstar models. Following their feedback, the updated vans now offer the option of intelligent windscreen wipers, as well as auto lighting in order to improve convenience, driving comfort and safety in inclement conditions. This evolution has been made possible thanks to a new Electronic Control Unit operating through multiplex wiring technology. There’s also a clever (but sadly optional) 3-button key selective opening system, as well as stronger, higher mounted hooks in the loading area. Fleet customers can also specify a unique third factory key option, particularly relevant for a vehicle used by more than two operators.
In terms of safety, Interstar has not been left behind by its rivals: ESP linked to ABS is now available. This feature will dramatically improve active safety in extreme driving conditions. Automatic door locking, a speed limiter and factory fitted foglights are other features bringing passenger car-like safety to this model. On the inside, improvements at the manufacturing process have contributed to higher levels of fit and finish, as well as durability for both vehicles. The Interstar is now fitted with a larger variety of useful storage areas around the cabin including a new double roof storage and an additional tray on the centre console.
For a sign of just how little there is to choose between the top contenders in the large panel van sector, look no further than Nissan’s early promotional literature and advertising for the Interstar. In their wisdom, the company’s marketing gurus singled out the Nissan Rear Park System, that’s included as standard on most models, as the vehicle’s main selling point. Customarily, it’s little matters like engines and payload capacities that dominate commercial vehicle buying decisions, that’s why they are more actively promoted, but there’s not much to separate the top models on these criteria. The Japanese obviously thought that their RPS parking sensor
Nissan Micra and Juke eye UK September release
An all-new pair of Nissan superminis will hit the UK showrooms in September this year. Nissan Motor Comp.s declaration that it will retain the name Micra for its upcoming supermini rather than some vague music-related moniker like Bongo or Bassoon has brought relief to some quarters. Nissans all-new Micra features the global compact or the so-called V platform developed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. It is due to be i...
Nissan Unveils Limited Edition Juke Kuro
While some admire the unique appearance of the new Nissan Juke, others are not too happy with its looks. This funky vehicle is a product of the Japanese automaker's eclectic idea of a car design. Taking inspiration from the colour of panthers, crows and metal rock, the new Nissan crossover attempts to replace white as the "cool" colour for vehicles. To be offered in limited edition and based on the top-of-the-class Tekna grade, the Juke Kuro features 17...