Nissan Primastar Van Range
Getting to grips with the various options in the small panel van market is not an easy task. Many mainstream manufacturers have a distinct fondness for grouping together and indulging in the kind of platform-sharing antics that would bamboozle even the most seasoned van buyer. The result is that CV customers are often left pondering the relative merits of alternatively badged versions of the same van.
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Taking the same product, liberally sprinkling it with Nissan badges, then offering it at a comparable price seemed very sensible indeed and so it has proved. So much so in fact that to keep sales buoyant, more recent Primastar models have featured a whole series of improvements focused on upgrading the engine Range, equipment levels and gearbox. Lets start with the oily bits. Theres a fresh 2.
0-litre dCi engine now on offer (borrowed of course from Renault), offering outputs of either 90 or 115bhp. The rest of the engine Range includes an upgraded 2.5-litre dCi developing 150bhp. All diesels are now Euro 4-compliant and emission levels have been cut significantly (50% for NOx) while maintaining the same level of refinement, consumption and performance.
"From the drivers point-of-view, the Primastar is difficult to beat."
In addition, a diesel particle filter which eliminates 99.9% of diesel engine emissions is a standard fitment on the 2.5-litre dCi 150bp engine. In order to cope with the torque increase of the new diesel engine line up, the Primastar is now available with a 6-speed gearbox Range of manual and robotised transmissions offering improved reliability and performance.
Following feedback from users, the updated Primastar models 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. Theres also an 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.
Other features to improve the day-to-day convenience of Primastar include the fitment of car derived parking sensors and increased electrical capacity, up to 850A, bringing added convenience of use. Special attention has also been paid to improve Primastars passenger safety. A vast array of equipment such as Emergency Brake Assist, auto door lock, passenger airbag disconnect, a speed limiter, thorax side and windows airbags help position Primastar as one of the safest vehicles in its class. Visual changes? Well there arent too many.
The front and rear headlamps, front grille and turning indicators have been redesigned while the colour Range has been extended. Front and rear bumpers have been reinforced to improve the shock resistance and there is now a clear distinction between van and minibus versions. On the inside, improvements at the manufacturing process have contributed to higher levels of fit and finish. The only thing users will really notice however, will probably be the revised padded dashboard, which is now more reminiscent of that found in a passenger car.
Otherwise, its pretty much as you were. Buyers can get their hands on the Primastar in short or long wheelbase form and with a choice of a standard of high roof. There are versions with high and low payload capacities to consider as well, with the more capable carriers getting a beefed-up rear suspension set-up. This opens up a variety of maximum payloads ranging from 1,015kg to 1,236kg.
Load volumes start at just over 5m3 for the short wheelbase low roof and top out at more than 8m3 in the long wheelbase high roof Primastar. From the drivers point-of-view, the Primastar is difficult to beat. It features the kind of dash-mounted gear lever thats all the rage in commercial vehicles at the moment and represents a genuine step forward in van design. You can neatly punch your way through the gears with the short stick providing a real feeling of solidity and control.
Its a far cry from the traditional floor-mounted arRangements with their long bowing gearsticks waving around and making for a comparatively detached, awkward drive. Whats more, the levers position frees-up floor space for improved cross-cabin access. A lot of thought has gone into the utility and comfort of the cabin too: you get storage space by the barrow-load and the materials used are more than up to the job. Meanwhile, the panel vans worst enemies, noise, vibration and harshness, are banished to a significant extent. The Primastar is a superb panel van package but, by definition, so are the Renault Traffic and the Vauxhall Vivaro. All three are priced at roughly equivalent levels so it might come down to the kind of deal that your local dealerships can tempt you with.
The Primastar does offer up its exclusive rear parking sensors by way of a trump card but other than that, making a definitive choice on any product-related grounds could prove tricky. You might even get other models like the Mercedes-Benz Vito creeping into the reckoning when its time to make that final decision. One thing is for certain, you most definitely will not be setting yourself up for a fall by opting for the Nissan Primastar ahead of any of its small panel van rivals. Its right up there amongst the best and Nissan dealers are well versed in the needs of business users thanks to the popularity of their other commercial vehicle offerings.
In fact, with pick-ups, 4x4s and panel vans, the Japanese marque has one of the most diverse CV Ranges of any manufacturer in the UK.
Facts At A Glance VAN: Nissan Primastar Range ENGINES: 1.9-Litre dCi diesel. (81bhp or 99bhp) / 2.5-litre dCi diesel (135bhp) FUEL ECONOMY: [1.9] Urban 31.7mpg / Extra Urban 43.5mpg / Combined 38.2mpg GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT: 2,700kg 2,900kg
