Nissans current range of commercial vehicles, which is on display at the biennial Auto Africa Motor Show, makes a strong statement about Nissan’s shift in success and significance in the global market place.
CABSTAR
The Cabstar 20 range, a new concept in light trucking that complements the already comprehensive Nissan range of commercial vehicles, fills a much needed gap at the bottom end of the medium commercial vehicle market between the 1-ton and the over 2,5-ton payload vehicles.
The single cab version is intended to operate as a rugged 4×2 freighter with either a dropside, flatdeck or van rear body. It has generous seating for three. The double cab derivative has seating for six.
The Cabstar 20 is powered by a naturally-aspirated 3,2-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine. It has indirect fuel injection and develops 70 kW of power and delivers 210 Nm of torque. Power/mass ratio is an excellent 19,97 kW/ton. It is a low-maintenance power plant offering low cost per kilometre, long life and reliability.
Drive is through a 5-speed synchromesh gearbox ensuring smooth and effortless gear changes. Top gear serves as an overdrive, resulting in a lower engine rpm at cruising speed.
Ride and comfort as well as road holding performance have been a focal point in the adaptation of these vehicles for the South African market.
Power steering and an adjustable steering column provide ease of control and, together with adjustable driver’s seat, comprehensive instrumentation, ventilation system with heater/demister (air conditioning is available as an optional extra), generous interior dimensions, fully upholstered soft trim seats, noise insulated cab and smooth, quiet engine, create a safe and driver-friendly environment.
Warning buzzers for engine over-rev, low vacuum on brakes and engagement of reverse gear ensure correct operation and low repair and maintenance bills.
Further enhancing low cost of operation is Nissan’s proven track record of truck reliability, durability, fuel economy, parts availability, low maintenance costs and competitive pricing.
INTERSTAR
Interstar is a new panel van in the medium commercial vehicle segment that boasts the biggest storage volume in its class. Powered by a common rail turbo diesel engine, coupled to a six-speed gearbox, it offers outstanding performance and fuel economy. It is a high performance tool for efficient delivery that provides peace of mind reliability and highly competitive cost of ownership.
Some of the outstanding features of this new freight-carrying panel van include top safety items such as ABS and driver’s air bag protection, 3-point inertia seat belts for the driver and both occupants of the front twin bench seat, head rests for all occupants and standard air conditioning ensuring the well-being of everyone in the cabin.
Cargo can be stacked form the floor to the roof, held in place using cargo nets anchored to any combination of up to eight cargo anchor points. The load floor has an wooden anti-skid rubberised coating to prevent cargo from gliding around during transport.
The cabin itself is nothing short of a modern, luxurious office on wheels. It boasts huge interior space, a dash-mounted gear lever allowing more legroom for the driver and passenger in the middle seat, and an ergonomic design with easy-to-reach controls right at the fingertips. Air conditioning is standard, while massive panoramic side view mirrors ensure safety on the trot as well as for parking or tight manoeuvres.
Key features such as its wide 270 degrees opening rear doors, massive cargo volume, fuel economy and competitive cost of ownership combined with the comfort of its modern, state-of-the-art cabin and outstanding performance from its common rail diesel technology and six-speed transmission will ensure that Interstar will become the new benchmark for commercial vehicles in this segment of the market.
