2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Nissans combined the characters of vans and cars for the Primastar. The rather small-looking panel van has enormous storage capacity.
By Sabine Stahl
The Nissan Primastar lives up to the name “panel van”. Because of its particularly angular shape, the transporter, which looks rather small from the outside, holds stacks of boxes. In addition, there is an almost car-like maneuverability of the Japanese, which allows easy passage even in narrow streets. The overview is also excellent for a van. In combination with the 84 kW / 114 hp 2.0-liter turbo diesel, the van costs 21,070 euros excluding VAT.
Restrained noise level
The diesel engine is sufficiently powerful for the vehicle that weighs at least 1.75 tons. For a commercial vehicle diesel, the engine also pleases with its restrained noise level, so that one quickly forgets the commercial vehicle character of the Primastar while driving. If you then drive into a long curve, however, the steep incline of the van quickly reminds you of its size. Naturally, the susceptibility to wind is not to be despised. The suspension is balanced. The only annoying thing is the somewhat imprecise steering. The diesel is linked to a manual six-speed gearbox which, according to the manufacturer, should consume 8.2 liters. In the test operation, the average was nine liters of diesel per 100 kilometers.
Visually, the Primastar can hardly be distinguished from its two almost identical triplet brothers, Opel Vivaro and Renault Trafic. The headlights are shaped like upside-down drops and frame a narrow radiator grille. The shape of the front extends the windshield and slopes down steeply, creating a short snout. Behind the driver's cab is a long box with a short overhang and a vertical stern. Two butterfly doors of the same size swing open up to 180 degrees on both sides. There is also a sliding side door on the passenger side so that the Primastar can also be loaded from the side in tight parking spaces.
No shortage of shelves
Steps and a little strength in the arms lead to the high passenger compartment. Once there, there are three seats available. The middle one is very narrow, but it has a full seat belt. There is no shortage of trays for road maps, change and documents in the Primastar. Cup holders for the driver and front passenger are also integrated into the dashboard. However, the handbrake is mounted far down on the vehicle floor and to release it the driver has to bend down first.
The occupants can see whether everything is in order with the load by looking through the standard window between the cabin and the cargo area. If you want to look right through to the rear to be able to park more easily, you can optionally order windows in the rear doors. The standard equipment of the Primastar includes power steering, electronic immobilizer, central locking with remote control and driver airbag. The anti-skid ESP is optionally available for all variants.
Various construction solutions
With its length of 4.78 meters and a wheelbase of 3.10 meters, the Primastar is a comparatively compact van. Its five cubic meter loading space can easily accommodate two Euro pallets. If the customer opts for the long wheelbase version, three Euro pallets can even be accommodated in the Primastar. In addition, in cooperation with various body manufacturers, Nissan offers the right solution for numerous professions, which means that the angular delivery van can quickly become a workshop vehicle or refrigerated van. (mid)
