Nissan Cabstar (07 on) - Review

The Cabstar bridges the gap between a normal van and truck. Its cab over engine layout makes for impressive carrying capacity and makes it very easy to manoeuvre - ideal if you're working on a busy construction site or delivery in tight city streets. The cabin is larger than the previous model and has plenty of stowage, although it can't match most vans for overall comfort. But there's a good choice of wheelbases and gross vehicle weights while Nissan's Good-To-Go range offers ready made conversions from box vans and fridges to flat beds and tippers. Like the previous model, it's very robust and strong while improved fuel consumption and longer service intervals make it cheap to run.

While Nissan has attempted to give the interior of the Cabstar a more modern appearance, it still feels a little utilitarian, especially compared to many large vans. It's incredibly well built though and the instrument dials are easy to read plus there's a useful multifunction trip computer. There's also impressive storage with an A4-sized slot above the instrument panel, which stops paperwork and maps sliding about on the dash top. Among various other cubby holes on the central console, there is a refrigerated storage area which can cool two half-litre bottles of water. Air conditioning is optional on Basic+ models and above, while LWB double cab models have a separate rear heater. The steering column moves for both reach and height, but there's limited adjustment in the seat. The cab over engine layout also means it's very noisy, especially on the motorway.

Thanks to the cab over engine layout, the Cabstar has a tight turning circle and is easy to manoeuvre, with light steering. It doesn't feel as composed as many large vans though and the ride is very bumpy without a load. The entry-level engine is a 2.5-litre common rail diesel which delivers 110bhp and 250Nm of torque. There is also a high power version which boasts 130bhp and 270Nm. The top model is a 3.0 dCi with 150bhp and 350Nm of torque which offers impressively strong performance. Short wheelbase models (with the exception of the 4.5 tonne model) are equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, while all other models have a six-speed manual that features a special short first gear designed for operators of vehicles that make frequent stops.