Nissan Kubistar (03-08) - Review

The Kubistar is a small van in the same mould as the Ford Transit Connect, Peugeot Expert and Renault Kangoo. Especially so with the Kangoo, as aside from the Nissan badge on the front, Kubistar is a Kangoo - the two are idential. It's a good alrounder: nippy enough around town, adequate on the motorway and capable of carrying a payload of up to 800kgs. It's an ideal choice for small buinesses looking for van that's cheap to run, fliexible and easy to drive.

A comfortable van to drive with a clear view of the road ahead and an adjustable and it's easy to get in-and-out of quickly, making it ideal for couriers. The dash is simply and functionally laid out. Entry-level Kubistar E has tinted windows, remote central locking, tinted glass, power steering, an airbag bulkhead, rubber load mat and interior wheelarch protectors. SE adds electric windows, electric door mirrors, a CD player instead of the cassette, roof storage shelf and ABS.

Choose from a 1.2-litre with 60bhp or an excellent 1.5 dCi with 60, 70, or 80bhp. The diesel is the engine to go for. It's punchy, refined and impressively frugal. In terms of performance, it's nippy enough around town and performs acceptably well on the motorway, especially in 85bhp form. It's a bit noisy when it starts up, but this soon dies down and power delivery is smooth. The 1.5 dCi - which has previously been used in Renault and Nissan passenger cars - is very economical and all diesel outputs achieve in excess of 50mpg. With a turning circle of 10.4 metres, Kubistar makes an ideal choice for couriers and other firms who often use vans in town: it's compact and nippy.