Nissan Cabstar is the only truck from this manufacturer that is officially delivered to our country. This car is quite interesting, but it is rarely found on the roads. The point here is not even in the design, thanks to which the car stands out among the general flow. This small vessel has only recently appeared in European countries. But then it was a completely different model.
Twin brothers
Yes, among the first on the European markets appeared not the original Japanese Nissan Cabstar truck, but the twin brother, which was manufactured by Renault. Manufacturers thus decided to confuse potential customers.
In the Japanese market, the same model is offered under the name Nissan Atlas and
Mitsubishi Canter Guts. The twins are very characterized by the absence of any visible differences. So here - the models supplied under various names are completely the same, to the last bolt. If you look at cars more closely, you can only notice small differences in the performance of the
grille, and in the brand logo.
Just a name ...
For those people who are unaware of the operating principles of multinational consortia, it may seem commonplace that both the Nissan Cabstar truck and Renault Maxiti should be manufactured in Japan and France. But because of globalization processes, both models are made in Spain at Nissan factories. So, in this light commercial van from mysterious Japan - one name. The design itself is European to the bone.
According to statistics, in our country only a thousand cars of this brand drive.
But statistics are a little cheating - there are more of them. Here the fact is that on the basis of a Japanese truck, many models of special equipment were assembled. These are all kinds of refrigerators, vans, towers. According to GOSTs adopted back in Soviet times, manufacturers of bodies and other equipment can easily change the brand of the base to any other brand. This means that the majority of all exports of these small trucks, which are known throughout the modern world, receive other markings - according to the name of the manufacturer of various booths and bodies.
About design a few words
For Europeans, the design of the twin trucks was new, even exotic. Particularly well executed and looks the same front lighting. This makes the model recognizable. At least one car doesn’t come to my memory, wherever it was.
Headlamps stretch from the bumper almost to the windshield. There is no such optics even on modern buses for transporting tourists.
The overall design is very balanced. It is worth seeing the Nissan Cabstar once - and it will be remembered forever.
Cabin
The model is equipped with a large square cabin. According to fans, it has the features of KAMAZ. From the domestic large-tonnage cabin differs a huge windshield, the original shape of the mirrors.
Fog lights are installed in the front bumper. The bumper itself blends very harmoniously into the overall picture. In addition to the decorative function, it plays an important role - this is safety. Inside it is a very durable beam, as well as a special mechanism that will absorb all the energy of the impact in an accident.
The same beams are installed in the doors. In the event of the same accident, they will not allow to crumple. The rear bumper also has a similar gain.
In this truck, the cab is directly above the powertrain. To get to the motor, the cabin rises up and forward. Look at the Nissan Cabstar. Photos are in the article.
Interior
Now you can look inside. The cabin may remind someone of an aquarium. But excellent visibility is a big plus, and especially for a truck. If the windshield becomes dirty, the cleaners and washer nozzles will take care of its cleanliness.
There are four special niches in the cabin where you can keep various little things or tools. The first of these niches is located above the driver's seat, under the ceiling. The second can be found above the dashboard. The third is above the central panel, and the fourth is at the back of the middle chair. This arrangement is thought out by experts and is designed so that, if sharp braking is necessary, these little things do not fall on the driver and passengers. See what the interior of the Nissan Cabstar truck looks like. Photos are in this section.
The edges of the panel are equipped with cup holders. An ordinary plastic bottle holds well there.
The dashboard looks very concise. Nothing will distract the driver.
There are only three devices - speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge.
The button that triggers the alarm is mounted in a plastic stroke of the torpedo hull. You can think of anything, but this is a design trend.
A computer with a screen on the dashboard conveniently reports all the important characteristics and parameters of the car's components, dynamics and the need for service.
As for comfort, the cabin is designed for the driver and his two passengers. In the cockpit you can sit very comfortably. Armchairs have heating functions.
The driver's seat is adjustable as you like. The middle seat leans back - you get a comfortable table.
The gearbox selector is designed to fit seamlessly into the overall interior without disturbing passengers. The steering column can be adjusted for height and reach.
The doors of the Nissan Cabstar truck are equipped with electric lifts, the side mirrors have a heating function.
The finishing material is plastic with good characteristics in terms of noise.
Japanese equipment
With the technical specifications, everything is not so simple. The pedigree begins from a series of Atlas models that have been produced since 73. Cab in cabless layout, frame base, longitudinal unit, manual transmission, rear axle on beams and springs, independent front suspension - this is how pickup trucks were created.
Until 84 years, exports went under the Datsun brand. In 86, the name changed to Nissan, and the model received the F22 index. In the year 92 some changes took place. For all 14 years of production, the car suffered various alterations.
Since 2006, a modern Nissan Cabstar truck has been produced. Its technical characteristics were slightly improved. Among the power units, which previously were more, there was only a three-liter diesel engine with 105 or 125 liters. from. Used cars can be found with the Atlas transmission.
Engine
Today, the model comes with a modern 16-valve unit.
In timing, a chain, not a belt. This is a big plus. In the cylinder head - two camshafts, and the injection system - Common Rail. The engine capacity is two and a half liters. Power indicators - 130 and 110 "horses".
Depending on the configuration, the truck can also be produced with a 3-liter engine model ZD30. Its capacity is already 150 horses. The Japanese complete off-road vehicles with these units. Light cars on this engine can reach a maximum speed of 127 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption figures are 12.5 liters per 100 kilometers. In traffic jams, the consumption will be a little more, but not higher than 13 liters.
Transmission
There is a light version of this car - it can be recognized by a single-row cab. These cars are equipped with only five-speed mechanics. For heavy models, a six-speed gearbox is also provided. The shift drive is based on two cables. The main gear reducer is made in a removable version. For different modifications, there are three sets of gear ratios.
As an option, you can get a limited slip differential. Hydraulic clutch systems.
Steering system and brakes
The steering gear works on the steering rack. Brakes - disc hydraulics on all wheels. For European Nissan Cabstar models, the specifications are slightly simplified. For example, their rear brakes have drum brakes.
Japanese quality for our country
Mostly cars with 3-liter units and a 5-speed gearbox fall into our country. Those configurations with a 6-speed transmission are much more expensive. But the benefits are few. In addition, in our conditions, the truck is often overloaded. He is the only light cargo carrier in press releases - Nissan Cabstar is working quite well here. Features allow you to carry up to 5 tons of cargo.
What about repair and maintenance?
Most cars are in excellent condition. There are some problems with models from 2008. Their mileage still does not exceed even 150 thousand kilometers. They are very far from the need for major repairs. The only thing that is required from the owner is a regular replacement of consumables and maintenance. Minor repairs may be required.
Nissan Cabstar may fail in winter due to fuel equipment.
Due to dirt in the valves, it is sometimes necessary to replace the fuel rail. Sometimes the gears of the synchronizers in the gearbox break down.
But in general, these are hardy commercial trucks, much better than our GAZELLES.
What do the owners say?
The fleets of many companies have medium and light trucks. Among them is the Nissan Cabstar. Owner reviews about them repeat all of the above. If these cars have good and timely care, then they will drive for many years.
Complain about the front exhaust pipe. They often break or crack - a replacement is needed. If the car drives under load, then many change their native tires. In general, there are no complaints, but only positive impressions. In operation, this small truck is inexpensive and reliable. Well, these cars are very comfortable.
Moreover, at a cost of 2,200,000 rubles, this is a fairly profitable acquisition. See for yourself: fuel consumption, engines, wide capabilities of the Nissan Cabstar truck, reviews - all this speaks for itself.
So, we found out what reviews, design and price this Japanese car has.