A STAR IS REBORN

2006/10/24

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

25 October 2006

A STAR IS REBORN

Nissan’s latest Primastar range gets a fresh look, even more convenience features, and most significantly a range of engines that not only enhance driveability, but are Euro 4 compliant too. The 2007 Model Year enhancements maintain the Primastar’s position as one of the most attractive mid-sized panel van and minibus ranges on the market.

Van customers still have a choice of diesel power in three outputs, but in place of the 82 and 100 PS 1.9 dCi engines comes a superb new 2.0 litre dCi turbocharged common rail unit developed with Alliance partner Renault and offered in either 90 PS or 115 PS outputs at the same 3,500 rpm. Most notable are the improved torque characteristics, rising from 190 Nm and 240 Nm to 240 and 290 Nm, respectively. What’s more, peak torque arrives at 1600 rpm, rather than 2000 rpm, to give tremendous low speed lugging ability where it’s needed most.

Such flexibility and improved performance don’t come at the cost of more frequent visits to the fuel pump, either. 35.8 mpg Combined for the short wheelbase variants is only slightly below that of the outgoing models. And compliance with Euro 4 means that in standard manual gearbox form, CO₂ emissions are just 214 g/km.

It’s the same story with the largest of the three engine options, the highly responsive
2.5 litre dCi unit available on long wheelbase models. Output is increased from 135 to 150 PS, and torque boosted from 310 Nm to 320 Nm at 1500 rpm, yet Combined cycle consumption in standard manual gearbox form is 32.5 mpg.

All Primastar vans now come with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and the 115 and 150 PS engines have the option and added convenience of a semi-automated version of the same transmission which can reduce fuel consumption still further.

Still looking good

A mild makeover including new headlamps keeps the 2.7-3.0 tonne gvw medium-sized van range looking as fresh as ever, and a larger rear bumper will brush off the occasional knock and scrape – very occasional thanks to the standard rear parking sensors on SE models. And Storm Blue and Beige Grey – which looks great despite the name – are new additions to the 12-strong colour palette.

Moving inside, the increasingly car-like cab gets a revised dashboard with new instruments and some snazzy new colour accents. E grade, which is restricted to 90 PS 2.0 dCi short wheelbase/low roof format, is now upgraded with a single CD player and steering wheel controls which supplement a far from basic specification including: standard power steering, seatbelt pretensioners, tinted windows, a dash-mounted gear lever for greater cabin floor space, map lamp and intermittent wash-wipe. The driver is protected by a tubular bulkhead from behind and an airbag in front, and sits on a three way adjustable seat.

The bulk of the Primastar line-up comes in SE grade which adds ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, electric windows, power and heated door mirrors, a twin passenger seat (with two 3-point seatbelts) and a full steel bulkhead.

For 2007 models there’s a new trip computer as well as an item which is sure to get a thumbs up from owners but not opportunistic thieves: a 3-button key. When you’re working at the back of the van, keeping an eye on the cab can be tricky, and vice versa, so the new key enables you to selectively lock or unlock individual doors for added peace of mind. That’s backed up by remote central locking, deadlocks, alarm and immobiliser on all models.

SE customers can also choose a new, generously-specified Comfort Pack which, for just £800 plus VAT, gives you air con with pollen filter, tinted windscreen, a driver’s armrest, front fogs, intelligent wipers and auto lighting, to make your van-like surroundings very car-like.

The Technology Pack allows drivers to find their way and keep their cool, offering sat nav, air con and a heat reflective windscreen, for £1250.

And at just £500, the Safety Pack gives you the surefootedness of ESP (standard gearbox models only), front fog lamps and a passenger airbag.

On a more practical note a digital tachograph and a factory-fitted towbar are added to the options list for the first time.

Finally there are four Glazing Packs which offer a combination of glazed bulkhead, glazed side and rear doors, and a glazed tailgate to create the right van for the job.

All Primastars have plenty of places to stow those essentials for a long drive, such as driver and passenger cup holders, a door pocket with large bottle holder and a glove box that can be linked to the optional air conditioning to keep on-board snacks chilled.

Load lugging

The Primastar van continues to be offered in four size formats based on short or long wheelbase, low or high roof, and able to swallow 5.02 m³ in short wheelbase/low roof form, and a maximum 8.36 m³ for the long wheelbase/high roof variant. Payloads range from 1045 kg to 1263 kg depending on load configuration and engine type.

The load bay is reached either through the standard nearside sliding door or twin rear doors which open to 180 degrees. For the ultimate in flexibility, SE grade models offer an optional offside sliding door and rear doors opening out to 250 degrees (on
LWB, low roof versions only). Six lashing rings help keep everything in place, while load bay lamps activated by the doors shed some useful light on proceedings during nocturnal loading.

Prices start at £13,923 (excluding VAT) for the short wheelbase, low roof 90 PS Primastar E, rising to £18,223 for the long wheelbase, high roof 150 PS Primastar SE.

Minibus now has two engine options

Sharing its underpinnings, revised looks and colour range with the short wheelbase low roof 2.9 tonne van, the Primastar minibus is now offered with a choice of the 115 PS 2.0 dCi and 150 PS 2.5 dCi engines and 6-speed manual and semi-automated manual gearboxes. That means excellent flexibility matched with strong fuel economy figures of 35.8 and 32.5 mpg, respectively, for the standard gearbox models.

Allowing up to nine people to travel in a safe, comfortable and car-like environment, the minibus is available in just one, exceptionally equipped, SE trim level. That means ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), a twin front passenger seat bench, two
3-point seatbelts, driver and front passenger airbags, reach-adjustable steering wheel, remote central locking, an alarm and immobiliser, a single CD player with steering wheel controls, one touch power windows, heated power mirrors, rear parking sensors, and a heated rear window with wipers. The minibus is also provided with the innovative
3-button key available on Primastar SE van models.

Among the new options are a speed limiter (62 mph), digital tachograph and towbar and a range of packs similar to those offered on the van range, including Technology and Comfort Packs. The latter enhances the already strong passenger car feel of the latest minibus’s new trim, deep carpets, chromed switches and colour panels.

A Safety Pack at £750 plus VAT includes ESP (standard gearbox only), front fog lamps, front side airbags, rear airbag, intelligent wipers and auto lighting.

Easy access to the two rear bench seats is via the two large sliding side doors with opening windows or the large glazed tailgate, which also doubles up as a shelter from the elements when loading and unloading luggage. Folding the third row of seats doubles the load space from 1.24 m³ to 2.49 m³ while still providing seating for six. Both rows are also removable.

The 2.0-litre model retails at £20,975, the 2.5-litre model at £22,175 on the road. Nissan sees the Primastar minibus appealing to a broad range of sectors, but in particular larger families, construction companies, schools, colleges, taxi and chauffeur drive companies and the police and emergency services.

Service and warranty

All three Primastar diesel engines have long service intervals of 18,000 miles or two years, to maximise the Primastar’s working potential. That’s backed up by three-year/60,000 mile mechanical, three-year paint and 12-year anti-corrosion warranties to provide excellent whole life costs and minimal downtime. And those rear parking sensors should ensure it spends less time in the bodyshop, too.

All Nissan light commercial vehicles are also provided with three years’ RAC roadside assistance for added peace of mind.

ends…

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