FIRST WIN FOR THE NEWLY REVISED PRIMASTAR

2006/11/23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

24 November 2006

FIRST WIN FOR THE NEWLY REVISED PRIMASTAR

The revised Nissan Primastar has picked up the “Small Panel Van of the Year 2006” at the What Van? Awards, beating off stiff competition from the Volkswagen Transporter.  Not bad for a vehicle that’s only just gone on sale.

Commenting on the gong (also shared with the Renault Trafic and the Vauxhall Vivaro) What Van? editor Neil McIntee said: "Styling that still looks fresh and exciting even after several years, sharp handling, compliant suspension, a well-designed cab and a user-friendly optional automated manual transmission. In our book they’re all good reasons for awarding Nissan’s recently revised Primastar our Small Panel Van of the Year award for 2006.”

“Those revisions include the introduction of a new 2.0-litre diesel engine up for grabs at either 90 bhp or 115 bhp. That’s a useful increase in power compared with the 82 bhp and 100 bhp offered by the 1.9-litre diesels fitted previously, and torque is up by up to 26 per cent.

“If that’s not enough beef for you then you can always opt for the reworked version of the 2.5-litre diesel that’s also installed. Carried over from the previous model, and equipped with a particulate trap, it boasts 145 bhp as opposed to 135 bhp. Torque has gone up by 7.4 lb.ft to 234 lb.ft at 1,500rpm.

“No matter which engine or power option you choose, you get a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

“Formerly available solely with the 2.5-litre diesel, the six-speed automated manual transmission referred to earlier can now be specified with the 115 bhp version of the 2.0-litre as well. That should result in its virtues being appreciated by a wider audience.

“ABS comes as standard and what is arguably Britain’s most stylish looking small panel van is now available with a three-button ignition key that enables you to lock the cargo area and cab doors separately. It means you can keep the cab secure while you are loading and unloading the vehicle. Up to three keys can be supplied.

“The range includes vans in both short- and long-wheelbase guise and with either a high or a low roof. Load cube ranges from 5.0m³ to 8.4m³ as measured by the VDA method, which involves filling the cargo box with standard-sized wooden blocks, while maximum payload capacity is to the north of 1,200kg.

“Also included in the line-up is a nine-seater mini-bus.

“The fact that the styling hasn’t dated, much to the surprise of some industry pundits, means that the recent cosmetic revisions to the vehicle have been modest. Externally they include no more than a new front grille, one-piece headlamp units with built-in indicators and redesigned rear lights.

“With Britain’s motor industry under huge pressure, it’s worth noting that the Primastar is built in the UK as well as Spain. So in most cases you’ll be able to slap a Union Jack on your purchase with a clear conscience.”

Collecting the award at a ceremony in London, Sandy MacRitchie, Nissan’s recently appointed commercial vehicle brand manager commented: “It’s great to be picking up an award so soon after joining Nissan, especially with it being from such a highly

acclaimed magazine.  The efforts we’ve made to refresh Primastar have been extremely well received by customers and the What Van? verdict is a wonderful endorsement of the enduring popularity of this superb vehicle.”

Prices for the Primastar start at £13,600, excluding VAT.

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