2004/03/08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

9 March 2004

NEW NISSAN CABSTAR WORKHORSE GETS

EVEN TOUGHER FOR 2004

The Nissan Cabstar range, so long the workhorse for many fleet operators and owner drivers has been revised for 2004.

The new Cabstar mirrors the dictionary definition of a workhorse ‘being a machine that performs hard work’. It provides new engines with up to 14% more power mated to a new gearbox, has longer intervals between servicing, new independent front suspension, improved interior comfort and new exterior styling.

Combine these improvements with a range of Single Cab, Double Cab, Tipper, single and twin rear wheels, short, medium and long wheelbase options, and the 2004 model year Cabstar range is the ultimate load lugger.

New engines and more power

At the heart of the new range are two new engines; a new 3.0 litre turbo diesel unit (designated 3.0T) that generates 105bhp, 14% more than the 2.7 litre engine it replaces, and a more powerful 125bhp version (3.0Ti), which replaces the old 120bhp engine. Lower servicing costs are guaranteed through oil change intervals increasing from 10,000 to 20,000 miles.

Both new engines have been equipped with a new five-speed gearbox and like the previous model a power take-off is available on the options list.

New Nissan Cabstar workhorse gets even tougher for 2004…2

A detailed range table has been included below on all the new derivatives and prices in all their glory, but we have simplified the range for you here:

·       The 34.10 is available with a Single Fix cab and in one wheelbase and three body versions.

·       The 35.13 is available either as a Single tilt cab or Double cab, which can be specified in medium and long wheelbase versions with Chassis, Dropside or Tipper Body variants.

More payload for new Cabstar

At the business end the general layout of the Cabstar remains the same, although a technical review of the short wheelbase models has seen a slight repositioning of the rear wheels and rear axle. These technical changes see the gross vehicle weight increasing from 3200kg to 3400kg on the SWB and payloads rise across all versions.

Payload on the SWB Dropside increases from 1405kg to 1492kg and on the SWB Tipper by 70kg to 1380kg. Payload on the long wheelbase models remains the same, but the uprated SWB models improve the Cabstar’s competitiveness in the UK light truck sector.

Cabstar receives new identity

One thing you may have already noticed is the Cabstar has lost its E badge, it is now just called Cabstar. The model nomenclature has also been changed so each model is designated first by its GVW, ie 34 (3.4 tonnes) and then by its horsepower ie 10 (105bhp). The new range is the Cabstar 34.10 and 35.13, which are available in short, medium and long wheelbase variants.

From the outside the styling of the new Cabstar looks very similar to the previous model, except for the new grille, but there are key changes that have been made underneath the skin. Nissan has increased strengthening at the front end, increasing energy absorption and improving front-end crash protection; while a sturdier front bumper keeps those small parking bumps in check.

New Nissan Cabstar workhorse gets even tougher for 2004…3

Also at the front end Nissan has installed an all-new independent suspension, which provides a number of significant benefits to the vehicle:

·           Firstly the geometry of the suspension improves the vehicle’s turning radius by nearly 7% on the long wheelbase model, 6.1% on the medium wheelbase and 3.5% on the short wheelbase version. This improves manoeuvrability, especially when visiting cramped building sites.

·           Secondly the new suspension gives the Cabstar a wider front track that helps further improve vehicle stability and road holding.

·           Thirdly the dynamics of the Cabstar’s ride and handling have been improved when the vehicle is laden or unladen.

More Cabstar comforts

Alongside all the other changes, Nissan has upgraded the interior trim, which spells good news for Cabstar drivers. All interior carpets and seat trim have been improved, whilst still being practical enough to stand up to the tough working conditions of your typical Cabstar user. All new Cabstars have a driver’s airbag fitted as standard, combining with the beefed up front crash protection and sturdier front bumper. A CD player also now appears on the standard equipment list.

ends…

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Wayne Bruce              Head of Press & PR               01923 899930

e-mail:                                     wayne.bruce@nissan.co.uk

Lisa Yates                   Press Officer                          01923 899937

e-mail:                                     lisa.yates@nissan.co.uk

Terry Steeden                         Press Relations Manager       01923 899938

e-mail:                                     terry.steeden@nissan.co.uk

All news releases and pictures can be downloaded from the newspress website at www.newspress.co.uk

CABSTAR MODEL RANGE AND PRICES