When Security Installer handed out the stars in our vehicle assessment, Ford's Transit dropped a point from the maximum five under the headings 'design' and 'value for money'. As far as the design element went we simply could not figure why the top edge of the side window sloped backward. Nit picking or what! However, compared to Nissan's Primastar, the Transit is verging on being a Minogue!
'Striking' is the rather ambiguous adjective used by many to describe the overall design of the Primastar and, in particular, what is euphemistically called an elephant's head cab. We at SI, always happy to call a spade a spade, think Klingon is more apt. So, why the bulge? Something to do with easier access/exit is the answer: have a hump not a bump.
Style for style's sake
OK, so we're not over-enthusiastic about the bodywork. It's rather in the mode of Ford's last Granada replacement, the blobby, jelly-mould Scorpio. Style for style's sake didn't work for the Blue Oval. Let's pray the Primastar isn't similarly afflicted because, underneath (inside if not out) this really is an excellent panel van. In SI's review of the Transit we told you "it's brill" Buy one now!" Well, we say exactly the same for the Primastar!
Nissan's Primastar is a re-badged Vivaro/Trafic ... Renault's expanding empire benefiting from more exposure and Nissan from a ready-made CV product line. The Interstar, based on the Movano/Master range, was the first fruit of the tie-up and a Nissan version of the Renault Kangoo (the Kubistar) is due toward the end of this year. SI wasn't exactly kind when it came to its review of the Interstar; we described it as a jolter and a jiggler, constantly reminding occupants of their wobbly midriffs. Not such a USP!
Not surprisingly, we were given the top of the range 100bhp, 1.9 litre, common-rail, turbo diesel Primastar with six-speed manual to potter about in for a week.
However, despite a plethora of standard features such as rear parking sensor system, powered and tinted windows, driver's airbag, remote central locking and remote audio controls (all for a measly £13,210 plus VAT) plus Sat Nav (£745 option), anti-lock brakes (£400), air conditioning (£650) and in-dash CD (£75), the pampering didn't blind our critical instincts.
Thankfully, Primastar is altogether a different kettle of fish to that of Interstar.
Drivers will be hard pressed to notice any great difference between the ride quality of this LCV, laden or not, with that of their family car. Understandably, given the harder, tougher suspension, the vehicle drops into potholes and thumps over raised manholes but its overall composure is a delight not often found in the world of vans.
Formidable road holding
Well-weighted, responsive power steering adds to the refinement, providing a high degree of com-munication between the road surface, the weather conditions and the senses. Road holding, as well as road manners, is formidable. As is braking (discs front and rear).
The Renault-sourced common-rail turbo diesel is reckoned to be one of the best on the market offering effortless performance accentuated by the six-speed gearbox to provide lazy, high-speed cruising without compromising low-speed, around town flexibility.
Leaving aside the Sat Nav (Nissan ... it's unintelligible without the manual!) and the other 'toys', Primastar's cab is a pleasant enough environment.
Attaining the optimum driving position is made that little bit easier by an adjustable steering wheel (for rake not reach) and a seat that does all things but, conversely, raise and lower.
All the controls fall easily to hand and the large instruments to eye. However, while the remote audio buttons may be a safety plus, the gear stick and its console, an add-on to the fascia, prevent easy access to the nearside door. So much for safe delivery drops.
Nowhere to hang your coat!
Passengers don't fare too well, their bench being strictly upright and the legroom for your middle mate being severely restricted by aforesaid console. On the plus side, all three occupants get three-point seat belts. A place should be found for all the paraphernalia, including door bins for litre bottles and cup-holders at each end of the fascia. But where to hang a coat or three and stash the CD boxes? Generally, the cab appears light, airy and hardwearing with a flat floor finished with easy-clean rubberised matting. Not much to distinguish it from any other until we popped the Andy Williams CD into the slot, upped the volume and grooved as we cruised.
Boarding-out necessary
Backstage - the business end – is a lot less comforting for the load! Boarding-out will be a necessity if only to protect the bare bodywork and intrusive rear wheel arches but then that's as for any other van.
What does impress is the access: the standard nearside sliding door provides an opening of 1 x 1.285m while the rear doors swing out and around to 180 degrees offering an unrestricted 'hole' of 1.414m wide x 1.320m high. Both an offside sliding door and tailgate are options.
Our Primastar would carry a payload of 1216kg (minus driver and crew) in its 5.0cu m (volume), 2.4m long, 1.668m wide (1.268m between rear arches), 1.387m high cargo area. Loading height stands at 549mm.
We've said this so many times, but isn't it time manufacturers provided the wherewithal to carry a decent-sized ladder within, out of sight and safer from theft? But that's an inadequacy levelled at all manufacturers. Security comes in the shape of an immobiliser, 'superlocking' and an alarm system on most models.
Besides Primastar's low fuel costs (a quoted combined 38mpg), running costs are likely to be kept in check by the two year or 18,000 mile service intervals and a three year, 60,000 mile manufacturer's warranty.
Backing up its renewed assault on the LCV marketplace, Nissan has invested in a network of business centres staffed by specialists, overnight servicing and courtesy vans. Now that's different. Ever been offered a small hatchback when your van over-stays at the garage?
Not a lot of good is it?
Up close and personal!
Is it a British trait that we find it harder to applaud than to criticise? The fact is that this review (albeit curtailed by the available editorial allotment) simply doesn't convey the dynamism of the Nissan Primastar and, likely as not, its sisters the Vivaro and Trafic.
But why should you choose a Nissan rather than a Vauxhall or Renault?
Well, aside from its competitive pricing, the Primastar offers a degree of personalisation aimed at the buyer/user.
Three different trim levels, a choice of 12 body colours and a consumer-oriented options list equates to a degree of personalisation. Now, that's something that can't be said for the Transit.
Source
Security Installer
No comments yet