Nissan Townstar panel van: A practical work vehicle with a touch of refinement
In the realm of delivery vans, there's a new player in town - the Nissan Townstar. While it may not be as famous as its cousins, the Renault Kangoo and Mercedes Citan, it shares the same genetic lineage and vies for a spot among rivals like Volkswagen Caddy, Opel Combo, and Ford Transit Connect.
First Glance
The Townstar, measuring approximately four and a half meters in length, presents itself with a balanced blend of simplicity and modernity. It can be seen as both a box van and a combi and exudes a sober, yet stylish appearance through its well-defined sheet metal seams and LED lighting. On the inside, the Japanese touch presents a mixture of practicality, great ergonomics, and a touch of sci-fi tech with a large touchscreen monitor.
The spacious cargo area, with a volume of 3.9 cubic meters, can hold two standard Euro pallets and boasts a capacity of up to 775 kilograms. The sliding door on the right side is 62 centimeters wide and 1.06 meters high, while the asymmetrical rear doors can open up to 180 degrees. If more space is needed, a 1.5-tonne hook can be added.
On the Road
Electric power shouldn't be discounted, but the majority of customers opt for a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 96 kW/130 PS. This engine is paired with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. Although it isn't the most fuel-efficient option, it provides a more luxurious and powerful experience compared to diesel engines in this category.
The Townstar is built on the same passenger car platform as its cousins, which improves overall ride comfort. However, the van's cargo weight isn't enough to make it feel lively on poorly maintained roads.
Costs
The entry-level "Visia" version of the Townstar costs 21,330 euros without VAT. Its basic features include manual air conditioning and electrically adjustable mirrors. By moving up to "Acenta," the cargo area floor becomes resilient plastic while a rear parking sensor is added to improve safety.
The test vehicle arrived as an "N-Connecta" model, adorned with a rearview camera, blind spot warning system, and a cushioned driver's seat. At a net price of 25,870 euros, this configuration is a reasonable investment.
Verdict
Distinguished by its modernity, comprehensive feature set, and undeniable practicality, the Nissan Townstar is a well-mannered worker. Those willing to spend a little more can enjoy greater comfort and safety on par with passenger vehicles. If you prefer to forgo diesel, the Townstar becomes an intriguing option in the crowded delivery van market - not simply due to its sibling relationships, but also due to its technical specifications.
Technical Specifications for Nissan Townstar Box Van 1.3 DIG-T 2.0t
- Box van with two seats, dimensions: 4.50 m (length), 1.86 m (width), 1.81 m (height), 2.72 m (wheelbase), cargo area volume: 3300-3900 liters, cargo area dimensions: 1.81 m x 1.25-1.57 m
- 1.33-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, 96 kW/131 PS, torque: 240 Nm @ 1600 rpm, front-wheel drive, six-speed manual transmission
- 0-100 km/h: TBA, top speed: 183 km/h, fuel consumption according to WLTP: 6.8 l/100 kilometers, CO2 emissions: 151 g/km, tested fuel consumption: 7.5 l/100 km
- Pricing: starting at 21,330 euros
