The Nissan Cabstar is a light-duty commercial vehicle that has been in mass production since 2007. "Cabstar" is one of the few foreign trucks that are officially supplied to Russia. The car is also actively used in Western European countries under the name “Renault Maxity”. Despite the different names, they are the same car, just for different markets. What is Nissan Cabstar? Photos, technical specifications, owner reviews and other useful information are further in our article.
Gemini brothers
Yes, among the first to appear on the European markets was not the original Japanese Nissan Cabstar truck, but its twin brother, which was produced by Renault. Manufacturers decided to confuse potential customers in this way.
In the Japanese market, the same model is offered under the name “Nissan Atlas” and Mitsubishi Canter Guts. It is very common for twins to have no visible differences. So it is here - models supplied under different names are completely the same, down to the last bolt. If you look at the cars more closely, you can notice only slight differences in the design of the radiator grille, and in the brand emblem.
A little history
Nissan is a traditionally Japanese automaker, founded in 1933 as a result of the merger of national and Nihon Sangyo. Throughout the 20th century, Nissan Motor successfully increased production, in addition to the automotive industry, mastering rocket technology and marine vessels. In the 1960s, the Japanese automaker became the largest auto importer to the United States and Europe. Financial problems in the 1990s forced the company's management to sell a controlling stake to the French Renault. After emerging from the crisis, Nissan Motor entered a new stage of globalization of production. Today, the concern's production facilities are located not only on the Japanese Islands, but also in Spain, Great Britain, the USA, Mexico and Russia.
Nissan Cabstar is the name of two model lines: pickup trucks and light-duty delivery vans. In addition to the Spanish Ibérica, the new Nissan Cabstar is assembled in the workshops of the Japanese UD Trucks Corporation. In addition, the Swedish company Volvo and the French Renault-Nissan Alliance have mastered the production of this truck for the European market. The very name of the Nissan truck was borrowed from the 1968 Datsun Cabstar model, the production of which ceased in 1986. Thus, in the modern Nissan Cabstar, traveling along the world's highways, only the name and the logo on the radiator grille remind of its Asian homeland. Otherwise, this truck is completely European. The “change of orientation” is also indicated by the steering wheel, which in the cabstar is on the left.
The basic Nissan body is available in the form of an on-board platform. However, in all countries where it is exported, local manufacturers re-equip the truck to suit their needs and install various special bodies on its chassis: refrigerators, tow trucks, dump trucks, aerial platforms and cranes.
Only the name...
For those people who are not aware of the principles of multinational consortiums, it may seem commonplace that both the Nissan Cabstar truck and the Renault Maxity should be manufactured in Japan and France. But due to globalization processes, both models are manufactured in Spain at . So, this light-duty commercial truck from mysterious Japan has one name. The design itself is European to the core.
According to statistics, there are only a thousand cars of this brand in our country.
But the statistics are a little untrue - there are more of them. The point here is that many models of special equipment have been assembled on the basis of the Japanese truck. These are all kinds of refrigerators, vans, towers. According to GOST standards, adopted back in Soviet times, manufacturers of bodies and other equipment can easily change the brand of the base to any other brand. This means that the majority of all exports of these low-tonnage vehicles, which are known throughout the modern world, receive other markings - according to the name of the manufacturing company of various booths and bodies.
Nissan Cabstar in tables
A general idea of the technical characteristics of the truck in question can be obtained from the table:
| Maximum speed | 120 km/h |
| Curb weight | 3.5 t |
| Body length | 4,746 mm |
| Case width | 1,870 mm |
| Cabin height | 2 110 mm |
| Wheel formula | 2:4 |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm |
| checkpoint | 5-speed |
| Engine characteristics | ZD30 3-liter, 150 hp Diesel with turbocharging and air cooling system |
| Brake system | Hydraulic, disc |
| Average fuel consumption | 12 l / 100 km |
| Maximum climbability | 300 |
| Suspension design | Front - independent |
| Rear - hard | |
| Steering gear | Rack and pinion with hydraulic booster |
| Cost on the Russian market | from 1.2 million rubles. and higher |
A few words about design
For Europeans, the design of twin trucks was new, even exotic. The front lighting is especially well executed and looks the same. This gives the model recognition. I can’t remember at least one car where this happened.
The headlights stretch from the bumper almost to the windshield. Even modern buses for transporting tourists do not have such optics.
Overall the design is very balanced. It is worth seeing the Nissan Cabstar once and you will remember it forever.
Cabin
The model is equipped with a large square cabin. According to fans, it has features of KAMAZ. The cabin differs from the domestic large-tonnage truck with a huge windshield and the original shape of the mirrors.
The front bumper has fog lights. The bumper itself fits very harmoniously into the overall picture. In addition to the decorative function, it plays an important role - ensuring safety. Inside it is a very strong beam, as well as a special mechanism that will absorb all the impact energy in an accident.
The doors have the same beams. They will not allow you to get crushed in the event of the same accident. The rear bumper also has similar reinforcement.
In this truck, the cab is located directly above the power unit. To get to the engine, the cabin rises up and forward. Look at the Nissan Cabstar. The photo is in the article.
We buy “Cabstar” on the secondary market
In view of the crisis situation, the question arises of purchasing vehicles either on lease or on the secondary market. The first option is not suitable for everyone. After all, it is very difficult to “recapture” one and a half million in a couple of years on such a machine. A safer option is to purchase second hand.
But how not to make a mistake in choosing? Let's consider a few main points:
- The first rule is to avoid cars that have been in an accident. And here we are not talking about the safety of the body or cabin. This can be repainted and puttied. But stretching the frame is much more difficult. If the car has been in a serious accident, it is clear that its frame is deformed. As a result, there is a discrepancy in the wheel camber angles, rubber burns, and subsequent deformation of the channels (cracks, etc.).
- Pay special attention to the engine. This is the main unit in the car. The engine should not emit soot or white smoke. The latter indicates deformation of the cylinder head. This happens due to overheating. Less often this indicates an overflowing nozzle. A common problem with Cabstars is a cracked muffler downpipe. This factory miscalculation has become a problem for many car owners. Often the pipe is repaired by welding the cracks.
- As for the gearbox, there may be problems with the clutch. This shows up better in a loaded car. On a burned disk it will twitch. While driving, try to engage all gears. The box should shift without crunching (worn synchronizers) and without significant effort.
- At idle speed it is normal to have unnecessary vibrations and sounds. Cabstar engines are equipped with the Common Rail system. It is very sensitive to fuel quality. Injectors are expensive to repair. Replacing four elements at a service station, including labor, costs about one hundred thousand rubles.
- Check suspension operation. When the car moves, it should smoothly handle bumps. The presence of extraneous noise in the front part of the cabin may indicate faulty ball joints, “tired” anti-roll bar cushions and tips.
- Beware of vehicles that are carrying serious overloads. Of course, there is no point in asking the seller about this. You can determine whether there have been overloads by looking at the condition of the tires. Thus, under increased loads, the inner part of the front tires suffers. The frame on Nissans is stronger than on GAZelles, but overloads are dangerous for others. The load is placed on the transmission elements, rear axle and suspension. The latter suffers significantly. And repairing it can cost several tens of thousands of rubles.
Interior
Now you can look inside. The cabin may remind someone of an aquarium. But excellent visibility is a big plus, especially for a truck. If the windshield is dirty, the wipers and washer nozzles will take care of its cleanliness.
The cabin has four special niches where you can keep various small items or tools. The first of these niches is located above the driver's seat, under the ceiling. The second can be found above the dashboard. The third is above the central panel, and the fourth is in the back of the middle seat. This arrangement was thought out by specialists and made exactly so that, if sudden braking is necessary, these little things do not fall on the driver and passengers. See what the interior of a Nissan Cabstar truck looks like. Photos are in this section.
The edges of the panel are equipped with cup holders. An ordinary plastic bottle holds perfectly there.
The instrument panel looks very laconic. The driver will not be distracted by anything.
There are only three instruments - speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge.
The button that triggers the alarm is mounted in the plastic lining of the torpedo body. You can think whatever you want, but this is a design trend.
A computer with a screen on the instrument panel conveniently reports all the important characteristics and parameters of the vehicle components, dynamics and the need for service.
As for comfort, the cabin is designed for the driver and his two passengers. You can sit very comfortably in the cabin. The seats have heating functions.
The driver's seat is adjustable as desired. The middle seat reclines to create a comfortable table.
The gearbox selector is designed so as to fit organically into the overall interior and not disturb passengers. The steering column can be adjusted in height and reach.
The doors of the Nissan Cabstar truck are equipped with electric lifts, and the side mirrors have a heated function.
The finishing material is plastic with good noise level characteristics.
Comfort equipment options
In the “comfort” configuration, CABSTAR is available with both short, medium and long wheelbases. First of all, the machines differ in overall length:
- the average wheelbase of 2,900 mm suggests vehicle dimensions of 5,446 mm. In this configuration, the load capacity is 1,636 kg;
- with a long wheelbase of 3,400 mm, the overall length is 6,346 mm and the load capacity is 1,461 kg.
The double cab is installed on the Nissan CABSTAR with a long wheelbase. This car is available only in the “comfort” configuration, which allows it to accommodate six people.
The main difference from the “comfortable” CABSTAR with a regular interior is the presence of an additional adjustable heater with a fan in the rear of the double cab.
The Comfort package is painted in a metallic color of the buyer's choice. Halogen lamps are installed in the headlight units. There are turn signal indicators on the side mirrors.
The cabin has about fourteen storage spaces for things, objects and bottles with glasses.
There is a large refrigerated compartment for storing drinks and food.
The glove compartment is heated to keep things warm. The cup holders have cooling and heating modes that can be used at the driver's discretion. Above the dashboard there is a compartment for storing documents in A4 format.
The cabin is equipped with a standard audio system with a CD player and Bluetooth, the presence of which allows you to use cellular services while driving. For comfort, the cabin is also equipped with manually controlled air conditioning.
Important! There is an immobilizer with central locking. The side mirrors are power remote controlled.
To ensure safety, the EBD system is equipped . Three-point seat belts are installed for each person and there are airbags for the front passenger and driver.
Nissan Cabstar in the “comfort” configuration is sold by dealers today at prices ranging from 1,346,000 to 1,416,000 rubles.
Japanese equipment
With technical characteristics, everything is not so simple here. The pedigree begins with the Atlas series of models, which were produced from 1973 onwards. A cab with a cabover layout, a frame base, a longitudinal unit, a manual transmission, a rear axle on beams and springs, an independent front suspension - this is how pickup-type trucks were created.
Until 1984, exports were carried out under the Datsun brand. In 1986, the name changed to “Nissan”, and the model received the index F22. In 1992, some changes took place. Over the 14 years of production, the car has undergone various alterations.
Since 2006, the modern Nissan Cabstar truck has been produced. Its technical characteristics have been slightly improved. Among the power units, of which there were previously more, only a three-liter diesel engine with 105 or 125 hp remains. With. Used cars can be found with Atlas transmissions.
Specifications
The engine range includes three diesel units. Since the Nissan Cabstar is a commercial truck, gasoline engines are not on the list. In the photo below we see a thermal and noise insulation shield. However, its thickness is not enough to cope with all vibrations. The sounds still pass into the cabin.
In the basic version, the car is equipped with a 110-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit. Medium versions are equipped with a 130-horsepower engine with a similar displacement. The flagship for the Nissan Cabstar truck is a three-liter engine with Common Rail injection. The maximum power of the unit is 150 horsepower. All of the above engines have a 16-valve head and a chain gas distribution mechanism. They are equipped mainly with a five-speed manual transmission. On heavy modifications, a six-speed transmission is used.
Engine
Today the model is produced with a modern 16-valve unit.
The timing belt has a chain, not a belt. This is a big plus. The cylinder head has two camshafts, and the injection system is Common Rail. The engine capacity is two and a half liters. Power indicators are 130 and 110 “horses”.
Depending on the configuration, the truck can also be equipped with a 3-liter ZD30 engine. Its power is already 150 horses. The Japanese equip SUVs with these units. Light vehicles powered by this engine can reach a maximum speed of 127 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption figures are 12.5 liters per 100 kilometers. In traffic jams, the consumption will be slightly higher, but not higher than 13 liters.
Review of the Nissan Cabstar: a gluttonous, but quite decent commercial vehicle
I bought Cabstar 6 months ago. I believe that this time is quite enough to form your own verdict. The car is successful, but not without its flaws.
In my review of the Nissan Cabstar, I first want to talk about the advantages. According to documents, the carrying capacity is slightly less than a ton. In fact, everything is much better. Calmly loaded 3 thousand kg. The car was taken out without any problems. I didn't notice any bugs at all.
The wheelbase is short. This makes turning around easier. The steering wheel and the quality of control itself are in many ways reminiscent of ordinary passenger cars. Other advantages include:
- three-way loading of the body;
- decent review;
- normal light.
Now about the problems. The car has a regular three-valve engine from Patrol. This miracle consumes 20 liters per hundred in the city. It’s possible to reduce consumption, but then you’ll generally feel like a vegetable on the road.
The plastic gear of the gearbox near the windshield wiper flew into the frost. Well, I think there will be no problems with repairs. This is where disappointment awaited. It was not possible to find this miracle during analysis. The new one is sold only complete with an electric motor. The asking price is about 30 thousand rubles. However, the problems did not end there. All work took place with the removal of the dashboard. As a result, about 10 more tr. gave.
Then I had to change the trapezoid on the windshield wipers. Part - about 10 thousand rubles. Plus the same preliminary disassembly of the dashboard.
What about repairs and maintenance?
Most of the cars are in excellent condition. There are some problems with models from 2008. Their mileage does not yet exceed even 150 thousand kilometers. They are very far from needing major repairs. The only thing that is required from the owner is regular replacement of consumables and maintenance. Minor repairs may be required.
Nissan Cabstar may fail in winter due to fuel equipment.
Due to dirt in the valves, it sometimes becomes necessary to replace the fuel rail. Sometimes the synchronizer gears in the gearbox break.
Well, in general, these are durable commercial trucks, much better than our GAZelles.
Price
The starting price for the car is 1 million 450 thousand rubles. The flagship version of Kabstar is sold at a price of 1 million 600 thousand rubles. This package has everything you need: an airbag (front, for the driver), hydraulic booster, air conditioning, electric mirrors and windows, ABS and exchange rate stabilization. The on-board computer and power steering are already included in the basic version.
As for the secondary market, a used Nissan Cabstar can be purchased at a price of 740-850 thousand rubles. These will be cars from 10-11 years of production. Mileage - 150-200 thousand kilometers.
What do the owners say?
Many companies have medium- and light-duty trucks in their fleets. Among them is Nissan Cabstar. Owner reviews about them repeat everything said above. If these cars are well and timely cared for, then they will drive for many years.
They complain about the exhaust pipe of the muffler. They often break or crack and need to be replaced. If the car drives under load, many people change the original tires. In general, there are no complaints, and the impressions are only positive. This small cargo truck is inexpensive and reliable to operate. Well, these cars are very comfortable.
Moreover, with its cost starting from 2,200,000 rubles, this is quite a profitable purchase. See for yourself: fuel consumption, engines, the wide capabilities of the Nissan Cabstar truck, reviews - all this speaks for itself.
So, we found out what reviews, design and price this Japanese car has.
Salon
We immediately note the large glazing area. Owner reviews compare the Cabstar salon to an aquarium. But this is by no means a minus. After all, a large glass area is a plus for visibility. The driver sees all the blind spots, which is especially important in densely populated cities with heavy traffic.
Also, due to the angularity, the cabin is quite spacious - reviews note. Let's move on to the driver's workplace. It is designed simply, but with ergonomics in mind. The instrument panel contains all the necessary information, including an on-board computer that takes into account fuel consumption and other data. The steering wheel is two-spoke, with a comfortable grip. However, owner reviews note a small range of adjustments. Although the column is adjustable both in height and reach. Between the driver and passenger seats (by the way, it is double) there is a gear shift lever. It is located at a convenient distance from your hand. Even without experience driving commercial vehicles, you quickly get used to taxiing a Nissan, reviews note.
At the top of the windshield we can see the interior mirror. Quite a strange solution on a truck, especially with a van body. However, on flatbed models you can view the rear. The wall has two windows. By the way, the left passenger does not have a headrest on the backrest. This was done for a better view through the mirror, which is also noted on the positive side by reviews from motorists.
The center console has all the necessary elements - a tachograph, a stove control unit and other buttons. A radio tape recorder can be installed in place of the plugs. The cabin has four spacious niches. Moreover, one of them serves as a visor for the instrument panel. Documentation in A4 format can easily fit here, which is quite convenient, according to car owners.
