Versatile new Nissan Cabstar adds payload, cuts costs

The new Cabstars, now called NT400 Cabstars, are basically more efficient and offer better payload than the old model

THERE’s a new version of the Cabstar, Nissan’s versatile light/medium-duty truck. It’ll be called the Nissan NT400 Cabstar.

Among the changes for the new model are improved economy, new styling, a greater payload, new high-output engine, increased service intervals for lower operating costs and new equipment providing extra comfort and greater safety.

All engine options comply with Euro 5b+ emission regulations. Three different power outputs are available – low (121hp/250Nm), mid (136hp/270Nm) and high (145hp/350Nm). The new 145hp engine option is 45kg lighter than the unit it replaces – hence the improvements in economy and payload.

The Cabstar range is very versatile with different payloads, wheelbases and engines all on tap with single and double cab versions

The high-output version replaces the older 3.0-litre ZD30 unit and is new to the Nissan NT400 Cabstar. Torque is identical to the bigger engine and power is only 5hp less despite its smaller capacity. The new unit provides the same performance but gives significant benefits in fuel economy, emissions and operational efficiency.

The new engine delivers up to 22 per cent better fuel consumption, while service intervals have been extended to 40,000km from 30,000kms. As well as lowering running costs, the extended service intervals mean less operating down time.

The low-output (121hp) engine is mated with a five-speed manual transmission and is available in NT400 Cabstars with 2.8t, 3.2t, 3.4t and 3.5t GVWs. The mid- and high-output versions have six-speed manual transmissions and power NT400 Cabstar models with 3.5t and 4.5t GVWs.

The new model scores on versatility, with the Nissan NT400 Cabstar available in a wide choice of GVWs, dimensions and power outputs in addition to single- and double cab-versions.

Three wheelbases – 2500mm, 2900mm and 3400mm – are offered, and standard overall lengths range from 4546mm to 6346mm. There are six different GVWs from 2.8t to 4.5t and payloads from 1125kg to 2768kg. The 3.5t version payload is said to be best-in-class at 1840kg.