Nissan's big panel van comes courtesy of its alliance with Renault and the French
company's existing partnership with Opel/Vauxhall to produce the Renault Master
and Opel/Vauxhall Movano. Thoroughly refreshed in 2003, the latest Interstar
can provide a strong challenge to the large panel van sector favourites like
the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
A choice of three body lengths, three
roof heights and four common rail turbodiesel engines ensure broad appeal, but
the Interstar also benefits from a wide selection of options to modify the van
to either individual or business requirements.
Entry level E
models come with a radio/cassette player, driver's airbag, power steering and
a tubular bulkhead. Upgrade to an SE and it adds a CD player, full metal bulkhead,
electric windows, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, and a rear parking
sensor.
Options include the climate pack (comprising a heat-reflective windscreen
and air conditioning), technology pack (adding satellite navigation, cruise control
and telephone pre-wiring), and the glazed pack (glazed bulkhead and rear doors
with window demist). The cabin is exceptionally comfortable for up to three adults,
even over long distances, and there is a good range of seating adjustment for
the driver. Large door mirrors provide good visibility to the rear.
Two cup holders
are provided, as well as under-seat storage and a dash-mounted document clip.
Our test vehicle was also fitted with optional shelf/drawer units in the cargo
compartment.
Engine choices include an 82bhp 1.9 dCi (SWB only) which offers 148lb-ft at 2,000rpm.
A choice of two 2.5 dCi units with either 100bhp (192lb-ft at 1500rpm) or 115bhp
(214lb-ft at 1600rpm), make up the mainstream choices, while at the top of the
range there is a 3.0 dCi with 136bhp and 236lb-ft at 1800rpm.
The two more powerful
versions come with six-speed manual transmissions as standard, and the 3.0 dCi
we tested proved more than up to the job of carrying heavy loads. The six-speed
gearbox also meant a fairly relaxed environment at a steady 70mph on the motorway.
Double wishbone front suspension means precise turn in, while leaf springs at
the rear provide the best option for carrying loads, although it can feel a little
skittish at the rear when empty.
