Nissan has unveiled what they’re touting is the next generation of light commercial vehicle: the all-new Townstar. The Townstar will be available with both a petrol ICE engine, as well as an all-electric BEV option
The Japanese manufacturer has also updated their LCV nomenclature, with the Primastar and Interstar nameplates being introduced, replacing the “NV” line, with light updates to what were the NV300 and NV400.
All-New Townstar Spearheads The Assualt
Nissan calls the Townstar the most comprehensive LCV offering to date, replacing the NV200 and e-NV200. The new van will be available in both a commercial and “combi” passenger-spec version.
The petrol-powered variant will feature a Euro-6d compliant 1.3-liter engine with 130 hp (96 kW) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. The EV version will feature a similarly-rated 122 hp (90kW) motor with 245 Nm (180 lb-ft) of torque. Nissan claims that the Townstar EV will have a range of 177 miles (283 km), although these figures are pending certification.
The Townstar is built on the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-C platform, with a clean-sheet design. Nissan claims that both quality and functionality have been kept in mind, as the new van is a key player in their “NEXT” transformation plan.
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More Car-Like Features
Although the NV200 it replaces was also designed on similar car-based underpinnings (a modified version of Nissan’s B-platform), the Townstar brings with it renewed focus on safety and infotainment.
The Townstar features advanced driver assistance features such as Side Wind Assist and Trailer Sway Assis, as well as intelligent emergency braking with the detection of pedestrians and cyclists.
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But convenience features such as hands-free parking, adaptive cruise control, and 360-degree parking cameras are said to put the Townstar at the forefront of its category. The EV version of the van will also feature Nissan’s semi-autonomous ProPILOT feature, which, when activated, automatically slows the vehicle to a complete stop while also centering it in the lane while on the highway.
The petrol version of the Townstar will feature an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EV models get upgraded to a 10-inch unit. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay feature across the range, as well as wireless phone charging, but the electric van is said to support “further enhanced Connected Services.”
Load Space, Specs, And Warranty
With 4.3 cubic meters (151 cubic feet) of load space, the Townstar features a larger load area than the 3.4 cubic meters (122 cubic feet) offered by the NV200 LCV. Loads up to 800kg (1764 lb) can be transported while towing is rated at 1,500kg (3307 lb). The cargo area is accessed via dual sliding side doors or 60/40-split French doors at the rear.
Although prices have not yet been announced, Nissan offers a pan-European five-year, 100,000-mile (160,000 km) warranty for all vehicles in their refreshed LCV range. The Townstar EV will feature an additional eight-year, 100,000-mile (160,000 km) warranty on the battery.
NV Range Rebranded
The Townstar joins the rebranded Primastar (Formerly LV300) and Interstar (né NV400) in Nissan’s relaunched LCV line-up.
The Interstar, based on the Renault Master, features an updated Euro 6d and Euro VIe compliant 2.3-liter engine. This engine is available in seven different output configurations, from 110hp to 180hp. Along with the Primastar, new advanced driver assistance systems will be introduced.
The Primastar, whose platform is shared with the Renault Trafic, receives more extensive updates, including a new grille, LED headlamps, and optional 17-inch alloy wheels. The Primastar’s engine range has also been updated with lower emissions, conforming to Euro 6d regulations.
Nissan Townstar
Nissan Primastar
Nissan Interstar