Reviews - Nissan

Overall Rating

Nissans small van offering the Kubistar is in the same league as the Connect, Berlingo and Doblo Cargo. Choice of petrol or diesel, this van is ideal for whizzing around town with not too heavy a load.

• Decent spec inside
• Small and agile van

• Small payload may rule this van out
• Not much choice of engines

From the outside the Kubistar looks like any other small van on the market. Inside the materials used are standard too with plastic dash and simple controls. Storage is by shallow door bins and cubby holes beneath the small glove box and in front of the gear stick. Two available engines; diesel is the popular choice with the 1.5dCi engine common-rail injection now being commonly used by van manufacturers who say they are better at performance, refinement and economy than the old-style oil-burners. Tuned to outputs of 57, 65 or 82bhp make it perform well enough. When first starting the engine clatters but then is reasonably quiet. The engine is extremely economical with Nissan quoting 53mpg - depending on which power output you use. If you prefer the petrol option, a 60bhp, 41mpg 1.2-litre 16-valve petrol engine is also available. The specification will be either E or SE. E is the standard level but can still provide bulkhead, rubber load mat, remote central locking, power steering and an airbag amongst other things. SE has electric windows, a CD player, ABS brakes and a storage shelf in the roof. Payloads for 1.5dci models of 620kg and 1.2 litre petrol models of 625kg with the two more powerful diesels in SE spec there is an option to increase to 800kg, so as a used Kubistar buyer double check. On all models the goods are stowed through side-hinged rear doors or optional sliding side doors in a 3 cubic-metre load box. The space is 1.6m long and 1.1m wide so space for a standard Euro pallet. The Kubistar drives well especially around town and is agile in traffic. A perfect vehicle for light couriers, florists or electricians or anyone who doesn't need more payload than 600-800kg.

Nissan have gone to the top with this small van that compares favorably with it?s competitors, pricing is higher than the Kangoo so it will come down to what kind of deal you can get and personal preference.