08/11/2024 Nissan’s ‘next gen’ Interstar takes the large van class to new heights. This comes as no surprise as Interstar is the Japanese firm’s version of the Renault Master – the reigning European Van of the Year! We’ve been testing it in Northern Spain prior to its arrival in Ireland in early 2025. In short, Nissan has a gem of a commercial vehicle with its new Interstar.
There is an Nissan Interstar to meet most buyer’s requirements from fleet to user chooser. The large front wheel drive van features a choice of diesel and electric powertrains, a choice of body lengths (L2 5.68m, L3 6.31m) and heights from 2.5m (H2) up to 2.75m (H3), has an overall width of 2.22m and gearbox options of manual and automatic. The side door is extra large (+40mm) and this aids side loading. The cargo area can take from 10.8 cubic metres up to 22. The 3.5T Interstar can carry up to 1,125kgs in the rear. Nissan also gives an excellent 5 year warranty with the new Interstar and an 8 year battery warranty with EV versions. Diesel power remains essential in Ireland but there is increasing pressure on firms (and individuals) to go greener. As yet, the financial incentives to ditch diesel and go electric are not strong enough, but that can, and will change with the stroke of a pen at some stage. The EV version comes in two battery sizes with official quoted ranges from full of 200km and 460km. Real world use suggests that all EV vans hopelessly fail to come close to their claimed range when used conventionally. The entry point 40kWh battery is very small and should only considered for use for low mileage work – like a milk float of old. The larger 87kWh battery variant will be more real world usable but will obviously cost more. Diesel Interstars will come with a choice of power outputs to suit demands and budgets. A manual handbrake features, even in the automatic/electric version. This is an ‘engineering cost’ choice made by the Renault/Nissan as an electronic handbrake would be too costly.
The exterior shape of the Interstar is interesting and innovative for the class. The embossed ‘Interstar’ nameplate on the grille and use of strong horizontal lines and Nissan light signature makes the Interstar appear quite aggressive. It certainly announces itself with confidence and fills rearview mirrors effortlessly. A closer looks shows more aerodynamic innovation with air-blade like slots to smooth airflow around the front wheel area to again reduce drag and help reduce fuel costs. Interstar looks like a Nissan thanks to the frontal area – the rest of the exterior is bland and follows function more than form. As with Master, Interstar features a slightly sloping roof at the rear. This helps reduce drag from the dirty air passing over it.
In the cabin, the Interstar’s dashboard has a bit more personality than blander offerings. The dash appears more truck-like, favouring the driver. The controls fall easily to hand. The only criticism of the dash is the passenger side cupholder that when in use obscures the driver’s vision of the smaller convex mirror – a favourite of most drivers because at a glance it almost eliminates blind spots. The driving position is commanding and adjustable. As with the class the passengers get a set seating position. Cubby and oddment storage is good in the cabin too. Cabin access is good and easier than its Stellantis group rivals thanks to a well placed cup holder that unintentionally / instinctively acts as a grab handle! The wing mirrors are large and vision is good – unless your passengers use theirs, and partially block it!
The Interstar drives very well the manual gearbox though slightly notchy is perfectly positioned. The European diesel (dCi) range features power outputs of: 105hp/330nm, 130hp/350nm, 150hp/360nm up to 170hp/380nm.The drivetrain is very well insulated in the cabin and this adds to the overall sense of comfort and general driving experience. The auto diesel (available in the dCi150/360nm or dCi 170/380nm) was not available to test but features a new ZF 9-speed box and looks very interesting. The electric version with its automatic gearbox, silent powertrain and almost one pedal driving dynamic is an absolute joy to drive. In slow moving traffic, the big electric motor powered commercial is the least stressful way of getting around the place you could imagine. It doesn’t matter if loaded or unloaded, following slow moving vehicles up hills or negotiating junctions is effortless. The lack of the need to shift gears up or down eliminates stalling. Puling power is always on hand from zero revs. The steering column mounted gear lever/stalk in the electric version has a B mode which employs additional regenerative breaking. This is very useful for simply urban multi-drop driving. I would like the B brake force to be even stronger but thats only a niggle. The cargo area behind the metal bulkhead is available in different sizes as you would expect (L & H) and a chassis cab version for ireland is being explored. Nissan Europe showed us a number of aftermarket variations, including a mobile sauna, removable camper module and of course an obligatory food truck version.
Nissan Ireland sells it vans through its car dealerships and does not have a specialised ‘van centre / professional’ type of set up. The lack of official out of hours servicing and other extraordinary services for professional users at present may restrict the firm’s appeal. That said, the product in Interstar’s case is excellent. Nissan Ireland has been plagued with under supply of van product from the mothership but that looks to be sorted going forward. Nissan Ireland’s Managing Director, Seamus Morgan: “Nissan’s position in the LCV market has faced challenges in recent years due to supply constraints, but we’re delighted to see those challenges easing now as supply returns to more sustainable levels, helping us fuel our efforts to reestablish Nissan as a top player in the LCV market. The new Interstar, with strong availability and a highly competitive price, is central to this strategy. We’re especially pleased to introduce the new Interstar in both electric and diesel versions, enabling us to reach a broader range of customers in the large van market. This dual-power offering not only strengthens our lineup but also ensures we meet the evolving needs of today’s diverse businesses.”
Two grades feature for Ireland with the entry point being SV, and then SV Premium getting most of the toys. Final Irish pricing is being nailed down as we write, but the 130hp diesel’s pricing can be seen below.
The next gen Interstar is a very safe van with excellent NCAP scores. ADAS and safety systems include the latest: Front Assist (FEB/AEBS, MOIS including cyclist and pedestrian detection), Intelligent Speed Assist Systems (ISA, Cruise Control) and Lateral Assist Systems (LKA, Drowsiness detection, BSIS (lateral cyclist detection/passenger blind spot detection). Interstar gets an innovative one box braking system that works more effectively, delivers a consistent braking feel and reduces weight. Towing capacity is 2,500kgs (braked) or 2,000kg with the EV. GTW is 5.8t or 5.5t in the EV. Nissan has a terrific offering with the new Interstar. Michael Sheridan
