The Nissan Cabstar Dropside has always been a favourite of landscape gardeners and builders.Value for money, durability and with a good payload. It's still a true workhorse, but Nissan has made it more civilised to live with on a day to day basis. Cabstar is available in three wheelbases - short, medium and long - and two gross vehicle weights - 3,400kg (SWB) and 3,500kg. There are, however, now three engine options. The new 2.5-litre common rail diesel unit is available producing either 110 bhp or 130 bhp, with peak torque figures of 184 Ib/ft and 199 Ib/ft respectively. Both can be specified in SWB, but only the latter in MWB derivatives.
The LWB version takes a reworked derivative of the 3-litre engine from the previous model and is now capable of 150 bhp and develops 258 Ib/ft.Short-wheelbase models drive the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, while MWB and LWB derivatives get a six-speeder.
Nissan Cabstar remains forward control with the engine situated under the cab - tilting in the case of the single cab.The cab has been completely redesigned and the good news is that it is now bigger - 80mm taller and 100mm longer - which means that it's suitable for European body sizes.
General ergonomics and storage facilities are much improved; it provides a much more comfortable experience for driver and passengers alike. Nissan Cabstar has always been a sturdy horse, but Nissan has now managed to make it a great deal more civilised and refined.