Introduction
When we first tested the Nissan Cabstar tipper, back in 1993, our introduction began: “If it ‘ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The brochure for the latest Cabstar begins: “It wasn’t broke, so we haven’t fixed it.”
It’s good to see that Nissan maintains a good collection of Commercial Motor back issues, but perhaps we’re being unduly modest.
Product Profile
Any reader who isn’t conversant with the Cabstar range by now obviously hasn’t been paying attention. Just to recap, it comes in E90 and E110 versions (named for their nominal power outputs) with a choice of wheelbases, cans and trim.
This week’s Cabstar is, appropriately enough, the ultimate model in the range: the long-wheelbase chassis, cab, fitted with Nissan’s factory-built, four-door, six-seater double-cab in mid-range SL trim. Its twin-rear-wheel driveline carries a tipper body.
Productivity
Like numerous other vendors of off-the-peg tippers and dropsides, Nissan has chosen the Ingimex route. Based on the standard F2 design, the Cabstar’s tipper is distinctly Nissan – the steel headboard mesh is formed from cut-out Nissan logos. Other features include alloy sides and tailboard and a phenolic resin ply floor. Although the sides have no check straps, the quick-release tailgate is top-and-bottom hinged.
Back in 1993 we criticised the Cabstar’s electro-hydraulic tipping rig for its lack of control. The latest colourful button and combined isolator switch/body-raised warning light look more impressive than the old toggle witch, but there is still no control, fine or otherwise. The body is either moving or not, and if it’s descending with any weight still on board it lands with a disconcerting crash.
Versatility is everything with this type of vehicle, and the Nissan offers a choice of two hefty operatives in the cab and a genuine tonne in the back, or half a dozen workers and half a tonne of payload.
Although this Nissan’s flat front and open tipper body don’t create the ideal recipe for economy, the fully laden consumption of 28.5mpg is nothing to be ashamed of. The E110’s three-litre engine comes with a 12,000-mile service interval – compared with 6,000 miles for the smaller model – but all models have the same three-year/60,000-mile warranty with RAC cover for the first year.
