The diesel version of the all-new Nissan Interstar is available to pre-order with the electric van version set to follow later in the year. The latter will offer one of the best electric ranges in the class, with an official 285 miles possible between charges.
The large van is new from the ground up and features improved aerodynamics, greater loadbay accessibility, a high payload on the electric version and a range of factory conversions. It is the same fundamental van as the new Renault Master, which also arrives in summer 2024.
As well as the electric Interstar-e, the Nissan will come with a diesel option in Europe, which will offer improved economy over the outgoing model thanks to the new model’s aerodynamic tweaks. These result in a 20% improvement in drag, which in turn reduces fuel or electric consumption.
Diesel model first on sale
Despite the headline-grabbing electric model, diesel is very much still part of the plan for the Interstar, with four engines available to Nissan, ranging in power outputs from 105hp, 130hp, 150hp to 170hp. The two most powerful of these are also available with a new nine-speed automatic gearbox.
It has now been confirmed that all four of these engines are available in the UK. The 105hp version with the manual gearbox is the cheapest in the range with a starting price of £33,480 (not including VAT) for the H2 model in Acenta trim. The most expensive panel van combo is the 170hp automatic Tekna+ with twin rear wheels in L4H3, which starts at £43,980.
There are three trims on offer, the Acenta, Tekna and Tekna+ and the Interstar comes in platform cab and chassis cab models alongside light- and heavy-duty versions of the panel van.
Strong electric range
The new model marks the first time that the Nissan Interstar is available in the UK with an electric version, and it offers an 87kWh battery that promises a top range of 285 miles. This is somewhat higher than the 255 miles that was quoted for the Interstar’s sister van, the new 2024 Renault Master, when it was first announced in November 2023. This is because the homologation hadn’t yet been completed, says Nissan, and the WLTP figures have been revised upwards.
There is also a 40kWh version available, with a more modest range of 112 miles. This is not coming to the UK on the Renault Master, but Nissan has included it in its offering. It expects that the bigger battery will make up the majority of sales, though.
These batteries will be on sale for several years, but Nissan expects to see solid-state technology that will lower battery weight and improve performance from around 2027/28.
The larger battery comes with rapid DC charging ability, which enables it to reach 157 miles of range in 30 minutes. It can get from 10-100% in four hours on AC charging on a 22kW connection.
Improved practicality
The new Interstar offers a strong payload on its electric model, with up to 1.6 tonnes of carrying capacity. This should be possible on a standard category B car driver’s licence, too, says Nissan. The high-payload comes on a version with a model with a 4-tonne gross vehicle weight (GVW), which is permitted thanks to a loophole for electric vans that permits car licence holders to drive anything up to 4.25t GVW.
The diesel model offers an improved payload, too, with up to 2.0 tonnes possible, says Nissan, although it hasn’t specified exactly how much each version will be able to carry.
Towing is boosted too, with a maximum towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes. This applies to both diesel and electric versions.
Nissan has also improved the practicality in the rear of the Interstar, with the loading bay now 100mm longer at 3,800mm. Access is made easier thanks to a side door that is 40mm wider than before. There will no longer be an extra-short model, with the range starting with the 5,680mm-long L2. There will also be a 6,310mm L3 version, and two heights – H2 is 2.5m tall and the H3 2.75m high.
Despite the increased height, urban manoeuvrability is made slightly easier, thanks to the reduced turning circle, which is now 1.5m smaller than the outgoing Interstar’s.
As well as the panel van, Nissan is also promising a range of different body shapes and styles. The range of factory-built conversions will include a Tipper, Dropside and a Box Van, with other options such as a refrigerated van or camper also possible.
All versions in the UK will be front-wheel drive. Nissan will be offering a rear-wheel-drive model in other markets, but this is not part of the plan for right-hand-drive markets, nor is an all-wheel-drive model.
More kit and improved safety
Nissan has stepped up the level of kit in the cabin and under the Interstar’s skin, with the interior getting features such as a heated windscreen and heated seats. The latter get durable covers to improve lifespan and are said to offer improved comfort and support.
Safety has been drastically improved, too, with more safety features than ever before on an Interstar. The list includes a range of passive and active systems, with forward emergency braking, drowsiness warning, tyre pressure monitoring system and trailer sway assist.
A new braking system optimises braking power and is said to halve the reaction time for emergency stops.
When can I buy the new Nissan Interstar and how much will it cost?
Pre-sale orders of the diesel Interstar started in early May 202, with the first deliveries kicking off in October. Pricing starts at £33,090 for the diesel. The electric model will go on sale from summer 2024.
