Nissan Cabstar NT400 (2007 – 2020) Review

February 2007

New Nissan Cabstar goes on sale

The new Cabstar remains true to the 'cabin over engine' concept. By putting the engine under the cabin, more of the length of the truck can be used as load-carrying space, which means that the Cabstar is more manoeuvrable in town.

In terms of engine line-up, three new engine options are available. A 2.5-litre common rail diesel engine in two versions - 110PS and 130PS with 250 and 270Nm of torque. The third new engine option is the ZD30 3.0-litre. Power is 150PS and torque is 350Nm. To give operators the maximum opportunity to choose the Cabstar which best fits their needs, there are three different wheelbase options: 2500mm, 2900mm and 3400mm and two different cab configurations, Single Tilt and Double Cab.

May 2007

Cabstar wins Ultra Light Truck award at the Professional Van and Light Truck Awards. The Cabstar was judged to be the best in class for its incredible value proposition made from a mix of high load capacity, best in class manoeuvrability and improved cabin space for driver and passenger comfort.

November 2007

Nissan launches Cabstar Good To Go range

The Cabstar range is now offered with a choice of 3.5t box van conversions across all three wheelbases. Depending on the size of box van, payloads range from 1160kg to 1422kg, load volumes from 14.3m3 to 19m3 and load lengths from 3275mm to 4375mm. Constructed from GRP, features include a polyester translucent roof, 18mm Wizadeck flooring, 300mm section kick board, one set of Aeroquip lashing bars and two levels of lashing rails. Twin rear doors opening to 270 degrees are standard, while customers can alternatively specify a rear roller shutter door supplied by either Whiting or JBL.

A refrigerated Good-To-Go option on the 3.5 tonne single cab Cabstar uses the same bodybuilder and fridge units featured on other Nissan Good-To-Go models and comes in capacities ranging from 10.8m3 to 15.4m3 and with load lengths of between 3164mm to 3664mm. Topping off the Cabstar range is a variety of tippers and dropsides, again spread over standard and crew cab models, and with three wheelbases to cope with every requirement, from landscape gardeners to scaffolders.

July 2009

Cabstar Recovery Vehicle launched

Capable of carrying vehicles as large as Nissan’s Pathfinder, the special UK conversion has a body weight as low as 390kg, which means a payload of up to 2336kg. That means even a Pathfinder or similar large 4x4 can be safely accommodated on the 4950x1950mm deck area. Eight lashing rings keep the vehicle secure, while operating flexibility is assured by the Cabstar 8000kg GTW giving customers the option of towing an additional vehicle using a suitable tow bar trailer combination.

Other features include side body guards and marker lights, a flybridge with optional light bar and self-levelling air suspension at the rear. Further options include an electric 7.5 tonne winch to take the hard graft out of loading and unloading.

February 2014

Cabstar revised and renamed NT400

Among the changes are new looks, an improved payload, new high output engine, longer service intervals for lower operating costs and new equipment providing extra comfort and greater safety.

All engine options are fully compliant with Euro 5b+ emission regulations while the new 145PS high output engine option is 45kg lighter than the unit it replaces, benefiting both economy and improving the vehicle payload. It is available ex-factory with a choice of tipper, box and dropside bodies or as a chassis cab ready for conversions by specialists capable of installing an even wider variety of bodies on the vehicle.

To make the job of the specialist body builders as easy as possible, Nissan has equipped the NT400 Cabstar with a comprehensive array of connectors, electrical pre-equipment and warning lamps to enable a virtual ‘plug and go' operation.

Connectors are fixed to the frame to facilitate the attachments of a new body to the chassis while new wiring harnesses are in place, linking the frame with the vehicle electrical system. The instrument panel has additional warning lamps within the dials and there are supplementary switches strategically placed ahead of the driver.

The range remains as wide as ever. Available in single and double cab forms, there are three different wheelbase lengths available, five GVWs from 2.8t to 4.5t and three power output options from the common rail 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine.

Inside there are new fabrics while a heated driver's seat is available as part of a winter pack that also includes heated and electrically adjusted side mirrors and a rear heater in double cab versions. New audio equipment includes USB, iPod and AUX-in connection while Bluetooth connectivity has been integrated for hands-free mobile phone use. The 2-Din audio provides FM/AM/LW wavebands and includes a single CD slot with MP3 compatibility.

Easier to read instruments include a larger tachometer and speedometer that sandwich a new multifunctional display. Among its features are read-outs for instant and average fuel consumption, oil level check, maintenance advice including an oil change monitor which can help to extend service intervals, digital clock and a gear-shift advisory message. The display can be set in any of ten different languages.

There has been a significant 30kg weight reduction in 3.5t and 4.5t single cab versions, effected by the removal of the spare wheel, jack and associated tools and which directly improves the payload by a similar amount. In place of the spare, a tyre repair kit - complete with compressor and sealant - has been installed behind the driver's seat in the cabin, though a full sized spare is still available as an option.

The most significant changes, however, concern the engines on offer. The YD25 four-cylinder 2,488cc common rail turbo diesel unit has a diesel particulate filter (complete with driver operated regeneration function), diesel oxidation catalyst, exhaust gas recirculation and on-board diagnostics to ensure it is fully Euro 5b+ compliant.

It is available in three different power outputs - 121PS/250Nm, 136PS/270Nm and 145PS/350Nm. The high output version, which replaces the older 3.0-litre ZD30 unit, is new to NT400 Cabstar. With an identical torque figure to the bigger engine and just 5PS less despite its smaller capacity, the new unit offers the same performance but enjoys significant benefits in fuel economy, emissions and operational efficiency.

As much as 45kgs lighter, the new engine delivers up to 22 per cent better fuel consumption, while service intervals have been extended to 40,000 kms from 30,000kms. As well as lowering running costs, the extended service intervals mean less operating down time.

The low output engine is coupled to a five speed manual transmission and is available in NT400 Cabstar with 2.8t, 3.2t, 3.4t and 3.5t GVWs. The mid and high output versions have six speed manual transmissions and power NT400 Cabstar models with 3.5t and 4.5t GVWs.