- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
Nissan Townstar Compact Van. Renault Kangoo clone
The first generation of the well-known Renault Kangoo was released in 2007. The model had an analogue from Nissan, called the Nissan Kubistar, which was produced until 2009. The second-generation clone was called the Nissan NV250, and the third-generation vehicle debuted in the autumn of 2021. Marketers again came up with another creative name for it. Meet the completely ‘new’ Nissan Townstar Compact Van, the Renault Kangoo clone. The new vehicle will have fewer sales markets, which don’t include North America. By the way, there is another vehicle built on the CMF-C platform, the Mercedes-Benz Citan. The gasoline version of the Townstar will appear in European countries in the winter, while the electric one will be introduced in the second half of 2022, the analogues from Renault and Mercedes-Benz will be released at the same time.
Exterior
The Nissan Townstar has a slightly different rear and front optics, a different front bumper and a different radiator grille. Plus, there is another emblem, a circle instead of a rhombus. The new Nissan Townstar looks more angular and ‘angry’.
Nissan’s model has both commercial cargo and passenger modifications. The latter is quite suitable for the role of family transport. It is not known whether there will be a longer version, like the one offered by the Kangoo, but there is no specially shaped right hand column to facilitate loading. The vehicle has sliding doors on the sides and hinged doors (60/40) at the back. The cargo version holds up to 3.9 cubic meters of cargo (with the front passenger seat folded down), and the load capacity is up to 800 kg. The 5-seater passenger version offers a 775-liter trunk.
Interior
The 2021/2022 Nissan Townstar’s interior almost copies the French source model. However, Nissan’s model features its own multifunction steering wheel. There are no more differences: a 10-inch digital dashboard (option), an 8-inch multimedia system screen.
The Nissan Townstar is the successor to the outdated global model Nissan NV200 (2009-2021)
The Nissan Townstar’s equipment is exactly the same as that of the Renault Kangoo. Dual-zone climate control and engine start button are optional. At the same time, the compact van features its own all-round cameras and ProPilot system, that is, advanced adaptive cruise control. On the highway, the system automatically accelerates and decelerates the vehicle, keeping it in the center of the lane even when turning. For the first time, the standard equipment includes pedestrian and cyclist detection functions and hands-free parking. The media system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions. Moreover, the compact van uses a smartphone wireless charging technology.
Powertrain
Note that the Nissan Townstar cargo van carries an EV prefix and is driven by an electric motor with a capacity of 90 kW (122 hp, 245 Nm), which is powered by a 44 kWh battery. The vehicle has a driving range of 285 km (WLTP). The passenger version is equipped with a 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine (130 hp, 240 Nm), which is complemented by a 6-speed manual transmission. A 7-speed dual-clutch robotic gearbox is optional.
