Nissan has unveiled its new Townstar compact van, which will ‘future-proof’ business operations with both fully electric and petrol powertrains.
Built on the CMF-C platform from the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance, it’s the successor to both the e-NV200 and the NV250, and will bring a range of up to 177 miles from the electric version along with a raft of new technologies and versatile configurations.
The electric model features a larger 122hp motor and 44kWh battery than the current e-NV200, giving 245Nm of torque and a 43% improvement in predicted range. It can be charged at up to 11kW AC (22kW optional) or 75kW DC, the latter giving a 0-80% charge in 42 minutes. It will also feature intelligent energy management and battery thermal cooling, and employs styling cues from the forthcoming Ariya electric coupé crossover.
The petrol version will use a 130hp 1.3-litre engine, fully compliant with latest Euro 6d-Full emissions regulations and producing 240Nm of torque.
Nissan has confirmed there will not be diesel versions of the Townstar.
Cargo space stands at up to 4.3m3, enabling the Townstar to transport two Euro pallets and up to 800kg of cargo, while both powertrains give a 1,500kg towing capacity.
The cargo area features large sliding doors on the side and the option to have 60/40 French doors with 180-degree opening at the rear. The Townstar also incorporates smart storage solutions and a dedicated space for on-board office tools.
The new van also debuts more than 20 new technology features. These include advanced driver assistance features such as Side Wind Assist and Trailer Sway Assist, along with Intelligent Emergency Braking featuring Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection and Junction Assist. The Townstar also features Hands-Free Parking and Intelligent Cruise Control.
Adding to its safety credentials, the Townstar also introduces Around View Monitor (AVM) tech for the first time in the compact van segment, displaying a 360-degree overview of the area around the vehicle via a suite of cameras.
Drivers also benefit from the ProPilot advanced driver assistance system, designed for motorways and allowing the vehicle to automatically slow to a full stop and accelerate by following the vehicle ahead, as well as keeping it centred in the lane.
Connected tech including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless phone charging will be available across the range from launch, while the electric version will introduced further Connected Services, accessed via an 8-inch touchscreen, linked to a 10-inch digital driver’s screen.
Both models also get Nissan’s LCV five-year/100,000-mile warranty, in addition to the eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty for the EV version. Prices are yet to be confirmed.
“Offering two efficient powertrain solutions, ergonomic design and unique technologies, the all-new Townstar is comprehensively equipped to meet customers’ ever-changing needs,” said Emmanuelle Serazin, LCV & corporate sales director, Nissan Europe.
“With tougher emissions standards, urban access restrictions, and ever-increasing demand for last-mile delivery, businesses large and small need to find effective and sustainable solutions to remain competitive and optimise their operations.”
