History and Development
The Nissan Kubistar was based on the first generation of the Renault Kangoo, which was introduced in 1997 as a replacement for the Renault Express. The Kangoo was built on a modified version of the Renault-Nissan B platform, which also underpinned the Renault Clio and the Nissan Micra. The Kangoo was designed to offer a spacious and practical interior, with removable rear seats and windows, a large sliding side door, and a low loading height. The Kangoo also had a distinctive front end styling, with a large grille and teardrop headlamps. The Kangoo was facelifted in 2003, with a new nose design that featured a body-colored panel with the Renault diamond logo in the center.
The Nissan Kubistar was launched in 2003 as part of a cooperation agreement between Renault and Nissan, which aimed to share platforms and technologies to reduce costs and increase efficiency. The Kubistar was essentially a rebadged Kangoo, with minor cosmetic changes such as different badges, wheel covers, and interior trim. The Kubistar shared the same engine lineup as the Kangoo, which included petrol and diesel options ranging from 1.2 L to 1.9 L in displacement. The Kubistar also offered the same transmission choices as the Kangoo, which included a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Kubistar was available in two wheelbase lengths: standard (2.6 m) and long (2.9 m). The standard wheelbase version had a cargo volume of 2.8 m, while the long wheelbase version had 3.6 m. The passenger car version of the Kubistar could seat up to five people.
Performance and Safety
The Nissan Kubistar offered a decent performance for its class, with adequate power and handling for urban and suburban driving. The petrol engines were more refined and responsive than the diesel ones, but they also consumed more fuel and emitted more CO2. The diesel engines were more economical and torquey, but they also produced more noise and vibration. The transmission options also affected the performance of the Kubistar, with the manual gearbox being more engaging and precise than the automatic or CVT ones. The Kubistar had a front-wheel drive layout, with an optional four-wheel drive system for some markets. The Kubistar had a top speed of around 150 km/h (93 mph), depending on the engine and transmission combination.
The Nissan Kubistar also had a reasonable level of safety for its time, with standard features such as driver airbag, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and immobilizer. Some optional features included passenger airbag, side airbags, traction control system (TCS), electronic stability program (ESP), and rear parking sensors. The Kubistar also had a reinforced body structure, crumple zones, side impact bars, and seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Kubistar received three stars out of five in the Euro NCAP crash test rating in 2003.
Reception and Legacy
The Nissan Kubistar received mixed reviews from critics and customers alike. On one hand, it was praised for its spaciousness, versatility, practicality, reliability, and affordability. On the other hand, it was criticized for its lack of originality, refinement, comfort, style, and equipment. The Kubistar faced stiff competition from other similar vehicles in its segment, such as the CitroÃn Berlingo, the Peugeot Partner, the Fiat Doblo, and the Ford Transit Connect. The Kubistar also suffered from low brand recognition and awareness in some markets, where it was overshadowed by its Renault counterpart.
The Nissan Kubistar was discontinued in 2009, after six years of production. It was replaced by the Nissan NV200, which was also based on the Renault Kangoo, but with more significant changes and improvements. The NV200 was also sold as the Mitsubishi Delica D:3, the Chevrolet City Express, and the Ashok Leyland Stile in different regions. The NV200 also spawned an electric version, the e-NV200, which was launched in 2014. The NV200 is still in production as of 2021, with a third generation expected to debut soon.
The Nissan Kubistar was a modest and functional vehicle that served its purpose well, but it did not leave a lasting impression on the automotive industry or the public. It was a product of a strategic partnership between two major automakers, but it lacked the identity and appeal of its own. It was a good example of badge engineering, but not of innovation or creativity.
References:
: [Euro NCAP - Nissan Kubistar]
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