The most important point is probably its boxy shape. It adds a few more centimeters, especially in the head area, which means that the roof bed is five centimeters wider than the one in the California top dog.
Nissan Primastar Seaside: This is it
No one has to reinvent the wheel. Its expansion follows the principles known from the previous model – but these are the ones that have proven themselves in the small camper van class for decades. Let’s start at the back: The large tailgate, which also protects against rain, folds down to reveal an impressive luggage space (1.07 meters wide) under the folded mattress. This is completely expandable – as the individual seats can be moved on solid plane rails, which means the camper can quickly transform into a donkey pack.
However, the hanging cabinet under the roof (it also carries the rear speakers), the bed support on the right and the floor-to-ceiling furniture on the left always remain installed. This houses the small gas box, external shower connection, fresh water tank, on-board battery and of course several laundry rooms. They are closed with roller blinds or doors. Above is a cable rack.
The front part, half the height of the furniture is reserved for cooling and cooking. Large: There is a hanging basket in the large squeeze box that keeps things tidy. The combination of the sink in front of it is large enough and easy to clean. Separate glass covers enhance the work surface, and there is storage space in four drawers and a large compartment. What is particularly useful is that the table can not only be hung on its rail in the kitchen unit, but can also be set up independently (outside). Less practical: Turning the driver’s seat is difficult because the backrest is so thick that it does not fit beyond the steering wheel.
Installing a pop-up roof doesn’t have to be easy with new additions either. Although they can be adjusted under tension, the seal should still be tight even at high speeds. So a compromise must be found. Tip: As with any pop-up roof, be sure to leave the door open when opening and closing so that air can flow in and out freely. Climbing into the roof bed is easy through the seat and backrest. It’s airy and soft up here, the bed is more comfortable than down below. Both can carry up to 200 kg.
Nissan Primastar Seaside: Das hat er
Option to convert two additional individual seats into six seats including Isofix and top tether – attractive for families. Standard equipment includes a 150 hp diesel with a six-speed gearbox, emergency braking, lane departure warning and blind spot, reversing camera, side airbag (driver) and window airbags, heated seats, recognition of traffic signs, LED lights and 8 inch multimedia system. Thanks to the normal temperature of the warm air, the use is not limited to the summer months. The tough ones are still ordering pop-up roof insulation bellows (329 euros). And for PCs there is a starter kit with cables, wedges, plates, seats, etc. for 589 euros.
Nissan Primastar Seaside: Here’s how it drives
As you can guess from the safety and comfort features on offer, it’s quite a car. The dual-clutch transmission tends to be jerky at start-up, but is well suited to the powerful engine. And if the multimedia system responded to requests as quickly as he did, it would not be a mistake.
Conclusion
The appeal of this camper van is in its versatility. It offers an interesting amount of extra space with some clever ideas. Also for the price, the swivel seats and pop-up roof should be easy to use.
Technical data
• Output 125 kW (170 HP) at 3500 rpm
• Displacement 1997 cm3
• Torque 380 Nm at 1500 rpm
• Top speed 185 km/h
• Six-speed DCT transmission/drive/front wheel drive
• Tank/fuel capacity 80 l/diesel + 23 l AdBlue
• Length/width/height 5080/1956/2040 mm
• Wheel/tires 3098 mm/215/60 R 17 C
• Mass ready to drive/load approximately 2440/570 kg
• Trailer load (braked/unbraked) 1700/750 kg
• Material wall / roof / floor steel / GRP / sheet metal
• Upper sleeping area L x W 1890 x 1250 mm
• Sleeping area under L x W 2000 x 1250 mm
• Cold box compressor, 36 l
• Gas stove, 2 burners
• Bordbetri AGM, 12 V/95 Ah
• Fresh water/waste tank 29/24 l
• Gas distribution/heating 1x 2.8 kg/
• Eberspächer Airtronic 3 (Diesel, 2 kW)
• Base price/test car price 69,950 euros/75,911 euros