Set for action.

Byline: By Steve Hughes

The newest and smallest star in Nissan's constellation of commercial vehicles, the Kubistar, goes on sale in mid-October with prices from pounds 7,500.

The 1.5-litre diesel, which is expected to be the most popular, comes with a choice of three different power outputs, of 57bhp, 65bhp and 82bhp. Prices for the diesels, badged dCi, start at pounds 9,250, plus VAT.

There is also a 1.2-litre petrol version, developing 60bhp, at pounds 7,500 plus VAT, with 40mpg economy.

The Kubistar E gets a bulkhead, rubber load mat and interior wheelarch protectors, tinted glass, remote central locking, power steering, an airbag, and a two-speaker radio cassette with steering-wheel mounted controls.

For an extra pounds 350, the SE adds electric windows, electric door mirrors, a CD player instead of the cassette, a roof storage shelf and anti-lock brakes. The latter alone is a pounds 400 option on some rivals.

A so-called Modularity Pack at pounds 295 includes a folding passenger seat, swivelling bulkhead and a roof hatch. The Climate Pack gives air conditioning, a heat-reflective windscreen and pollen filter for another pounds 550. For pounds 175, the Style Pack adds roof rails and front fog lamps, and the pounds 350 Safety Pack gives the added protection of a passenger and side airbags. And finally, the Glazing Pack sees the metalled-up side panels and rear door replaced with glass for pounds 650, including two side-sliding doors and rear wash-wipe.

One or two side-sliding doors can be added to the SE versions for pounds 235 and pounds 400 respectively. A glazed tailgate with a wash-wipe can be added for pounds 125.

There is three-year RAC breakdown cover, and if the van is off the road the driver gets a replacement.

The Kubistar's payload ranges from 625kg to 800kg on the high payload version, and its load area can accommodate 3.0 cubic metres of packages in conjunction with its optional swivel bulkhead.

The load area is 1.6m long and the 1.1m width between the wheelarches, which means it can accommodate a metric pallet. Access to the load area is via twin rear doors.