Verdict: tough and durable, but the latest Cabstar is uncomfortable and lacklustre to drive
The Cabstar’s lightweight aluminium body is solid and looks good
What’s hot
• The price for starters. At £22,230 it’s a good three grand cheaper than the average chassis-cab such as is offered by the Ford Transit. Mind you, the Transit will return 35mpg against the Cabstar’s 31mpg, so over the course of a long life things will probably just about even themselves out.
• The lightweight aluminium body feels good and solid and the restraining clips at each corner were smooth and easy to operate. Meanwhile the Cabstar features a lined non-slip floor which means drivers shouldn’t slide around and hurt themselves in wet weather.
What’s not
• The NT400 Cabstar certainly looks smart from the outside but once you get on board, the rougher side of the vehicle soon becomes apparent. We are now so used to the smooth rides offered by the new crop of modern heavy vans that what’s on offer in the Cabstar will come as a bit of a shock.
• Actually getting behind the wheel was a major problem. At 6ft 3in I just didn’t fit in the cab and after twisting round like some demented contortionist for a few minutes trying to climb aboard I finally ended up with my knees almost up to my chin while the steering column was about 2in away from the family jewels.
• The powerplant fires up with a loud rattle, alas it doesn’t diminish even when the engine is warm.
• Unladen the ride is uncomfortably bouncy – perhaps not surprising when you consider this vehicle is built to carry a tonne and a half of heavy cargo.
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