By Steve & Tamami Laser
The new Nissan Primastar Seaside by Dethleffs camper van conversion going on sale in Europe this summer is so cool that we’ve added it to our wish list. (We’ve owned three campers over the years.)
Based on the 2022 Primastar Tekna cargo van, the camper conversion, built by leisure-vehicle specialists at Dethleffs in Germany, is dubbed the perfect partner for enjoying the spirit of the summer on European roads.
With its compact exterior dimensions, spacious cabin, and pop-up roof, the Primastar Seaside offers flexible seating configurations and sleeping arrangements, along with a kitchenette, and many of the good things we seek in a camper.
Dining with family or friends is a breeze, thanks to the swiveling front seats and removable table. A rail system embedded in the floor provides modular, versatile accommodations with up to four individual seats. Repositioning the seats opens up space to carry bulky gear such as bikes, surfboards, or skis inside the van.
Features include a 36-liter fridge, two-burner gas stove, stainless steel sink, four storage drawers and a roll-up compartment. A glass plate can cover the stove and sink when not in use for extra counter space.
When sleepy heads prevail and it’s time to retire, the Primastar Seaside obliges with a foldable bed for two fitted with a foam mattress for comfort. Another bed is located under the pop-up roof, with a slatted frame and full-surface spring base for added support.
A wardrobe with roller blind system in the main cabin offers extra space for gear, along with an integrated compartment that houses a 29-liter fresh-water tank, and a separate gas bottle. Dimmable LED light strips, LED spotlights, and integrated USB port are also included.
The camper van is also fitted with an 8-inch touchscreen and DAB radio, multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, cruise control, backup camera, blind-spot assistant, emergency brake assistant, and traffic sign and speed recognition.
The Nissan Primastar delivers the goods when it’s time to venture out on the road, with a responsive 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. Customers can select outputs of 150 hp or 170 hp, and opt for a 6-speed automatic or manual gearbox.
According to Nissan, the Primastar Seaside by Dethleffs will initially be available through specialized dealerships in Germany, and includes the automaker’s light commercial vehicle five-year (or 100,000 miles) limited warranty on the base vehicle, as well as the camper conversion.
Dethleffs, located in Isny im Allgäu, has been producing caravans, mobile homes and camper vans since 2004, while tracing its roots back some 90 years. A talented crew of designers, fabricators, technicians, and engineers install the conversions, including the central cabin interiors, electric wiring and heating, water supply, body mods, and pop-up roof.
The base Nissan Primastar van, built at the Renault-Nissan Alliance plant in Sandouville, France, is offered in a variety of configurations in Europe, including passenger versions and panel vans. While it’s not available in America, we’ve added this cool van, with the Seaside conversion, to our wish list.
Models, features, specifications, and availability for Germany, and other Euro markets, is subject to change without notice
News source and photos courtesy of Nissan Europe and Nissan International SA
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