subject: Multi Faceted Legacy Of Nissan Primastar Van [print this page] Multi Faceted Legacy of Nissan Primastar Van
Originally produced by Renault, this light weight van is sold with many tags. Some of the major automakers like Vauxhall, Opel, Tata and Nissan sell Trafic with their own badge in different markets. At one point in time even the Detroit giant Chevrolet also sold Trafic as Chevrolet Trafic. Originally Renault developed Trafic in collaboration with Opel but currently the original generation Trafic is manufactured by TATA, for Indian market only, as Tata Winger.
First generation Renault Trafic was produced from 1980 till 2000, though the basic design and structure remained same during this time frame, some modifications and facelifts were introduced especially in 1990s to keep Trafic abreast with changing trends in automotive industry. First generation Trafic was launched as Winnebago LeSharo, from 1997 to 2000, however it was introduced in market by Chevrolet as Chevrolet Trafic, by Opel as Opel Arena and by Vauxhall as Vauxhall Arena. Tata on the other hand started production of the first generation Trafic as late as 2007, with Tatas own engine under the hood. The first generation Renault Trafic had 5 speed manual gearbox with 1.4, 1.6, 2.2 litre petrol and 2.1, 2.5 litre diesel engines.
Second generation Trafic was launched in 2001 and it is still being produced as of now. However, now Nissan is also a collaborator, in its development and production, along with Opel and Renault. This trio of German, French and Japanese automakers is responsible for developing Opel Vivaro, Renault Trafic and Nissan Primastar. Now Primastar or Trafic is available with either 6 speed manual or 6 speed semi automatic gearbox. Nissan, Opel and Renault offer only one 1.9 litre petrol engine along with 1.9, 2.0 and 2.5 litre turbo charged diesel engines.
During its second generation, Nissan used following Primastar engine codes K9K Engine; this Nissan Primastar engine was 1.5 litre turbo charged diesel engine based on DCI technology. It had 16 valves and trio of automakers used it from 2002 till 2011. F9Q Engine; it was another 16 valve diesel engine based on DCI technology. This 1.9 litre F9Q engine was used in Nissan Primastar models from 2002 till 2011. YD20 DE Engine; it was 2.0 litre16 valve turbo charged diesel engine based on DCI technology. It was used from 2002 till 2011. G9U Engine; This 2.5 litre 16 valve turbo charged diesel engine was also based on DCI technology and was used in Primastar from 2003 till 2011.
