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Nissan Townstar Compact Van vs Renault Express comparison

Compare performance (122 HP vs 102 HP), boot space and price (37,500 £ vs 17,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Nissan Townstar Compact Van or Renault Express?

Nissan Townstar Compact Van vs Renault Express: Key differences

Nissan Townstar Compact Van

  • somewhat more power
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Renault Express

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • significantly lighter
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By Achim Sedelmaier

Townstar Compact Van

In the competitive world of compact commercial vehicles, the Nissan Townstar Furgoneta Compacta and the Renault Express emerge as strong contenders. Both models cater to businesses looking for functionality, efficiency, and innovation in urban environments. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison that highlights their technical specifications, features, and overall value.

Express

Engine and Performance

The Nissan Townstar Furgoneta Compacta offers a variety of engine options, including petrol and electric variants. The petrol version generates a respectable 130 HP with a torque of 240 Nm, while its electric counterpart delivers 122 HP and boasts an impressive range of up to 301 km on a single charge, thanks to a robust 45 kWh battery.

In contrast, the Renault Express comes equipped with either diesel or petrol engines, with power outputs ranging from 75 HP to 102 HP. Its peak torque of 240 Nm supports solid performance. However, the Express falls behind in electric options, which could limit its appeal in increasingly eco-conscious markets.

Townstar Compact Van

Transmission and Driving Experience

Both the Townstar and Express feature front-wheel drive systems, which enhance traction and maneuverability—ideal for city driving. The Nissan Townstar comes with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions, allowing drivers to select their preferred driving style. Its top speed hits an impressive 183 km/h.

The Renault Express, however, is limited to a manual gearbox, providing a straightforward albeit less versatile driving experience compared to its competitor. Its top speed reaches 167 km/h, which, while adequate, slightly trails behind the Townstar.

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

Fuel consumption is a significant consideration for commercial vehicles. The Nissan Townstar records fuel consumption figures ranging from 6.7 to 7.1 L/100 km, depending on the configuration. The electric variant, with its 17.4 kWh/100 km consumption, offers an eco-friendly alternative for urban deliveries.

The Renault Express impresses with its fuel efficiency, achieving as low as 4.6 L/100 km, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses focused on minimizing operational costs. However, this advantage is somewhat offset by its higher emissions, with CO2 outputs ranging between 121 g/km and 149 g/km.

Interior and Payload Capacity

Inside, both vehicles are designed with functionality in mind, providing two seats and ample cargo space. The Nissan Townstar features a payload capacity of up to 775 kg, accommodating various business requirements. The spacious cargo area can handle sizeable loads while ensuring that the driver has a comfortable workplace.

The Renault Express has a slightly lower payload capacity, ranging from 575 kg to 700 kg, which may limit its appeal for heavier-duty tasks. Nevertheless, it still offers sufficient cargo space for many commercial applications.

Dimensions and Maneuverability

When it comes to size, the Nissan Townstar measures 4910 mm in length and 1860 mm in width, providing a substantial presence on the road. Its height of 1854 mm contributes to a spacious interior, while maintaining a manageable size for city maneuvering.

On the other hand, the Renault Express is more compact at 4393 mm long and 1775 mm wide, making it easier to navigate through tight urban spaces. However, this reduction in overall size may slightly limit cargo capacity compared to the Townstar.

Conclusion: Which One to Choose?

Choosing between the Nissan Townstar Furgoneta Compacta and the Renault Express ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize electric options, superior performance, and high load capacity, the Nissan Townstar is the clear winner. Conversely, if fuel efficiency and lower operational costs are your main concerns, the Renault Express stands out with its economical diesel and petrol engines. Whichever model you choose, both vehicles offer solid features tailored for today’s commercial demands.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Townstar Compact Van

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Renault Express is clearly cheaper – starting at 17,100 £ , while the Nissan Townstar Compact Van costs 37,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 20,339 £.

Express

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Nissan Townstar Compact Van offers somewhat more power – delivering 122 HP compared to 102 HP. That’s roughly 20 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Nissan Townstar Compact Van delivers only slightly more torque with 245 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 5 Nm more.

Townstar Compact Van

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Nissan Townstar Compact Van offers more seats – 5 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, Renault Express is significantly lighter – 1,296 kg compared to 1,908 kg. The difference is around 612 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Renault Express carries marginally more – 700 kg compared to 642 kg. That’s a difference of about 58 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Nissan Townstar Compact Van has the upper hand in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

£37,464
Townstar Compact Van

Nissan Townstar Compact Van

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 20.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 263 km
Nissan Townstar Compact Van
Renault Express

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Nissan Townstar Compact Van

The Nissan Townstar is a smart, no-nonsense compact van that makes city running and tight deliveries feel almost effortless thanks to tidy packaging and clever storage. It keeps things sensible on the wallet and the road, offering a comfortable driving position and useful tech without flashy frills — the kind of workhorse you'll actually enjoy parking at the kerb.

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Renault Express

The Renault Express is a no-nonsense city van that pairs clever packaging and practical cargo space with an easy-to-drive, fuss-free character. Built for small businesses and active families, it delivers rugged reliability and low running costs without pretension — a sensible workhorse with a wink.

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Nissan Townstar Compact Van
Renault Express

Costs and Consumption

Price
37,500 £
Price
17,100 - 19,500 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
4.6 - 6.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
20.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
263 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
121 - 149 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
50 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Cargo Van
Body Type
Cargo Van
Seats
5
Seats
2
Doors
-
Doors
4
Curb weight
1,908 kg
Curb weight
1,296 - 1,390 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
4,393 mm
Width
1,860 mm
Width
1,775 mm
Height
-
Height
1,811 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
3,300 L
Payload
642 kg
Payload
575 - 700 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 HP
Power HP
75 - 102 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.9 - 16.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
100 - 167 km/h
Torque
245 Nm
Torque
200 - 240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 kW
Power kW
55 - 75 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,461 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2021
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Nissan
Brand
Renault
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.