Nissan Navara

Nissan Navara

The humble pick-up truck, in its various guises, has seen an upsurge in interest from drivers from all walks of life. These robust vehicles are no longer for work alone, they have also become popular leisure vehicles, and with good reason. The Nissan Navara is one such.

The Exterior

Possibly the most sought-after version is the four-door double-cab variant with a recognisably Nissan front end. It’s ideal for family use and mixed activities. The latest model Navara represents a major upgrade of this versatile pick-up’s now synonymous rugged and contemporary aesthetic. The ride height is raised thanks to improved suspension; this vehicle dominates the road. New wheel designs are also applied across the model range with wheel size increased from 16 to 17 inches across the range.

The familiar square body, synonymous with all vehicles of this type, blends well with the rear load bed. New vehicles, which offer long warranties, can be specified with roof rails, optional truck backs or lockable rising lids among other accessories. Higher grade models feature updated LED headlamps with a high gloss black inner shell replacing the previous chromed part of the design.

There’s a choice of trim levels with the popular ‘Tekna’ flagship version at the top. New or used, buyers wishing to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand or elsewhere can see detailed individual vehicle specifications on our dedicated MHH International pages.

The Interior

The looks may be traditional but inside the latest model Navara is very much 21st Century. Inside, the relationship between vehicle and driver is aided by the ‘NissanConnect’ system incorporating what the Japanese company calls its ‘Alliance In-Vehicle Connectivity’. The ‘NissanConnect’ infotainment system allows users to mirror their phone inside the vehicle, displayed on a new 8” high-resolution screen with multi-touch control and fast response times.

The Navara also sees the addition of the ‘NissanConnect Services’ app, which features a telematics control unit and built-in 4G that allows data to be shared without a separate phone connection.

Navigation combines with over-the-air updates to ensure mapping is accurate in real time, alongside live traffic information, 3D maps, weather information and Google Satellite and Street View. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The upholstery can be hard-wearing cloth or leather depending upon the version selected. The driver sits high, but there’s plenty of adjustment in seat and steering. The view out of the windscreen is good, and on N-Connecta trim and up there’s also a rear-view camera to help when parking. Tekna trim adds rear parking sensors and a four-camera system with a bird’s eye view. The plastics are solid but attractive and there’s ample room for four inside with good head and leg room. Obviously there’s no boot (trunk), the load bed replacing it; but with the option of lockable accessory covers security is not a problem.

Driving The Nissan Navara

Possibly the best aspect of this vehicle is the surprisingly crossover-like ride and there’s a reason for this: The latest Navara features SUV-like 5-link rear suspension, a radical departure from the leaf springs used on most pick-ups This provides better comfort and control without compromising capability. Don’t expect totally car-like handling though but turn off road and the advantage of all-wheel drive mitigates that.

Power is derived from an economical twin-turbo 2.3 litre diesel engine, a unit that is about pulling power and towing. A refined six-speed manual gearbox delivers a major improvement in ease of shifting and refinement thanks to cable operation, the adoption of a shorter gear lever, enhanced synchronisation and reduced vibration; again much more car-like. On the latest versions there has also been further tuning of the optional 7-speed automatic transmission, with improvements to comfort, refinement and responsiveness.

Should You Buy One?

Why not? These vehicles have reliability built in and they arguably the most versatile for mixed use. If you don’t need limousine comfort levels but you do like an active lifestyle then these tough go-anywhere, VAT-qualifying pick-ups are hard to beat. Get in touch for more information.