Test drive Nissan Navara: For work and pleasure

First impressions of the new edition of the popular Japanese pickup

The fourth generation Nissan Navara is already on sale. At first glance, the car has the typical rough features of a pickup truck, forming a very impressive appearance, but under the traditional layout hides much more modern technology than we are used to seeing in this category of cars. In terms of the front end design, the stylists have borrowed some borrowing from the latest Nissan Patrol, which is unfortunately not available in Europe. The chrome-plated radiator grille with characteristic contours and the trapezoidal decorative elements in the fog lamp area remind of this representative SUV. The headlights have received modern LED daytime running lights, and the layout of parts with large surfaces such as the front cover is much more flexible than before. The rising rear line of the side windows is extraordinarily dynamic for a pickup truck. In the name of better aerodynamic performance, the front pillars are located at a rather steep slope, and the distance between the cab and the cargo compartment is masked by a special rubber element.

Suddenly cozy inside

Inside, the new Nissan NP300 Navara is unexpectedly cozy and showcases the modern style of Nissan's "civilian" models - for example, the steering wheel is identical to that of the Qashqai, the control panel behind it is also almost indistinguishable from the brand's cars. Depending on the design, the materials in the cabin range from simple solid to pleasantly elegant, and the build quality leaves a very good impression. Comfort, especially in the front seats, is impressive, as is the ergonomics of the cabin.

Small technological sensation: biturbo filling and independent rear suspension

The Nissan NP300 Navara still relies on an optional activated dual transmission, which is controlled by a rotary knob on the center console. Optional six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic transmissions are available. Under the hood is a completely new 2,3-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, which is available in two versions: 160 hp. / 403 Nm and 190 hp / 450 Nm. The second option achieves its performance through forced charging with two turbochargers. A seven-speed automatic with torque converter is only available for the 190 hp version. However, perhaps the most significant new feature remains the standard double cab version of the independent rear axle suspension (KingCab still uses the traditional leaf spring rigid axle).

Impressive travel comfort

The progress in terms of driving comfort and road behavior in general is obvious even after the first few meters - even an empty massive pickup overcomes bumps quite smoothly, and body vibrations are limited to very reasonable limits for this type of car. Even the noise level on the highway can be described as quite acceptable for long trips.

Off-road, the Nissan NP300 Navara has traditionally felt at home - equipped with a reduction gear and rear differential lock, the transmission provides good reserves for overcoming difficult terrain. The new 190-horsepower biturbodiesel does its job effectively and discreetly - it pulls confidently and accelerates the car quite vigorously, but, as expected, in combination with a seven-speed automatic, it cannot turn a truck weighing more than two tons (without load) into a rocket. More importantly, its traction at low to medium speeds is powerful enough to meet all the demands a Navara might face. An even more pleasant surprise, at least for me, was the presentation of a weaker 160 hp engine. combined with a manual transmission, which most of the "working" versions of the model will surely rely on. Most of the time it performs just as well as its more powerful counterpart, the power distribution is extremely uniform, shifting with the long and slightly vibrating lever actually proves to be quite a pleasant and offloading experience, and the fuel thirst is surprisingly modest - on the road from Sofia in Bansko, a pickup truck with three people and luggage was content with only 8,4 liters per hundred kilometers.

At the request of the customer, the model can get quite luxurious equipment, including a camera system for 360-degree monitoring of the space around the car, a rich multimedia system, a power driver's seat, etc. In addition, the Nissan NP300 Navara is the only representative of this brand . of its class in Europe, which offers separate air vents for those seated in the back. And this is just one of the many details with which the car proves that it can be used both for work and for pleasure and longer transitions.

CONCLUSION

With more modern equipment, more comfort and efficient driving, the Nissan NP300 Navara is becoming one of the most promising pickups in the Old Continent. Along with off-road qualities and solid capabilities for transporting and transporting heavy loads, the model is well prepared for the role of a family car in its spare time.

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

Photo: Lubomir Assenov