► All-new Nissan pick-up is here
► The ute that’ll power Mercedes’ GLT
► Powered by 2.3 dCi engine
Here’s the all-new Nissan NP300 Navara for Europe – its new pick-up which will underpin the future truck from partner Mercedes. It’s bristling with new equipment, cleaner engines and an interior revamp using technologies inspired by Nasa, apparently.
The Thai version was unveiled last year, but this is the first sight of the Europeanised model, which makes its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show and reaches showrooms in January 2016. The new Navara’s 2.3-litre dCi engine is up to 24% more efficient than the unit it replaces and Nissan claims it’s the cleanest and most economical in its sector. Should we expect great things from the ride and handling? It’s unusual in the ute sector in having a five-link rear suspension system on the double-cab model, which Nissan claims boosts comfort and handling, and sheds 20kg in the process.
Exterior updates include a redesigned body for a more dynamic look that any red-faced builder can feel comfortable arriving at the pub in. Note also the new boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights.
LED daytime running lights? Advanced ride comfort? Sounds more like an S-class than a pick-up!
Well, you’re half right. Nissan is the Renault-Nissan alliance’s ute expert and the NP300 will go on to supply componentry for the forthcoming Renault truck and Mercedes pick-up that will be on our roads by the end of the decade. Though don’t be fooled into thinking the Navara has been transformed into a poncey Kensington cruiser; Nissan has also upgraded the load carrying and towing ability of the new pick-up, with payload ratings in excess of one tonne across the range and an impressive towing capacity of 3500kg.
What else is new?
Although the 2.3-litre dCi has been around for five years now, Nissan is introducing twin turbocharging technology to its range-topping models for the first time in the sector, delivering low running costs and substantially reduced CO2 emissions. Along with the new engine comes a choice of two- or four-wheel drive, and the option of a standard six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.
So the Navara is claimed to handle well, is more efficient than the last model, has a better load carrying and towing ability than the last model, is good enough to help Mercedes out and rides like the Discovery space shuttle. Sounds promising…