Nissan Navara – New Paradigm in Pick-up Trucks
The Nissan Navara is a new paradigm insofar as pick-up trucks are concerned. Taking a quantum leap forward with a whopping 174PS and an equally massive 403 Nm of torque, it is now the truck to beat, not only in terms of power, but also in terms of size, because, if I am not mistaken, it is physically the largest one in this category that is available in Malaysia.
Ever since the government allowed private registration of the light truck, a new lifestyle has begun, with people turning to trucks as a day to day driver. A light truck is different from an SUV, in that they all have a rear deck for goods carrying. Light trucks are also known as pick-up trucks, and were used mostly as utility vehicles for people who needed such a vehicle for their trade, and were popular with contractors, plumbers, and other tradesmen. Today, especially with the introduction of the double cab, and the double cab, which allows seating for four or five persons, more people are turning to pick-ups as their daily driver.
The pick up truck has developed over the last ten years to become more powerful, with common rail diesel engines that are equipped with turbochargers; the pick-up truck today is no more a slow and lumbering piece of industrial equipment. It is sophisticated, very car-like in behaviour, and can be driven fast. At the same time, the trucks are becoming more car-like in build and character. Latest in the offering is the Nissan Navara by Edaran Tan Chong Motors, and we got our hands on one for the weekend.
The Navara is developed from the very successful Nissan Frontier, and carries much of the DNA over. The 3,200mm wheelbase is the longest in its class, and the overall length is 5,230mm, an inch shorter than the Hilux. However, its 1,850mm width is 15mm wider. The 2.5 litre common rail diesel engine with direct injection and a variable nozzle turbocharger now has an output of 174PS at 4,000 rpm, and 403 Nm of torque available in full from 2,000 rpm onwards. The Navara is the most powerful truck in its class, beating some of the 3.0 litre and 3.2 litre models by a huge margin.
On the road, the Navara’s additional power certainly is felt when you put pedal to metal. Acceleration is brisk, taking 10.5 seconds to sprint from zero to 100 km/h, and top speed is close to 180 km/h. At midrange speeds, the Navara can out-sprint most of the cars you see on the road, due to the enormous torque generated by the engine. The variable nozzle turbocharger minimises the turbo lag on initial acceleration, thus enabling the engine designers to bolt on a larger capacity turbocharger. Fuel consumption does suffer a little, especially with our test team’s exuberant driving styles. Anyhow, knowing the power was there and not putting it to use seemed a shame; however, if you choose to drive it normally, the fuel consumption would be much better.
Mated to the engine is a five speed automatic transmission; the news is that the Navara is slotted towards the premium side of the truck market, so there will be no manual transmissions available. The Navara is one of only three locally available pick up trucks that have more than four forward speeds for the automatic transmission. A five-speed automatic provides greater flexibility in gear ratios, allowing for good acceleration and an overdrive ratio in top gear to provide better fuel economy. Electronic transmission controls provide smooth, shock-free shifting throughout the range.
Four-wheel-drive is engaged electronically; 4H (four-wheel-drive, high ratio) can be engaged on the fly at up to 100 km/h, while 4L (four-wheel-drive, low ratio) requires the vehicle to be stationary for engagement. At the rear end, a limited slip differential (LSD) helps with traction. An added feature is an aluminium cover for the rear diff with cooling fins built in.
Ride comfort is pretty good in the Navara. I suspect that the chassis designers made the Navara more for urban usage than for off-road; it rides a lot softer than the Nissan Frontier. There is more ‘give’ in the rear suspension, which may affect the overall load carrying, but if you are going to use the Navara for ‘dual’ purpose, this set-up would be the best compromise. If you need a more ‘workhorse’ vehicle, the Frontier would still serve the purpose.
Handling is excellent, insofar as pick-up trucks go; the suspension is made up of double wishbones at the front, augmented by coil springs, while the rear is made up of a rigid axle and leaf springs. With a rack and pinion steering system, the Navara feels very car-like (albeit a very large car) in behaviour, and the long wheelbase doesn’t seem to have impacted much on its turning circle.
Brakes are excellent, with huge ventilated discs at the front, and equally large drums at the rear. Standard equipment includes ABS and EBD.
Exterior-wise, the Navara has a macho-masculine front that says it means business; it still looks like a truck; it is not something you want to have bearing down on you from the rear. The test unit came with a canopy top that costs RM6, 250; it is a useful accessory, but it does take away some of the macho image. Anyway, it is there if you want it; I prefer it without the canopy.
Inside, there are many features not found in other trucks. The Navara comes with leather seats, and Xenon headlamps, both of which a re very useful features. The seats are of generous proportions, which larger-sized individuals would appreciate. The wipers are speed-sensitive when in intermittent mode. Cabin space is large, with plenty of legroom for both front and rear occupants. Seating is more comfortable at the front than at the rear; the rear seats could do with a little more reclining angle. As usual, there are the cup holders for both front and rear, and a reasonably sounding audio system. Controls are car-like in size and feel, and you will feel quite at home in the Navara if you are moving up from a car or MPV. In the passive safety department, there are airbags for the front passenger and driver.
On the whole, the Nissan Navara offers a great value package in a truck, insofar as power and size is concerned. In addition, its creature comfort level is high, and comes with some amenities and ride comfort. Retail price is RM105, 800 (on-the-road with insurance, private registration.
