Nissan has upgraded its popular Navara one-ton pick-up range to include two new specification options in a bid to expand the model’s reach from premium Double-Cab offerings to mid and entry level audiences, as well as introducing an eagerly-awaited King Cab variant.
The Navara King Cab essentially bridges the gap between the company’s workhorse, the NP300, and the rest of the revised Navara range. It retains much of the range’s rugged, angular styling but with the added practicality of an extended cab with two rearward-opening clamshell doors and integrated storage bins behind the seats. According to Nissan, this model’s load box is the largest in its segment, measuring 1 855 mm in length, 1 560 mm wide with minimal intrusion from the wheel arches (1 135 mm of space between them), and 457 mm deep.
The King Cab is offered with a choice of 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains with power provided by Nissan’s 2,5dCi turbodiesel engine in two states of tune. The mid output version in the 4×2 develops 106 kW at 4 000 r/min and 356 N.m of torque at 2 000 r/min, while the 4×4′s high output engine develops 128 kW and 403 N.m of torque. These units enable the 4×2 to tow 2 000 kg and the 4×4 3 000 kg, in addition to the 1 000 kg payload both models are certified to carry. Both engines are mated with a six-speed manual gearbox and feature a diff-lock, while the 4×4 benefits from low-range and selectable all-wheel drive.
Although technically an entry-level offering, XE specification is hardly Spartan. Exterior features include 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille detailing, and body coloured side mirrors with electrical adjustment. In the cabin, this specification includes grey cloth upholstery and trim, electric windows, a remote-controlled fuel flap release, 4-speaker front-loader CD player, air-conditioning, remote central locking and immobilizer, and speed-sensing windscreen wipers.
XE specification Double-Cab models are offered in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations with the two aforementioned versions of the 2,5 dCi turbodiesel engine. The list of features mirrors that of the King Cab but, with the inclusion of additional rear seats, the safety features are expanded to include a pair of 3-point safety belts and a 2-point centre safety belt, as well as electric windows, for the rear passengers. As an entry-point into Double-Cab Navara ownership this vehicle combines the virtues of the King Cab’s workman-like appointments with the added benefit of additional seating for work crew, or possibly the kids.
Both 4×2 and 4×4 models, with their corresponding 2,5 dCi turbodiesel powerplants, are offered. Exterior features on the SE models include roof rails, side steps, fog lamps and chrome-finished side mirrors. The load box features Nissan’s two-channel Utili-track cargo loading system, allowing for a variety of load-sorting accessories, including racks, dividers and trays. Fixed hooks and sliding cleats allow for cargo to be tied down. SE interior appointments include a six-speaker front-loader CD player, cruise control with steering wheel mounted interface, leather trim on the steering wheel and gear knobs, and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.
LE specification Double-Cabs are offered in 4×2 (with limited-slip differential) and 4×4 diesel models with manual gearboxes, and an automatic diesel 4×2 model. This specification also introduces the range-topping petrol-engined Navara models in 4×2 and 4×4 guises. In these models power is provided by a 4,0-litre V6 powerplant developing 198 kW at 5 600 r/min and 385 N.m of torque at 4 000 r/min. In both models this engine is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox.LE specification styling cues include a gunmetal finish for the radiator grille, door handles, side steps, roof rack, mirrors and the electrically-operated side mirrors with integrated puddle lamps and repeaters. LE models roll on a set of stylish 17-inch alloy wheels in a six-spoke design shod with 255/65 R17 tyres and feature a five-channel Utili-track system.
A sporty black-on-charcoal interior features the leather steering wheel and gear knob trim, cruise control and auto-dimming rear mirror from the SE models. LE specification adds a front-loading six-disc shuttle with Bluetooth hands -free connectivity, heater vents for the rear passengers, rear seats that can be flipped up to reveal concealed storage bins underneath, Isofix child seat anchor points and three three-point safety belts in the rear.
All of the Navara models are covered by a 3 years/90 000 km service plan and a 3 years/100 000 km warranty.
Pricing:
Navara 2,5dCi K/Cab XE 4×2 MT: R279 900
Navara 2,5dCi K/Cab XE 4×4 MT: R320 900
Navara 2,5dCi D/Cab XE 4×2 MT: R293,900
Navara 2,5dCi D/Cab SE 4×2 MT: R318 900
Navara 2,5dCi D/Cab XE 4×4 MT: R334 900
Navara 2,5dCi D/Cab LE 4×2 MT: R334 900
Navara 2,5dCi D/Cab LE 4×2 AT: R344 900
Navara 2,5dCi D/Cab SE 4×4 MT: R359 900
Navara 2,5dCi D/Cab LE 4×4 MT: R375 900
Navara 4,0 V6 D/Cab LE 4×2 MT: R334 900
Navara 4, 0 V6 D/Cab LE 4×2 MT: R375 900
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