The latest Nissan Hardbody is widely regarded as a very attractive design. But the company claims its workhorse derivatives also stand up to tough operating conditions.
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The latest Nissan Hardbody is widely regarded as a very attractive design. But the company claims its workhorse derivatives also stand up to tough operating conditions.
Nissan has introduced the latest Hardbody workhorse in a range of six basic derivatives for use in agriculture, mining, security, courier operations, the state utilities, and a host of other business sectors.
As part of its marketing strategy, Nissan has concentrated on devising appropriate spec-levels and competitive prices for models in the workhorse range. An option package – which allows the buyer to fine-tune a vehicle to specific needs – is also included.
Nissan also offers buyers of two-wheel drive workhorse pick-ups 15-inch wheels as part of an option package. The package, at an additional cost of just over R2 800, includes a diff lock, three-spoke steering wheel, and a tubular rear-step bumper
This "option pack" is targeted specifically at the farming community, as its 15-inch styled steel wheels and special light commercial 215R15 tyres raise ground clearance by 25 mm to 210 mm.
“The same basic thinking has helped Nissan target the open-cast mining sector, where the electro-pneumatic differential lock – engaged by a button on the dashboard – will be a boon in this demanding industry, where maintaining traction on loose surfaces is paramount,” a Nissan spokesman said recently.
According to Nissan engineers, the wheelarches of the Hardbody are large enough to prevent a tyre fouling the bodywork or any mechanical components – “even when loaded to maximum gross vehicle mass”.
"The Hardbody workhorse is much more than a one-tonner," said Francois van Eeden, senior manager for commercial vehicle marketing at Nissan SA. "Many workhorse derivatives are in fact capable of carrying more than a metric ton, (1 200 kg loading capacity on average), while the 2700D can handle 1 322 kg."
The workhorse’s loadbed features a pair of heavy duty latches on the tailgate, and steel tie-down hooks along the flanks.
The inner sides of the ribbed floor allow a vertical divider to be inserted at various points to split the load area. Tie-down hooks have also been incorporated on the inside corners of the loadbox.
Standard features across the range are two trip meters, a digital clock, low fuel warning light, headlamp warning buzzer, a cigarette lighter and a driver’s footrest. Safety features include side impact protection in the doors, a collapsible steering column, and headrests. All Hardbody derivatives also come with the Nissan Anti-Theft System (NATS) as standard equipment.
The Hardbody workhorse range offers a choice of two and 2,4-litre fuel injected petrol engines, the former available in short and long wheelbase configurations, and the latter in long wheelbase form only, but with the option of both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. The normally-aspirated 2,7 diesel is a long wheelbase 4×2, and is fitted with power steering as standard equipment.
Both the two and 2,4-litre spark ignition engines feature double overhead camshafts with 16 valves, as well as electronically controlled fuel injection.
The KA20DE two-litre produces 92 kW at 5 600 r/min, and 174 N.m of torque at 3 200 r/min. Its bigger sibling, the KA24DE, produces 110 kW at the same engine speed as the two-litre, and 208 N.m of torque at 3 600 r/min.
“These engines are the most powerful in their respective segments within the South African one-ton market and clearly establish the Hardbody’s technological leadership,” Van Eeden claimed.
"It is, however, at the petrol pump where the biggest benefit of this engine technology becomes apparent. On our media trip to Botswana, the petrol workhorses achieved fuel consumption figures in the region of 10 litres per 100 km over a variety of conditions and driving speeds.
“This puts the Hardbody petrol workhorses in a class of their own when compared to competitor one-ton petrol pickups," he added.