Nissan Navara NP300 double cab’s still the pick-up to beat

Nissan Navara NP300 2.3 dCi 190 Tekna Double Cab

What’s hot?

• The latest Navara might be riding on a modified version of the current Navara’s hard-wearing box-frame chassis, but go for the Nissan NP300 in double cab form and you’ll get one of the key benefits of this new pick-up fitted as standard – the multi-link rear suspension. On the Yorkshire test route, this resulted in stable and secure road manners – with road noise virtually absent despite the 18-inch wheels and chunky tyres. Having the independent set up doesn’t hold back the capable Nissan off-road either. Our test truck made easy work of a hilly green-laning section, plus it’s now fitted with useful clever tech such as Hill Descent Control.
• The Navara NP300’s tall off-roading stance means that despite the new rear suspension, it’s not going to handle like a sports car. However, we think pick-up drivers will be impressed with the high levels of grip, how the body roll is so well contained and the surprisingly precise steering. These all go together to make the Navara NP300 the best-handling pick up on sale at the moment in our view.
• The 2.3 dCi diesel engine that is used in the latest Navara isn’t new, in fact it’s used in various other Renault and Nissan commercial vehicles. Still it suits the new pick-up well, offering plenty of low-down torque, yet still giving a punchy performance when you need it. When we first drove the new Navara late last year, just the slick-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission was available. This time, we had a chance to sample the same engine with six-speed manual transmission and like the auto, it’s well-suited to this engine offering a smooth, sweet change.
• Go for the manual version like our test vehicle and the Navara NP300’s 187bhp version of the 2.3 dCi is still capable of 44.1mpg on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 169g/km – impressive when compared to rivals.

The sophisticated cab of the Navara NP300

• Our test pick-up was the range-topping Tekna version, which had a notably high level of standard kit including leather trim, power-operated driver’s seat, heated front seats, power operated and heated door mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning with dual-zone climate control, the NissanConnect 2.0 7-inch touchscreen satellite navigation and infotainment system and keyless go. Plus, Nissan’s ingenious Around View Monitor, borrowed from the Qashqai crossover, which uses cameras all around the body to give the driver a bird’s eye view of the car – all for not an insignificant £29,095!
• The latest Navara is car-like, but if you pick the latest Double-Cab version it still can carry up to a 1,052kg payload equivalent in the rear load deck. Towing is not a problem either, as the Navara NP300 boasts a 3,500kg maximum towing capacity.
• Squint and you could be forgiven for thinking the Navara NP300 looks exactly the same as the last. However, neat new touches including the headlights with their daytime running lights, the way the waistline kicks up, the curvy profile to the flanks, that muscular bonnet and the rear spoiler at the back, you’ll soon realise the NP300 is a very different pick-up.
• The Navara’s interior is perhaps more impressive, with a fine driving position, comfy seats, logically placed switchgear and a dashboard design that looks more car than van-like. Plus, the quality is good and even tall passengers will be surprised at the amount of room in the back.  There’s also the reassurance of a five-year warranty.

What’s not?

• The 187bhp 2.3-litre dCi diesel engine might be torquey and punchy, but even with the six-speed manual gearbox, it still feels a bit slow off the mark.
• Regardless of the Navara NP300’s sleek styling, we found there was a lot of wind noise created by the large wing mirrors.
• There’s a disappointing amount of stowage space in the new Nissan Navara NP300, despite the crossover-inspired design.

Verdict on Nissan Navara NP300 2.3 dCi 190 Tekna Double Cab

If you need a pick-up that’s capable off-road, yet can also work as an SUV when not working at the weekend – then the new  Nissan Navara NP300 could be all the commercial vehicle you need. On top of this, the new Nissan Navara is an easy and comfortable drive and has an equipment list that would embarrass some top SUVs.  The Nissan Navara NP300 isn’t difficult to recommend – no wonder it’s our favourite pick-up.

The Navara displays its off-road capabilitis