Nissan NP300 pick up

Admittedly, three-seat cars are rare. The McLaren F1 is arguably the most famous example; there’s also the amphibious Gibbs Aquada.

But hard-working pick-ups are most likely to offer a trio of chairs. While twin-cab variants are fashionable for buyers wanting a rugged, tax-efficient alternative to a 4x4, single-cab models are still ideal for anyone who needs the versatility of a large open-air load deck.

Nissan’s NP300 Pick up is based on the old-shape Navara, and offers a hard-wearing, basic package for commercial buyers.

The cabin is designed to carry three adults… just. Its one-piece bench has two three-point seatbelts and one old-fashioned lapbelt. As if that wasn’t enough of a safety concern, all occupants have to adopt the same position as the driver, as the three seats slide as one. If you have a short person behind the wheel, tall passengers will find the Nissan very uncomfortable!

Power is fed to the rear tyres, but with leaf-sprung suspension, traction is in short supply when there is no load in the flatbed.

Not only is wheelspin a problem when pulling away, but the rear end tends to slide very easily through corners. Still, the NP300’s 2.5-litre diesel engine is a gutsy performer, and recorded similar 0-60mph times whether there were two or three people inside.

Braking isn’t so good: the pick-up needed over 10 metres more than most of the cars in this test to stop from 70mph.

Weighing in at £13,665, the Nissan is an honest workhorse. However, unless you need the flatbed, a conventional four-seat car will provide much more comfortable transport.