Nissan Navara

The Navara ticks the right boxes for the new breed of image-conscious pick-up buyers

Auto Express Car Reviews

On the road price: £18,964 - £25,427
For : Stylish, competitive pricing, powerful diesel engine
Against : Disastrous Euro NCAP crash score, firm ride

Driving
The Navara is Nissan’s double cab pick-up version of its Pathfinder seven-seat SUV, and many of the qualities of that vehicle remain in place. It’s far removed from the utilitarian, unrefined pick-ups of old, not least thanks to a very powerful 171bhp 2.5-litre turbodiesel. This takes it to 60mph in 11.3 seconds, and has loads of pulling power thanks to a torque figure of 403Nm. It’s smooth running and relatively refined as well. The six-speed gearbox is easy and there’s also a five-speed auto. As for ride and handling, the underpinnings include selectable four-wheel-drive which gives this Nissan Land Rover-like ability off road. This inevitably leads to compromises on it, but double wishbone suspension means it’s still surprisingly competent. The worst aspect is a fidgety ride, while handling isn’t bad once you’ve mastered the low-geared steering. Some models are even available with stability control.

Marketplace
The Navara Double Cab competes within an increasingly popular sector in the UK. Along with rivals such as the Mitsubishi L200, Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, it has carved a popular nice for those seeking a very practical working machine that’s tough and able to trek deep off-road, for the price of a mid-range Mondeo. Tax breaks have helped bolster this popularity, with business users benefitting from particularly low rates – although these are gradually diminishing, the sector is still expected to do well with private buyers looking for a beefy compact SUV alternative. Nissan sells the stylish, upmarket-looking Navara with the single 2.5-litre dCi turbodiesel, with a choice of four well-equipped trims – Trek, Sport, Outlaw and Aventura.

Owning
Navara owners benefit from the widest and deepest load bed in the sector, and the largest load area. There’s no doubting the Nissan’s practicality here, though naturally, as it’s uncovered, those seeking added security will do well to invest in an optional hard top for the rear bay. Plenty can be carried there, and up to 2.7 tonnes can be towed. Four doors provide ample room for five passengers, and the car-like driving position and excellent quality are welcome, too. What’s more, equipment levels are really impressive, with all models getting Bluetooth and the top-spec Aventura coming with DVD sat nav, heated leather seats plus side and curtain airbags. Competitive prices make it a good-value choice, and retained values are strong, too. The diesel engine officially averages around 29mpg, and service intervals are stretched to an impressive 18,000 miles.