Nissan Navara V6
Diesel engine boosts fresh-faced pick-up
Pick-up trucks are certainly not for everyone – as luxurious as the Navara is, it’s no alternative to a top-of-the-range SUV like a Land Rover Discovery. However, it’s a very capable model, and manages to mix the abilities of a proper workhorse with plenty of creature comforts and decent on-road performance. The fact that self-employed buyers can claim the VAT back and benefit from reduced company car tax only adds to the big Nissan’s appeal.
The luxury of a flagship SUV, the rugged ability of an off-roader and, for business drivers, plenty of tax benefits... there’s plenty to like about today’s pick-up trucks.
Nissan’s Navara Double Cab is one of the finest on the market – and it’s been given a fresh look inside and out, plus a 3.0-litre V6 diesel has been introduced.
Is it the best version yet?
The Navara has never been shy or retiring, and an all-new nose, revised headlights, more aerodynamic bumpers and 18-inch alloy wheels make it even more distinctive.
Inside, the influence of the 370Z coupé is clear in the revised centre console, which gets chunky, quality switchgear.
There’s also lots of equipment in flagship Outlaw spec, including cruise control, sat-nav and a 6GB music hard drive. Oh, and a rear parking camera – very useful, as the Navara is 5.2 metres long!
The brawny 228bhp 3.0-litre diesel engine produces 550Nm of torque, allowing the Nissan to carry 1,069kg in its vast load bed and tow a 3,000kg trailer. Thanks to selectable four-wheel drive and a rugged ladder frame chassis, the newcomer is capable off-road, while it’s pretty comfortable on tarmac, too. Our only gripe is that the ride becomes unsettled all too easily. But as a working tool that fulfils many roles, the Navara comes up trumps.
