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ROUGH RIDER
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We've already tested the double-cab version of Nissan's Navara, but does the self-proclaimed 'King Cab' justify itself as a serious work tool?
While the combination of double cab and load area has proved a winner in the pickup market due to its passenger flexibility, and a single cab allows for an increased load bed. t he 'cab-and-a-half setup' offers neither one nor the other. But conversely it does offer extra space in secure surroundings— and in these modern times of ASBOs and mandatory community service for armed robbery, you can't put a price on security
Nissan must be convinced by this approach as it has dropped its single-cab version, now offering either a double or a 'King Cab' (as the company likes to call it).
There are three trim versions available on the King Cab — standard, SE. and Outlaw — and naturally each one rises in equipment levels (and price). Equipment on the base model includes ABS, alarm, central locking, electric windows and CD/radio. Our Outlaw test vehicle, priced at £17,192 compared to £14,895 for the bottom model, also receives alloy wheels, numerous body add-ons, headlamp washes, air-conditioning, and six-CD autochanger— to name but a few.
Power comes from a 2.5-litre common-rail turbo-diesel that produces an impressive 172hp at 4,000rprn, while 403Nm of torque is available at 2,{8)0rprn. Built around a ladder-frame chassis onto which the body is fixed, the Navara features part-time four-wheel drive, which is selectable via a rotary switch on the dashboard. In 2W1D power is delivered to the rear wheels, while once 4WD is engaged the torque split is 50:50. Nissan also claims that its crawler ratio (2.625) is one of the best in the class, allowing strong levels of traction.
Productivity With a kerbweight of 2,025kg, the Navara can't be considered a lightweight in the class (the Mitsubishi L200 4Work double-cab weighs in at 2,89(1kg) —and combined with the most powerful engine you'd expect fuel consumption to take a knock. But Nissan's common-rail unit is a thoroughly modern affair. Combined with a six-speed box it delivers a strong 31.8mpg on a laden run, just edging the rest of the competition. Unladen it continues to impress with 36.8mpg, slightly behind the L200's 38.1mpg.
There has been some tinkering with the load bed, which is 88mm longer than the old King Cab; the neatly designed wheel housings contribute to the largest minimum bed width in the class at 1,130mm.This all adds up to sound load credentials, but its party piece is the company's C-Channel system.This consists of movable cleats attached to rail.s located on the inside of the load walls and two integrated channels on the load bed. Simply release and move these where you want to secure the load, whatever the shape or size.
Further storage space is available in the rear of the cabin behind the front seats; access is via two smartly designed rear-opening second doors which include an integrated handle. These open out a full 90° and reveal two 'occasional' seats: although they wouldn't be much use to anyone bigger than Ronnie Corbett, they do flip upright to reveal storage cubbies, giving an extra element of security.
On the road
Sharing its DNA with Nissan's Pathfinder SUV means that the Navara also takes on the physical stature of its cousin —so there is more
of it than your average pickup. Compared to 11111. Mitsubishi's L.200 it's 220mm longer and 150mm wider: not an inconsiderable amount. If manoeuvring in tight spaces is your business, it is worth noting the increased size.
Hut it has to be said that in the real world this does little to detract from the Navara's driving experience, which remains the most capable in its class.We're still not sure what magic has been worked on the chassis, but the way it rides on the road means that traditional pickup signs of stress such as squealing tyres and fidgety rear wheels simply don't occur.
That's not to say it can't he unsettled every vehicle has its limits, hut the Nissan's are far up the scale. In the corners it remains well planted and doesn't suffer when braking or steering corrections are made midway through a turn; simply ease off if required.
The steering may need plenty of armtwirling in tight situations (which is to he expected), but it is also nicely weighted and direct when on the open road, allowing relaxed driving and reducing the vehicle's size in the driver's mind with its quick response.
Power delivery is a tale of two halves, with the first being of no great consequence the Navara shifts off the line in a civilised if average manner.lhis is then replaced at 1,50Orpm onwards by a progressive stream of torque as the turbo winds up, transforming it into a surprisingly rapid machine. Power is available all the way to the red line and even fully loaded there is plenty to work with.
Combined with a close-ratio (for a pickup) manual box that allows the driver to shift gears without worrying about missing the gate, this means brisk progress.At I 72hp it is easily the most powerful in the class but that high output from a 2.5-litre diesel also makes it feels slightly stressed when pushed towards the red line.
Off-road, the four-wheel-drive system proves more than capable no matter what the incline. When the time comes to drop down to sea level, it crawls with minimum fuss, gripping hard for such a big vehicle. One criticism is that the brakes could be more progressive in difficult situations after constant use, hut on the whole they cope well enough.
Cab comfort
Our test vehicle came with the top-of-therange Outlaw package that gives you everything you want in terms of equipment. plus a little bit more just in case. From a driver's perspective the setup is nicely appointed thanks to a comfortable multifunctional seat with lumbar support and a clear instrument layout which includes buttons for cruise control and radio/CD mounted on the steering wheel,This is adjustable for rake and contributes to a positive driving position.
The clearly laid-out dash is dominated by a slab-like central console that houses the secondary controls and continues down over the transmission tunnel, separating the driver and passenger.This provides several small storage trays as well as a covered box between the two seats; there's also a glovebox and door bins.
On the move there is a notable level of refinement that you wouldn't expect from such a vehicle. It feels insulated from the outside world no matter what the conditions or speed. Road roar remains a distant thrum while the only real intrusion comes from the engine, and only when pushed over 4,000rpm does it become noticable.
The Navara's sophistication is largely attributable to the way it is constructed. It really does feel bullet-proofwe have yet to find any squeaks or rattles, even when offroad tackling severe terrain. •