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visit: www.roadtransport.com CM tests the Latest version of the Nissan Navara and is surprised by how far its 3-Litre engine can go Words: George Barrow / Images: Tom Lee Competition among pick-ups is heating up, and the established Japanese hierarchy will be worried that their products will not only lose ground to rivals – such as Volkswagen’s Amarok and the new Ford Ranger – but will also begin to look dated. An all-new Navara was launched in 2005, but was refreshed in 2010 with a mild makeover and some mechanical tweaks. We tested this new model last year (21 October 2010) in the shape of a 188hp, 2.5-litre, four-cylinder double cab. We found that the changes inside and out made the 2010 Navara a more
sophisticated vehicle, which continued to offer a balanced blend to suit practical business requirements as well as lifestyle needs. Upgrades to the engine line-up over the previous model range meant that the October test vehicle produced an impressive 188hp and a whopping 450Nm of torque. However, despite it being the second most powerful engine available in the pick-up market, it was still only the second most powerful model in the Navara line-up, and the 231hp V6 Outlaw remained untested – until now.
Productivity
With over a tonne of payload being pulled around by a 3-litre engine, we weren’t expecting the Navara to impress us too much at the pumps. However, a fully loaded fuel economy test saw the V6 engine return a commendable 31.9mpg, while the unladen journey saw it record 30.2mpg.
Power and fuel aside, the Navara also handles up to 1,090kg of weight, and is capable of accommodating up to 2.36m2 of payload across its rear deck. Restraining loads is often a problem in pick-ups, which is usually exacerbated when off-road. However, with the Navara, its four lashing points and ‘C-Channel’ moveable tie-down system improve your ability to lash down loads, increasing lexibility with its guide rails, allowing the points to be moved up or down the load area to enable you to secure awkward-sized items. Security – another common
problem in pick-ups – is aided by the lockable tailgate, but for such a well-equipped vehicle it’s a little disappointing to discover that a lining for the pick-up bed isn’t included as standard. Fortunately, our test vehicle was equipped with the bed and tailgate liner, albeit at a cost of £332, while the optional towbar (£260) also itted here hints at the likely workload of many V6 Navaras.
Cab comfort
Whether you’re looking for a lifestyle vehicle or a tough workhorse, you’ll be impressed by the standard level of equipment in the Outlaw cab. Heated, electric leather seats with lumbar support, electric sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control and rainsensing windscreen wipers are among the basics in this highly specced cab. Lesser models have the option of the pricey Connect Premium infotainment pack, but the V6 Outlaw gets the £1,375 setup as standard, giving you a 9Gb music server that brings your favourite tunes to you through a Bose sound system at the push of a button. But, if your taste for psychedelic polka music is as insatiable as the CM Tech Teams’ , an iPod USB connection, which can be controlled through the steering wheel audio controls, is also provided. Bluetooth functionality is also standard, and the fullcolour display screen doubles as a rear-parking camera display that provides guidelines to help steer you into parking bays. Storage is adequate but not outstanding, with cup-holders and coin pockets in the transmission tunnel, narrow door pockets, and some useful, but small, concealed storage under the rear seats.
On the road
It’s not just about power in the Navara, as the oomph of the dCi engine is transferred delicately to the wheels through a smooth and sophisticated seven-speed automatic gearbox that returns slick shifts at sensible intervals, arriving with a swell of torque. Push the lever to the left and the driver gains control, allowing ‘manual’ gear changes. However, if you push left – and don’t choose to override the automatic transmission – a semi ‘sport’ mode is engaged, which holds onto the ratios longer. Like the VW Amarok – which we had a quick look at last month (30 June) – the ride in the Navara is slightly compromised at moderate speeds over rough roads due to its leaf spring suspension, but out in the wilderness (or a rutted construction site) the pure off-roading ability of the Navara at low speeds is obvious, with raw power working harmoniously with the chassis, technology and suspension to get you out of – or into if desired – trouble. ■