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Style and substance

25th August 2005, Page 76
25th August 2005
Page 76
Page 77
Page 76, 25th August 2005 — Style and substance
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Two years ago CM tested the Navara Outlaw,

the brooding behemoth that is top of the Nissan pickup range. How does this lifestyle motor stand up today?

Arecent survey of 0-licence holders revealed that more than 75% have a pickup on their books. Despite that figure, the commercial pickup market isn't massive — but from a manufacturer's perspective, it is highly competitive.

Nissan introduced its one-tonne 4x2 and 4x4 pickup to the UK in 1986 with a 2.0-litre petrol engine. Since then it has built up a loyal core following among farmers, domestic and countryside landscapers, the emergency services, architects, construction companies and arborists.

In 1999 thelifestyle' Navara made its debut at the London Motor Show. complete with air-con, electric windows, alloy wheels and a new 2.5-litre 102hp engine.The Outlaw arrived in 2001 at the CV Show in Birmingham with upgraded driveline, power improved by 28%, torque up by 24% ,and fuel economy improved by 15%, according to the manufacturer.

The traditional market would probably choose the less spruced-up versions.But when the pickup was de-clamed as a commercial vehicle some five years ago, changing its tax status, Nissan hit the consumer market hard and fast. As a result the pickup sector doubled in size last year, to 165,000 units.

Our test vehicle, verging on a pure leisure model, delivers 131hp and 304Nm torque at 2,000rpm.The five-speed overdrive box has a 4.63:1 high ratio with a 2.02:1 reduction for off-road action.The kerbweight is 1,805kg offering a 1,050kg payload. For our test the payload worked out at 975kg.

On the road it returned 31.8mpg, which turned over the Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi L200, both with 2.5-litre engines hut lower horsepower, although it was eclipsed by the Toyota Hilux, which had the weakest engine in the group.

CM's Kent route didn't really test the vehicle to its limits. Our criticisms centred on its unladen ride, with a strong suspension producing a little bounce in the driver's seat.

With no real weight over the rear axle, wet conditions and tight sweeping bends can cause the traction to falter.

The lowdown

While the Navara Outlaw is an eye-catching product, which would be equally at home on a ranch or farm, it also delivers the goods commercially speaking.

With a powerful and responsive engine and strong fuel figure, the Navara Outlaw won't cost you any more at the pumps than the pickup it'll be replacing.

If you are looking to trade up from a company car or van to a pickup, then make sure you compensate for the little bit of extra fuel you might need to run it.

It is comfortable to drive, quiet, comes with air-conditioning, and the addition of the word 'Outlaw' on the side means you'll never lose it in a car park..

NISSAN NAVARA OUTLAW 4x4 PICKUP Tested: 31 June 2003

Specifications Engine: YD25DDTi direct injectlon, four-valve turbo-diesel

Maximum power: 131hp (98kW) at 4.000rpm

Maximum torque: 304Nm (224Ibft) at 2,000rom Transmission: Five-speed manual overdrive gearbox

Capacity: 2,488cc

Design GVW: Front axle, 1,380kg; rear axle, 1,800kg

Operational trial results

Average speed: 40.7mph (65.5km/h) Average fuel consumption (one day Kent route): 31.8mpg (8.911000km)

Current Glass's Guidedisposal/open market: (03-plate. 2003) £8,900 (ex-VAT) List price as tested: 218,156 (ex-VAT) including basic chassis-cab, £17,100: Outlaw pack, £750; styling bar fitted to cargo area, £306

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Locations: Birmingham

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