The All-New Nissan NP300 NAVARA

BY Editor

The All-New Nissan NP300 NAVARA –June 01, 2015– Melbourne, Australia (Techreleased) – Nissan has built on a pickup utility heritage of reliability and innovation to deliver the all-new Nissan NP300 Navara.

Nissan NP300 Navara

Nissan has manufactured strong and dependable pickups for over 80 years, pushing the boundaries of innovation to deliver what is needed to get the job done. Testament to this, 14 million Nissan pickups have been sold across 180 different countries. That legacy powers on with the NP300 Navara – powerful made clever.

The NP300 Navara is a reliable pickup with more than 40,000 tests initiated for proven quality and 1,000,000 kilometres driven in real-world conditions, including driving in both rural and metropolitan Australia. With its strong design, premium ride comfort and smart technology, it was able to combine the tough and smart to create a whole new innovative pickup.

NP300 Navara stands out from its competitors with best in segment diesel fuel economy, a crucial consideration for light commercial vehicle buyers, and first in segment features such as spinal support front seats and LED headlights. Cutting edge design, performance you can rely on, smart technologies and safety features all combine for a comfortable and enjoyable drive.

“The all-new Nissan NP300 Navara delivers premium comfort, innovative features and advanced technology, all while maintaining the tough, capable and reliable characteristics that utility buyers expect,” said Richard Emery, Managing Director and CEO, Nissan Motor Co. (Australia).

“It builds on more than 80 years of Nissan pickup heritage globally and decades of strength for Navara in Australia, where it has been the best-selling Nissan model in recent times.”

Design

The look of the NP300 Navara features a combination of Nissan pickup heritage and a progressive design expression.

The signature Nissan V-motion grille flows into the bonnet through to the front guard, resulting in a smooth and dynamic character line. Other design features such as signature daytime running lights and chrome window moulding give a prominent and distinctive impression. The V-Motion motif continues in the tailgate section, supporting the Nissan badge.

Improved aerodynamics in the design also aid efficiency. Frontal area reduction strikes a balance between a flowing roofline, innovative, agile side design and exceptional roominess.

Drivetrains

Engines in the NP300 Navara feature improvements in both design and performance, developed for top-of-class fuel efficiency and emissions ratings, impressive power output and acceleration as well as trustworthy reliability and cost of ownership.

Topping the range of engine options is the YS23DDTT, a twin-turbo 2.3-litre four-cylinder double-overhead camshaft (DOHC) diesel unit. Featuring a two-stage turbocharger, 200MPa injector system, thermal management system and electrical variable displacement oil pump, it produces 140 kilowatts of power, with 450 Newton metres of torque available low in the rev range at 1500-2500rpm for driveability. In the ST and ST-X 4×2 dual cab manual grades, this engine uses just 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres~ in terms of combined fuel economy, emitting just 166 grams of CO2 per kilometre.~

The YS23 engine is also available in single-turbo diesel unit (YS23DDT), producing 120 kilowatts of power and 403 Newton metres of torque.

A petrol option is also available in the form of the Nissan QR25DE 2.5-litre DOHC engine, an engine known to Australians from Nissan models such as the X-TRAIL and Altima. In the NP300 Navara it produces 122 kilowatts of power and 238 Newton metres of torque.

The six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic transmissions offer a balance between acceleration and fuel economy as well as delivering exceptional usability and reliability.

The automatic gearbox features an expanded gear ratio, allowing for a wider range of speeds along with smooth acceleration and shift changes. Fuel economy is underpinned by the adoption of idle neutral control, as well as the application of a long travel lockup damper torque converter, which enables low revolution of the lockup without sacrificing NVH (noise, vibration, harshness).

The manual transmission features optimised shift stroke and select rigidity increases that improve shifting performance to provide for more agile control during operation.

Other fuel efficiency gains include low friction gearbox and rear differential, electric power regeneration, mass reduction (both body and rear suspension) and improved aerodynamics.

Braked towing capacity on all diesel grades is 3,500 kilograms^, an important feature in this segment. See specification sheet for full grade-by-grade rundown of braked/unbraked towing capacity, towball download and carrying capacity/payload.

Chassis and Exterior

At its core the NP300 Navara is tough and capable thanks to a fully boxed ladder frame design and rigid construction, which applies high-tensile strength steel in strategic areas. Exceptional angles of approach (29.5-32.5 degrees) and departure (24-26.7 degrees) allow it to handle a range of conditions, with all components concealed under the frame for increased ground clearance. The lightweight ladder frame is engineered to withstand the rigours of the work site and punishment of intense daily usage both on and off-road.

The five-link rear suspension in NP300 Navara dual cab pickup models provides better handling, ride comfort and off-road capability. Lateral rigidity is increased while suspension weight is decreased. Increased vehicle stability delivers a more refined ride. Comfort is improved through reduced friction.

Crumple zones in the body construction, both front and rear, minimise the risk of occupant injury in the case of an accident, as do Side Impact Door Beam and Automatic Fuel Valve Cut (in case of rollover). Crushable zones front and rear absorb the impact energy while the safety zone protects the vehicles occupants.

Off-road the NP300 Navara delivers improved capability through a variety of technologies that ensure safer starts, stops and operation on all types of hazardous surfaces or terrain. A genuine off-road vehicle, it has improved off-road capability that includes a wading depth of 450 millimetres and a lateral tilt of 50 degrees.

Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) optimises the driving force of each wheel in slippery conditions on four-wheel-drive models. ABLS functions on all wheels, whereas mechanical LSD only works on rear wheels. Brake Limited Slip Differential is across both 4×2 and 4×4 grades.

Hill Start Assist in NP300 Navara ST-X 4×4 models prevents the NP300 Navara from rolling backwards after the brake is released when on a slope greater than 10 degrees for a period of two seconds. This allows for a smooth change from brake pedal to accelerator pedal.

Hill Descent Control maintains vehicle velocity during steep downhill driving without the need to use the accelerator or brake pedals, using 4LO or 4H mode in NP300 Navara ST-X 4×4 models.

The shift-on-the-fly 4WD system lets the driver switch between 2WD and 4WD (4H mode) with the simple twist of a dial, at speeds of up to 100km/h.

The minimum turning circle (kerb to kerb) of the NP300 Navara has been improved in comparison to its predecessor, now 11.8 metres for DX and RX and 12.4 metres for ST and ST-X (ranged from 12.5 – 13.4 metres on D40).

All dual cab pickup grades feature ventilated disc front brakes, rear drum brakes, independent double wishbone front suspension with front stabiliser bar, five-link rear suspension with shock absorber and power steering.

Wheels are 18-inch alloys on ST-X grades, 16 inch alloys on ST, 16 inch steel wheels on RX and 15 inch steel wheels on DX. Each grade also has a full-size spare wheel and tyre.

The two-channel Utili-Track™ System appears on ST-X grade, allowing for countless options in terms of tethering and securing loads in the rear tub. This innovative cargo restraint system includes two channels and four heavy-duty forged aluminium cleats that lock anywhere along the channel.

The ST-X also features a protective tub liner, alloy sports bar, roof rails and heated door mirrors with power adjustment/folding and integrated LED indicator lights.

Interior

The NP300 Navara offers a first-class ride for every day of the week, with new levels of comfort, safety and technology.

The interior takes utility driving comfort to a new level. Optimum comfort is made possible by adjustments including instrument shapes and orientations, mirror base positioning and seat torso angle, which combine to create a wider, higher and more spacious effect. Design and position of the wing mirror and A-pillar provide improved visibility. In the rear seat, the result is an optimum balance between knee room and torso angle as well as ample head room.

In the range-topping ST-X grade, the centrepiece of the cabin is a 7-inch integrated colour display with touch screen, including Satellite Navigation with 3D mapping. The ST grade features a 5-inch colour display. A 4-inch screen is featured on DX and RX grades.

Spinal Support Front Seats result in reduced fatigue during long drives, crucial in a segment where drivers and passengers can spend many hours a day on the road. The seat distributes body pressure on the seating surface through the middle section in the folding seat back, promoting a ‘neutral’ posture to reduce pressure on the spine and muscles.

The heated, leather-accented# front seats in the NP300 Navara ST-X offer optimum comfort and function. The driver’s seat is eight-way adjustable with power slide, recline and height options as well as power lumbar.

Dual zone climate control and sunroof with electric one-touch power tilt and slide both appear on the ST-X grade, allowing for comfort in all conditions. Other ST-X interior features include Intelligent Key with remote keyless entry, illuminated push button engine start and rear interior lights.

A rear power-sliding glass window operated by a switch on the dashboard features on RX, ST and ST-X grades, allowing for easy reach access into the tub and increased ventilation.

Interior storage features improved capacity and convenience. The centre console offers concealed storage and also houses rear air vents for second row passengers. Larger storage pockets are located in the driver and passenger doors. Other storage options include the glove box, overhead sunglasses holder and flip up rear seats with storage area concealed underneath.

There are four front row and two rear row cup holders, and two bottle holders for both front and rear rows. Storage trays are positioned on top of the dashboard and in the centre console.

Three 12-volt power sockets feature on all dual-cab models; in the dashboard upper storage tray, centre console tray and centre console storage box. A fourth, weather-proof 12-volt power socket is in the rear tub on RX, ST and ST-X pickup grades.

All dual-cab grades have a USB and Auxiliary port in the centre console lower storage area for easy, visible access.

Safety and Technology

Smart technologies stand-out throughout the NP300 Navara.

A standout feature is a driver’s side knee airbag, one of seven airbags in the cabin (others are front and rear curtain airbags, driver and front passenger airbags and side airbags). The energy absorbing bonnet is designed to minimise pedestrian injury.

LED headlights (ST and ST-X) offer longer life, save energy and lead to wider and improved visibility. Daytime running lights are standard, with LED signature daytime running lights on ST and ST-X grades. Automatic on/off headlights with twilight detection are standard on dual cab pickup grades

An alloy sports bar with integrated high mounted brake light and front fog lights are standard on ST and ST-X grades, as are side steps for easier cabin entry and exit.

New generation Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Brake Limited Slip Differential (BLSD) improves dynamic performance and safety. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Control (EBD), Traction Control System and Brake Assist (BA) also appear on all dual-cab grades.

The steering wheel controls and dashboard displays provide simple functionality. In ST and ST-X grades, Advanced Drive Assist Display (ADAD) provides multiple screen options in the centre of the dashboard, between the tachometer and speedometer dials, meaning drivers can view information at a simple glance. ADAD display options include fuel economy, distance to empty, audio information and navigation directions (Satellite Navigation available as standard on ST-X).

Bluetooth Phone and Audio Streaming are included on all grades. NissanConnect™ smartphone integration features on ST and ST-X grades, allowing use of apps such as Facebook, Google Search and Pandora.##

All five seats have three-point Emergency Locking Retractor seatbelts, while front seatbelts also include load limiters and pre-tensioners, height adjustment and audible warnings (second row has seatbelt alerts).

Rear View Camera is standard on ST and ST-X grades, with reversing sensors also included on ST-X.

Pricing and Ownership

Dual cab pickup grades of the NP300 Navara are on-sale in Australia from June 2015. Grades are DX, RX, ST and ST-X. Dual cab chassis, single cab and king cab variants go on-sale in the third quarter of the 2015 calendar year, with full specification and pricing for these models to be confirmed at a later date.

NP300 Navara features a myNissan Service Certainty schedule (see service price list and schedule in separate document), three year/100,000 kilometre warranty (extended warranty optional) and three year roadside assist program.

Australian Pricing: All-New Nissan NP300 Navara