The All-New Nissan NP300 Navara: Raising The Bar For Style And Performance in The Pick-Up Market

BY Riz Baig

The All-New Nissan NP300 Navara: Raising The Bar For Style And Performance in The Pick-Up Market–Nov 11, 2015– Yokohama, Japan (Techreleased) –  The all-new Nissan NP300 Navara sets a new benchmark in the one-tonne pick-up sector, combining the best of Nissan’s Crossover leadership with over 80 years of experience in designing and manufacturing robust and cleverly engineered pick-ups.

Improving comfort and refinement while maintaining the NP300 Navara’s acclaimed off-road ability, durability and loading capacity was the brief for the new vehicle’s development. The new model has a robust and tough chassis which introduces a host of new engineering features designed to further improve drivability and practicality. Using the same Crossover DNA that produced landmark passenger cars such as the class-leading Qashqai, X-Trail and Juke, the new NP300 Navara brings a new level of car-like refinement, style, comfort and quality, as well as first in class technologies to the pick-up market.

The introduction of a market-first five year or 160,000km manufacturer warranty with the new NP300 Navara is further testament to the quality vehicle’s credentials, and provides additional peace of mind for customers.

Ride and Handling

Improving refinement and delivering a Crossover-style driving experience was a key element of the NP300 Navara’s development. To help achieve this without compromising the vehicle’s acclaimed off-road ability, Nissan designed an all-new coil-spring five-link rear suspension system for the Double Cab model, providing significantly improved ride comfort and improved handling. As an additional benefit, it’s also 20kg lighter than the previous leaf spring layout.

The King Cab features a substantially updated version of the leaf spring design fitted to the previous generation model. Not only does the new under-slung leaf weigh 7kgs less than the previous over-slung design, it also gives the King Cab a 3.1 per cent improvement in rear wheel approach angle and delivers a reduction in road noise.

The new NP300 Navara’s revised rear suspension designs have also improved manoeuvrability. Thanks to a reduction in wheelbase of 50mm, the latest-generation model now has a turning circle of 12.4m.

Technology

In-line with Nissan innovation, raising expectations and putting once-exclusive features within reach of all drivers, the new NP300 Navara introduces an array of new in-car technology. In a sector that has traditionally been slow to adopt the very latest in comfort and safety features, it sets a new benchmark for affordable in-car technology. Around View Monitor (AVM) and Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) – both highly acclaimed Crossover safety features – are unique to the pick-up market and provide customers with more advanced levels of technology than ever seen in a pick-up.

Also new to the Navara, designed to deliver a safer and more surefooted drive, is an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD). This advanced system uses braking sensors that constantly monitor wheel speed; if one wheel on an axle is detected as spinning faster than the other, braking pressure is briefly applied to slow the faster wheel. The end result is improved traction, cornering balance and a more secure feel.

Further safety and convenience features include Cruise Control, Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA), all of which have been developed to meet the specific demands of NP300 Navara owners, as well as keyless entry, rear camera and parking sensors.

Design – Crossover style meets legendary Nissan practicality

Nissan’s pioneering approach to design has transformed the landscape of the passenger car market – setting new standards and creating the template for crossover functionality and style. This passion for bold design, premium quality and exceptional functionality has been applied to every element of the new NP300 Navara, with the result being the most striking and complete pick-up in its sector.

Designed and engineered for the specific requirements and preferences of the European market, and produced at Nissan’s manufacturing plant in Barcelona, the NP300 Navara in both its King Cab and Double Cab guises has been designed to deliver a rugged yet sporty overall style, with a mix of convex and concave surfaces providing a dynamic and bold look. Nissan’s signature V-motion grille and boomerang shaped LED daytime running lights provide distinctive Nissan design cues.

Further highlighting Nissan’s ‘no-compromise’ approach to the NP300 Navara’s design, the new model features one of the most complete aerodynamic packages ever created for a pick-up. Every area of the design was studied and developed to produce a shape that has a 3.6 per cent lower CdA figure than the previous model. This remarkable improvement has been made possible by a host of clever design features, including a flexible cab/bed seal that helps smooth airflow over the area where the cab and load bed meet. A new bonnet seal and chin spoiler have been introduced at the front, while a new tailgate spoiler controls and directs air as it flows over and around the vehicle.

The fully re-designed interior delivers a first class ride, with every element of the cabin optimised to provide the best possible quality, comfort, space and practicality for drivers and passengers.

The dashboard assembly has been redesigned from the ground up, with a sculpted appearance that creates increased cabin space and a more open feel. Spinal Support front seats offer improved ergonomics and greater alertness, engineered using technology inspired by NASA to reduce fatigue.

Further features include the dual-zone digital climate control for both King Cab and Double Cab models as well as new rear cab ventilation and seat design, to provide a more comfortable travelling environment for passengers.

Engines and Transmission

Great engines need great transmissions, and once again the new NP300 Navara excels. The latest generation model will launch with the choice of two or four-wheel drive and the option of a standard six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

The NP300 Navara’s new 2.3-litre dCi engine is up to 24 per cent more efficient than the unit it replaces and is the cleanest and most economical in its sector. Available with two power output options, 120kW and 140kW, the range-topping version introduces twin turbocharging technology, which is the first time for Nissan in this segment. Thanks to such considerable gains in fuel economy, owners will benefit from exceptionally low running costs coupled with substantially reduced CO2 emissions. Owners of the new NP300 Navara are predicted to save up to €1,500 in fuel costs alone when compared to the previous model over three years / 60,000km.

Four-wheel Drive

As customers have come to expect, the new NP300 Navara is as capable off-road as it is on-road. The four-wheel drive system builds on the strengths of the previous generation model to deliver surefooted traction over rough terrain.

The system is engaged and disengaged electronically via a rotary button located on the dashboard. For best economy and handling drivers can stay in 2WD mode on the road.  For off-road conditions drivers can select the 4HI mode while driving up to 100km/h.

Further highlighting the NP300 Navara’s off-road credentials is the facility to engage low range. Designed to help the vehicle drive up steep and slippery inclines, the 4LO setting provides even more torque at the wheels. For those in tricky off-road situations a mechanical diff-lock is available.

Bolstering the wealth of technology on board the NP300 Navara, four-wheel drive models are fitted with Hill Descent Control (HDC) as standard. Activated by pressing a button on the centre console, the system uses a network of sensors to detect wheel slip and traction – automatically maintaining speed and brake pressure to help provide a controlled descent. Drivers can increase the speed on descent by pressing gently on the accelerator.

Hill Start Assist (HSA) is another acclaimed feature that Nissan has pioneered the use of in its crossover models. The system has been adapted to suit the specific requirements and load carrying ability of the NP300 Navara and offers even greater peace of mind to drivers – even those towing heavy trailers. HSA keeps the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on a slope when starting on an incline – disengaging automatically after 2-3 seconds.

Payload and Towing

Knowing that pick-up owners need their vehicles to earn their keep, the NP300 Navara’s load carrying and towing ability across the range is improved. With payload ratings now in excess of one tonne across the range and an impressive towing capacity of 3,500kg, the new NP300 Navara is ready for the toughest and most demanding of jobs or leisure pursuits.

The load bed itself is home to further Nissan innovations in the form of the brand’s acclaimed C-channel load system. With heavy-duty channels on the rear cabin bulkhead and bed sides, owners have complete flexibility when it comes to securing vulnerable loads. Because the clamps slide along the C-shaped channel tracks, even the most unusually shaped load can be secured with ease.

To help owners go further with more, the new Double Cab’s load bed is 67mm longer than the previous model, with a sector-best load bed length of 1,578mm. The King Cab’s load bed measures 1,788mm in length.

Trim Grades

The all-new NP300 Navara range features four trim grades: Visia, Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna – with all offering exceptionally high equipment levels. Every model comes with seven airbags, electronic braking differential, off-road electronic aids such as hill start assist, and power windows.

Accessories

Over the course of its extensive history in the sector Nissan has developed a great understanding of how owners use their vehicles. Accessories that allow owners to perfectly tailor their vehicle play a key role in any pick-up buying decision – which is why Nissan is launching the latest generation model with no fewer than 125 accessories.

The official range of NP300 Navara accessories includes essentials such as tow bars and bed liners (plastic and aluminium), along with a sliding tray for the load bed and a new design of hard top that provides protection and security for loads. For customers looking to further personalise the look of their vehicle, Nissan also offers a range of styling accessories, including alloy wheels, side rails and chrome trim.