Nissan Navara NP300: A Decade of Evolution

The Long Wait: Nissan Navara NP300's Decade in the Making

The automotive world moves at a breakneck pace, with new models and generations appearing with remarkable frequency. Passenger cars often see a complete overhaul every four years, but for light commercial vehicles like the Nissan Navara, a decade-long hiatus between significant updates is not uncommon. This extended period allows manufacturers to refine, innovate, and adapt their offerings to meet evolving market demands. The Nissan Navara NP300, hitting the Australian market after a substantial 10-year intermission since its D40 predecessor, represents a significant leap forward. This extensive gap isn't just a number; it signifies a ground-up reimagining of the vehicle, with only select chassis rail sections remaining from its predecessor. This article delves into what a decade of development means for the Navara NP300, exploring its value proposition, design philosophy, powertrain options, and on-road performance, ultimately aiming to answer whether this new iteration lives up to the legacy and the long wait.

A Decade of Dominance: Navara's Enduring Appeal

It's remarkable how time can affect automotive models. While passenger car generations might feel fleeting, the Navara's 10-year showroom stint is fairly typical for a light commercial utility vehicle. This longevity is a testament to its robust engineering and enduring appeal. The Navara has consistently been Nissan's top-selling nameplate for nine consecutive years, a remarkable feat in a competitive segment. This sustained success isn't unique to Nissan. Competitors like the Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton have also seen significant updates this year, demonstrating the robust demand for reliable workhorses. These vehicles, often described as automotive "Betty Whites" for their staying power, have continued to thrive despite the segment benchmark being reset by the advent of models like the Volkswagen Amarok and the locally developed Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 twins over three years ago. The NP300 faces the added challenge of replacing not only the D40 but also the even older D22 design, which was sold concurrently. Nissan is clearly banking on the drastically redesigned NP300 to continue this legacy of success, especially considering the Navara accounts for a significant 30 per cent of Nissan Australia's business, making it a crucial model for the seventh-largest automotive brand in Australia in 2014.

Value Proposition: More Variants, Enhanced Features

Nissan's strategy with the NP300 is clear: spread its appeal as widely as possible. This has resulted in an expanded range, growing from 21 to 27 variants. This comprehensive offering covers a broad spectrum of needs and preferences, with DX, RX, ST, and ST-X trim levels, single, king, and dual cab body styles, a choice of petrol and two diesel engines, two transmissions, and both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. Nissan has confirmed pricing for the 14 dual cab models, with the range spanning from $26,490 to $54,490, a spectrum that shows little deviation from the outgoing D40. Each variant boasts extra features designed to enhance value, though only the ST and above levels come standard with a reversing camera. The top-tier ST-X is the sole variant to feature rear parking sensors, and it further distinguishes itself with satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, perforated leather trim, heated front seats and mirrors, a sunroof, and a plastic tray liner. A significant improvement in the cost of ownership comes from Nissan's adjustment of the Navara's service schedule to 12-month/20,000km intervals, which substantially improves the cost-effectiveness of its capped-price servicing. While the first three years for a dual cab diesel automatic total $1784, this is still above the segment average. The Navara is backed by Nissan's standard 3-year/100,000km warranty, which includes three years of 24-hour roadside assistance, providing peace of mind for owners.

Design and Engineering: Balancing Diverse Demands

Dual-cab light commercials are arguably the most versatile vehicles on the market today. They cater to a wide array of users, from traditional tradespeople to recreational four-wheel drivers, those who haul heavy loads, and increasingly, families seeking an alternative to large SUVs. Engineers face the challenging task of balancing these diverse demands. The NP300 development process involved over a million kilometres of testing and 40,000 individual tests to ensure it could meet these varied requirements. At the time of this review, only the dual cab 4x4 lineup had been driven, with the rest of the range slated for release in September due to production delays at Nissan's new plant in Thailand. All Australian Navara models are now sourced from Thailand, a departure from the D40, which was produced in various countries. Interestingly, despite the external shrinkage of 50mm from the wheelbase and 41mm from its overall length, the cargo bed remains only 8mm shorter at 1511mm, maintaining the same width of 1560mm but being 17mm shallower at 457mm. A significant upgrade for all dual cab models is the industry-benchmark 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity. Furthermore, the NP300 joins the SsangYong Actyon Sports as one of the few vehicles in its class to adopt a more car-like coil spring rear suspension setup. All other NP300 Navara variants will retain the more traditional leaf spring rear suspension design. Payload figures for dual cab models have seen a slight increase, now ranging from 930-1034kg depending on specification, up from 828-1011kg. However, towball download ratings have decreased. For an NP300 dual cab, a 300kg download reduces the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) by 410kg, compared to the D40's 200kg GVM adjustment. Off-road capabilities have seen a modest improvement with the 4x4 dual cab's slightly revised proportions, offering a 2-degree gain in approach, rampover, and departure angles. The ST-X models also benefit from the inclusion of a rear differential lock. For those looking to fully exploit these off-road credentials, a snorkel would be a prudent investment, as the NP300's maximum wading depth remains at 450mm, falling short of the Ranger and BT-50's 800mm benchmark. The interior of the NP300 represents a significant leap forward from the D40. The use of durable yet more passenger car-like plastic textures positions it among the best in the segment. The rear seating area offers ample space for three adults, with a comfortable backrest angle and twin storage compartments beneath the seat base. However, the absence of ISOFIX child seat mounts and reach adjustment for the steering wheel are notable omissions. All trim levels are equipped with three 12V power outlets in the cabin, complemented by a fourth in the tray tub. All variants except the top-spec ST-X feature four tie-down points in the tray, which the ST-X replaces with the clever Utili-Track sliding tie-down system. Nissan offers a comprehensive suite of optional genuine accessories from launch, and the aftermarket industry is already well-equipped with bull bars and other enhancements, thanks to the NP300's earlier launch in Thailand.

Powertrain Options: Efficiency and Refinement

The new dual cab Navara is offered with two versions of a new 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine, co-developed by Renault and Nissan. The YS23DDT, producing 120kW and 403Nm, powers the RX trim level. The higher-spec ST and ST-X variants feature the YS23DDTT twin-turbo version, delivering 140kW and 450Nm. Both engines deliver their peak torque between 1500-2500rpm and their maximum power at 3750rpm. For those seeking more power, there is currently no sign of a replacement for the V6 turbodiesel that featured in the ST-X 500 D40 flagship. A petrol engine option returns for the NP300, with the base DX 4x2 equipped with a 122kW/238Nm version of the QR25DE 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, also found in the X-Trail and Altima. All dual cab Navara models come standard with a new six-speed manual transmission. An optional seven-speed Jatco-sourced torque converter automatic transmission is available for an additional $2500, a transmission also found in several other Nissan models. Nissan anticipates that the manual transmission will remain the popular choice in the lower grades, while sales for the ST-X are expected to be split evenly between automatic and manual. Perhaps the most significant news regarding the new drivetrains is the diesel engines' class-leading fuel efficiency. The manual 4x2 variant boasts an impressive combined fuel consumption as low as 6.3L/100km. The twin-turbo version is marginally more efficient, consuming 0.1L/100km less across the board according to official figures. The automatic transmission adds 0.5L/100km to the consumption, and the 4x4 configuration adds a further 0.2L/100km. The petrol DX 4x2 consumes 9.9L/100km with the manual transmission and 9.7L/100km with the automatic. The new Navara represents a significant step forward in refinement compared to its predecessors, reflecting the growing trend of buyers opting for utility vehicles as family cars or SUV alternatives.

On-Road Performance: A Refined Driving Experience

The driving experience in the new Navara NP300 is markedly more refined than in previous generations, a characteristic that aligns with its increasing use as a family vehicle or an alternative to large SUVs. During testing, covering several hundred kilometres across urban environments, highways, winding mountain roads, and corrugated outback trails, the new Navara impressed. The new diesel engine is commendably quiet and smooth, even from a cold start, and provides ample low-end torque in both single-turbo and twin-turbo configurations. Even without a load in the tray, the new coil-sprung rear end delivers a very good ride quality for a light commercial vehicle, contributing to an overall sense of tightness and eliminating any rattles, regardless of the terrain. While it may not be light years ahead of rivals like the Ranger, BT-50, or Amarok, the NP300 offers a driving experience that is easily liveable on a daily basis and unlikely to cause discomfort to rear-seat passengers. The hydraulic power steering provides reasonable feel, though the number of turns from lock to lock can be noticeable during low-speed manoeuvring, such as three-point turns. Like many utes, the shallow rear window somewhat restricts rearward visibility, but the taller rear bulkhead enhances load-carrying depth. The Navara is undoubtedly positioned as one of the best choices in its segment once again. On the highway, the vehicle is comfortable for extended periods, with the automatic transmission keeping revs low at 1800rpm at 100km/h. The manual transmission sits at 2000rpm in sixth gear, potentially offering a slight real-world economy advantage to the automatic. The manual gearbox is well-executed for a work ute, although the narrow shift gate might require some acclimatisation. For many, the slick and fuss-free automatic transmission would be the preferred choice, and the additional investment at the point of sale could also yield better returns at trade-in time.

Safety Features: A Step Towards Higher Standards

Nissan anticipates that the NP300 Navara will achieve a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, a significant improvement over the four-star rating of the D40 and the three-star rating of the D22. These ratings were pending official testing at the time of the initial review. All trim levels are equipped with front, side, and full-length curtain airbags, along with a driver's knee airbag. However, the NP300 currently lacks advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, or lane-guidance systems, which are available or expected in updated versions of competitors like the Ford Ranger and the new Toyota HiLux.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Nissan Navara replace the NP300 bakkie?

Nissan South Africa has plans to discontinue the long-serving NP300 bakkie. Lower-specification versions of the Navara are intended to help fill the void left by the NP300's discontinuation.

Do I need additional parts to remap my NP300?

The provided text does not offer specific information regarding the need for additional parts to remap an NP300. Remapping typically involves software modifications to the engine control unit (ECU).

What are the engine options for the NP300 Navara?

The NP300 Navara is available with two versions of a 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine (120kW/403Nm and 140kW/450Nm) and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (122kW/238Nm).

What is the towing capacity of the NP300 Navara dual cab?

All dual cab NP300 Navara models feature an industry-benchmark 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity.

What type of rear suspension does the NP300 Navara dual cab have?

The NP300 Navara dual cab models feature a coil spring rear suspension system, offering a more car-like ride. Other NP300 variants will use leaf springs.

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