With the new Navara wants Nissan crown his 80 experience in the construction of pick-ups at least for the time being. Above all, the driving characteristics of the Japanese on asphalt, available from 26.470 Euro, as well as the off-road paths have been improved in the now twelfth generation. This applies especially to the versions with double cab, which are now equipped with leaf springs with 20 kilograms lighter multi-link rear suspension with coil springs instead of the previous solution, which, according to product manager Frederic Delmotte, gives the Nissan a unique selling point in the segment.
When driving, this is noticeable with significantly higher driving comfort. The pick-up also convinces with good handling. This also applies to the King Cab variants (single cabin). Here, however, a leaf spring suspension is still used. This has been fundamentally revised, which among other things has led to a weight saving of seven kilograms. But mainly due to the reduction of the wheelbase by 5 centimeters to now 3,15 meters, the car can be moved more easily in tight city traffic with a turning circle of 12,4 meters. A clear plus in comfort.
The interior also has that in comparison to the previous model. The instrument holder is designed more clearly and the materials used look more valuable. The ergonomically designed front seats are really good. The longer journey or the tour through the wild terrain is not a hassle here either. The space for the passengers on the back seat in the double cab is just such that there is no claustrophobia. The rear backrests can now also be adjusted a little further. And there is separate ventilation for the rear.
Even the entry-level version has a lot of things on board as standard that you would hardly expect in a commercial vehicle. CD radio with Bluetooth interface, front seat heating, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, electrically operated window regulators, cruise control, multifunction steering wheel are just as much part of the equipment as the electronic rear axle differential and seven airbags. In the models with switchable all-wheel drive, there is also always a hill and hill descent aid on board. And this is standard on all Navara models except for the entry-level King Cab.
Here you can easily switch from rear to four-wheel drive using a control dial in the dashboard. In lock mode, the power of the motor is generally directed to both axes. A mechanical limited slip differential can also be engaged in demanding terrain. With a wading depth of 60 centimeters and a ground clearance of 20,8 centimeters, the Navara is prepared to bring the driver and load (up to a ton / trailer load 3,5 tons) even through difficult terrain. The length of the loading area of the Double Cab could be extended by 6,7 centimeters compared to its predecessor to just under 1,58 meters (King Cab 1,79 meters).
The smaller of the two 2,3 liter diesel engines with an output of 120 kW / 163 PS is sufficient to make powerful progress even when fully loaded. After all, the compression-ignition engine balances a torque of 403 Newton meters (Nm) at 1.500 revolutions on the axles. And the rear-wheel-drive version manages with a standard consumption of 6,1 liters. According to the Nissan 0,2, this is less than the Euro 5 engine previously used. The start-stop system, which is always on board in combination with the six-speed gearbox, also helps to reduce fuel consumption. As a stronger alternative for the double cab, Nissan offers the diesel with 140 kW / 190 PS and 450 Nm at 1.500 tours, which is also available with a seven-speed automatic transmission (1.650 Euro) on request. Both engines have an SCR exhaust gas purification system as standard to reduce nitrogen emissions. The tank with 17 liters of AdBlue urea solution (filler neck on the other side of the diesel tank) should be sufficient for about 10.000 kilometers.
The fine-tuning is noticeable in the aerodynamics of the pick-up, reducing both consumption and noise. In contrast to the predecessor model, the air flow no longer breaks off between the driver's cab and the loading area. In addition, the hood received a special seal, spoilers on the front contactors and on the loading flap optimize the air flow.
Mercedes now also draws on the long experience of the Japanese in building pick-ups. The brand's first pick-up, the X-Class just launched, will be launched in late 2017. (Wolfgang Schaffer)