Sector: Pick-up Price: €25,900–€35,200 Fuel: 6.3 –7.0l/100km CO2: 169–183g/km

Crossover styling meets working truck, in Nissan’s latest NP300 Navara pick-up. Built at the firm’s Barcelona plant, new Navara boasts cleaner engines, five-link rear suspension, improved technology and the backing of a five-year/160,000km warranty.

Available in King Cab and Double Cab models, with the more utilitarian King Cab also offered in both two and four-wheel drive, Navara will also be offered for the first time as a chassis cab, allowing customers to fit their own specialist bodies, along with conversions such as access platforms, behind the cab.

Beneath the restyled bonnet and those raised front wings, Navara makes use of the Nissan Renault Alliance 2.3-litre dCi engine already in use in NV400 and Renault Master vans. The King Cab models use a single turbo version delivering 160hp and 403Nm of torque, from 1,500-2,500rpm. Double Cab models are powered by both the 160hp engine and a twin turbo version, pushing out 190hp and a powerful 450Nm of torque.

Both engines drive through a six-speed manual gearbox, while a seven-speed automatic transmission remains an option on the higher-powered motor. Fuel consumption ranges for the 190hp model are said to be 24% better than the previous 2.5-litre engine, while the twin turbo’s torque output has allowed Nissan to drop the thirsty 3.0-litre V6 from the line-up.

The biggest news for the Navara however comes under the rear of the truck, where traditional leaf springs are replaced by a five-link coil spring set-up on Double Cab models, King Cabs retain leaf springs. This one change provides much improved ride and handling, with Navara offering almost car-like levels of comfort even when unladen.

There is no drawback in terms of load hauling though, in fact quite the opposite, as Navara continues to offer more than 1.0-tonne of load carrying ability, despite the rear suspension weighing 20kg less than before. The truck can now tow up to 3.5-tonnes too, equalling top towing performers Ford and Isuzu.

Nor does the coil suspension hold the truck back off the road, with Navara even more capable when the going gets tough. A 50mm shorter wheelbase helps to make the pick-up more manoeuvrable and an electronic limited slip differential uses the brake system to improve traction on slippery surfaces.

Navara also comes with Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Cruise Control and Forward Emergency Braking as standard. Higher specification models can be had with Around View Monitor, which delivers a 360° view of the truck on the touchscreen monitor in the dash. As well as making it easier to park the truck in town, AVW can also be used in tricky off-road situations, to avoid rocks and tree roots that can’t be seen from the driver’s seat.

Navara comes in four trim grades, or five in the UK, though all get seven airbags, electronic braking differential, manual air conditioning, Bluetooth, daytime running lights and powered windows. Higher trim levels borrow heavily from Nissan’s rapidly expanding crossover range, with a range of more than 120 accessories and trim options to suit all tastes and requirements.

Verdict:

Navara’s multi-link rear suspension transforms the ride and handling of this popular truck for the driver, while reduced fuel consumption, longer warranty terms and lower TCO will make the big Nissan equally popular with fleet managers.