NISSAN’S all-new Navara, launched on February 2, is the automaker’s most hotly anticipated vehicle for 2015. Nissan is rightly proud of the all-new pickup, boasting class-leading technical specifications and improvements over its predecessor.
Under a revised stewardship of the Nissan brand through Nissan Pilipinas Inc. (NPI), the Navara is NPI’s fourth vehicle launch since the new company took over the distributorship in the Philippines. Let’s take a look at what makes the Navara a category-leading vehicle:
Styling
You can’t underestimate the importance of looks in the pickup segment–Nissan certainly didn’t. The shape carries Nissan’s V-Motion front grill with a heavily sculpted hood to promote confidence when viewed head-on. There are LED daytime driving lamps, projector HID headlamps and an integrated ducktail rear-spoiler that helps improve aerodynamics on the highway.
The Navara double cab rides on 18×8-inch alloy wheels shod with all-terrain Toyo Open Country tires measuring 255/60R18.
Powertrain/drivetrain
The Navara benefits from a new YD25DDTI, a 2.5-liter, twin cam, 16-valve common rail and direct-injected diesel engine. It has a large 3-inch thick front-mounted intercooler to cool charge air and increase its density, as well as a variable geometry turbocharger which helps improve low end as well as high end RPM power, broadening its power-band and improving response from idle.
All told, it pumps out an impressive 190ps and 450 Newton-meters of torque. The 4WD is available with a separate low-range transfer case and differential locks, but for most users, the exciting bit is the class-leading seven-speed automatic transmission, which will give the Navara impressive highway driving stability with low RPM and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) for improved fuel economy.
Suspension
For the local Philippine market, the Navara will get a Rigid 5-link rear suspension that will help improve comfort, dynamic performance, rear traction and stability without any loss of capacity/cargo carrying capability.
Indeed, bed payload has improved slightly to a full 1000 kilograms from its predecessor, while towing capacity has also improved to 3500 kg.
According to many other journalists who have test-driven the Navara, it rides very comfortably, and is quite close in feel to a crossover sport utility vehicle/family car.
Wading capability
For many, a vehicle’s water wading ability is a dealmaker/breaker. The Navara has an advertised fording depth of 450 mm, according to a recent technical briefing we attended.
However, Nissan has tested the Navara to 800 mm as well with no problems. According to the engineering team, the 450-mm fording depth denotes a potential situation where the Navara will remain completely dry when submerged in water while standing still.
But for quick river crossings, Nissan has tested the Navara to 800 mm. However, for added safety, the advertised fording depth remains at a more modest 600 mm. We’ll have to wait and see if Nissan revises this figure when the Navara comes to market.
The top model 4×4 double cab has a 220-mm ground clearance, an improvement over its predecessor. It also has a 12.4-meter full-circle turning radius, an improvement of 0.4 meters over its predecessor, with an approach angle of 31 degrees and a departure angle of 25.6 degrees.
No word yet on its break-over angle. Perhaps when Navara goes on sale, this figure will be published by Nissan.
The double cab chassis (which is what most Navara buyers will be opting for) will have a vehicle weight ranging from 1905 to 1960 kg depending on options (2WD or 4WD, manual or automatic).
The rest of the overall dimensions check in at 5255 mm for overall length, 1850 mm for overall width, 1820 mm for height, and a very long 3150 mm for the wheelbase, which not only improves on pickup bed space, but also second row seat space and comfort.
The Navara has grown in size very nicely, is charming in a brutish short of way, adding to the appeal of a macho off-road utility vehicle.
Electronic driving aids and safety
Being a modern lifestyle-oriented vehicle, the Navara benefits from a plethora of electronic driving aids more commonly found in upscale, premium sport utility vehicles. Included are Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Traction Control, and Vehicle Dynamics Stability Control.
ABS brakes with EBD and Brake Assist for the top 5 trims. Dual front airbags too, but some markets will get as much as six airbags. Hopefully Nissan can add more further down the Navara’s model life cycle in the local market.
Interior accoutrements
Inside, the Navara has a cabin that wouldn’t be out of place in a stylish sports sedan. The interior materials have taken a leap in quality, utilizing soft-touch plastics. There’s a large 5-inch LCD Clarion infotainment screen system that is paired with the Rear facing camera for the Top 4×4 trims, which is a handy gadget when backing up the Navara’s Substantial bum.
Of course, there’s also Bluetooth, USB and Aux-in connectivity for your mobile media device. A start/stop button turns on the engine in conjunction with an RFID/smart key that only needs to be in your pockets. Rear aircon vents provide cooling air to improve rear passenger comfort.
A handsome 3-spoke steering wheel similar to other Nissan models such as the new X-Trail, Altima and Sylphy greet your hands, with auxiliary controls for the infotainment system, fuel trip computer information, and cruise control.
Nissan’s zero gravity seats are also found inside the Navara, which means you can enjoy long distance motoring on and off the beaten path in comfort.
With the all-new Navara, Nissan Pilipinas hopes to capture at least the third spot in the very hotly contested pickup truck segment, translating to about 4,000 to 4,500 units in its first year of sales.
With class-leading features in the new Navara, a revised distribution network, improved after-sales service, and a strengthening Philippine economy, it looks like 2015 will be a banner year for Nissan.
Photos by Walter Villa
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