Pick-ip trucks are no longer just spartan workhorses, as today’s consumers want passenger car-like comforts and safety kit with their work wheels.
The new Nissan NP300 Navara, which is expected to arrive in Malaysia this year, is a prime example of a pick-up truck that combines the traits of a versatile workhorse, lifestyle and family vehicle.
Nissan had designed the NP300 Navara to provide the cabin quality and premium features of a mid-sized Japanese sedan.
Another popular pick-up is the Thai-built Ranger which is billed as offering an unmatched safety package in Malaysia, including Ford’s ESP (electronic stability programme) across all variants and ISOFIX mounts for child seats in the Wildtrak, as well as all XLT and XL Double Cab variants.
Ford engineers had also designed the Ranger for more convenience, with over 20 smart storage spaces.
The 2015 updated Ranger is due to be launched in Malaysia soon.
Meanwhile, the fifth-generation Mitsubishi Triton also offers a level of cabin comfort that is on par with family sedans in the RM100,000 price bracket.
According to Mitsubishi Motors, the Triton has top-notch cabin noise insulation due to the strategic placement of sound insulation, absorption and vibration damping materials.
Meanwhile, this year, the perpetual best-selling Toyota Hilux was enhanced with refreshed looks and kit such as daytime running lights (DRLs), and leather seats for the 2.5G AT variants.
As for the second-generation Isuzu D-Max, it is billed as having a stylishly-finished cabin that provides an SUV (sport utility vehicle)-like feel.
Isuzu engineers also embedded a pair of class-first “exciter” tweeters into the roof lining for high-quality audio reproduction.
It is interesting to note that the D-Max shares origins with the Chevrolet Colorado, due to an old General Motors and Isuzu Motors relationship.
A pumped-up 2.8-litre Colorado Muscle Power is priced from RM133,706 and it boasts the highest torque in its class at 500Nm.
The Mazda BT-50 is another interesting pick-up, as it shares a platform with the Ranger – due to a partnership between Ford and Mazda.
1. Cargo capacity
Those who use their pick-ups for commercial purposes would want to carry as much cargo as possible, to maximise profits.
This is where the buyer has to consider the dimensions or every millimetre of the length, width and height of the pick-up’s rear deck.
For example, the new Nissan NP300 Navara is touted as having class-leading cargo deck space at 1,560mm (width) x 1,510mm (length) x 474mm (height), with a cargo area of 2.36 square metres.
The NP300 Navara can handle a payload of up to 1,050kg.
2. Handling tough terrain
In plantations and off-road conditions, it is crucial that transport vehicles are able to handle difficult terrain without getting bogged down and losing valuable time.
This is why Ford took pains to emphasise that its 2015 updated Ranger pick-up can handle extreme terrains with ease, with its class-leading ability to wade through water up to 800mm deep, and with 230mm of ground clearance.
For taking on steep obstacles, the latest Ranger also has a 28-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle.
3. Shift-on-the-fly
Pick-ups such as the Isuzu D-Max and Nissan NP300 Navara provide more driving convenience with a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system.
With a simple twist of a push-button dial, at speeds of up to 100kph, drivers can switch from 2WD mode (meant for city roads or highways) to 4WD.
4. In-car connectivity
The smartphone generation wants to stay connected on the move, and automakers like Ford responded with the SYNC 2 in-car connectivity system that has voice control and touchscreen features.
In the 2015 Ford Ranger with SYNC 2, voice commands can be used to control the air-conditioning, and entertainment and navigation system.
In the Toyota Hilux (TRD Sportivo and G variants), a DVD-AVN (audio-video-navigation) system has a seven-inch touchscreen with connectivity options such as HDMI, USB, Bluetooth and AUX.
This DVD-AVN system also has voice control function and Miracast, which allows selected navigation apps from a smartphone to be mirrored on the screen and used.
5. Reverse camera
Reversing or parking a long and huge pick-up truck, especially in tight spaces, can be a nightmare.
This is where a reverse or rear view camera is really handy, and UMW Toyota Motor gives a free DVD-AVN (audio-video-navigation) system which has a reverse camera to buyers of the Toyota Hilux (TRD Sportivo and G variants).
The camera has a wide viewing angle, and it is also possible to select left or right views.
Guide lines on the colour screen provide assistance in judging distances to other vehicles or obje
6. Driving conveniences
More pick-ups are akin to passenger cars nowadays in terms of the kit level.
For example, the new 2015 Mitsubishi Triton has segment first-in-class features such as engine push-start button, keyless operation, xenon HID headlamps with integrated daytime running lights, tilt and telescopic steering and paddle shifters.
The top-grade Triton even has automatic headlamps and wipers.
7. Safety and extra features
Pick-ups are also more amply stuffed with safety features.
For example, LTZ models of the Chevrolet Colorado have electronic stability programme (ESP), panic brake assist, hydraulic brake fade assist, cornering brake and traction control, and childproof locks on rear doors.
The new Nissan NP300 Navara can come with seven airbags, vehicle dynamic control, active brake limited slip, hill descent control and hill start assist.
8. Refined interior
Pick-ups have many cabin comforts nowadays, and they can easily double up as family or recreational vehicles.
For example, LTZ models of the Chevrolet Colorado, billed as a “everyday companion” have Electronic Climate Control and a CD, USB, Bluetooth and MP3-capable audio system with 3D Sound Stage and six speakers.
Another example is the top-grade Mitsubishi Triton which is generously packed with automatic dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, leather seats, a touch-screen audio system and even voice command capability.
In Thailand, the top grade Nissan NP300 Navara has a executive car-like cabin with leather upholstery, a powered driver’s seat, rear air-conditioning vents and lighted vanity mirrors.
9. Powertrain
In the 2.5-litre diesel pick-up category, the Nissan NP300 Navara gets the crown of the most powerful workhorse with 190hp at 3,600rpm and 450Nm of torque at 2,000rpm and also, a smooth 7-speed automatic transmission.
Pick-up buyers will also like the 3.2-litre, five-cylinder turbo diesel of the range-topping Mazda BT-50 which produces a hefty 197bhp at 3,000rpm and a massive 470Nm of torque from 1,750-2,500rpm.
Mazda’s MZ-CD 3.2-litre engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, has plenty of effortless mid-range grunt on tap.
Keyword: Nine features pick-up truck buyers should look at