Nissan NP300 Navara launched from RM79K

SHAH ALAM: Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the exclusive distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, has introduced the third generation Navara pickup truck with an improved 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine as completely built-up unit from Thailand.

Taking over the reigns from the Navara D40, ETCM touts the Nissan NP300 Navara with a as “the ultimate pickup” that comes in six variants – all with an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system with shift-on-the-fly for 2H, 4H and 4L.

With a three-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first), the new Navara comes in six variants, while being priced on-the road without GST with insurance at RM81,527.08 for the Single Cab and RM92,630.24 for the E-variant – both equipped with a six-speed manual only.

Next is the SE at RM100,850.72 with a manual gearbox or RM105,988.52 with a seven-speed automatic.

The V-variant is priced at RM113,181.44, while the range-topping VL costs RM124,484.60 and both are available with an automatic gearbox only.

It comes in five colour choices for the new Navara, starting with solid white (Single Cab only) as well Savanna Orange (new), Brilliant White, Tungsten Silver and Diamond Black.

With an 80-litre tank for the new 2.5-litre YD25DDTi variable geometry turbo-diesel engine that resides under the hood for all variants, it twists out 160bhp at 3,600rpm and 403Nm of torque at 2,000rpm, but it’s the VL that gets tuned up to 186bhp (+26bhp) at 3,600rpm and 450Nm (+47Nm) at 2,000rpm.

All variants have a wheelbase of 3,150mm, while measuring 5,255mm-long, 1,850mm-wide, while the VL is the tallest at 1,840 followed by the V at 1,810mm and the E at 1,800mm. The Single Cab has the smallest dimensions at 5,235mm-long, 1,790mm-wide and 1,775mm-tall.

The standard rear bed comes in measuring 1,465mm-long, 1,560mm-wide and 474mm-tall, but the Single Cab gets a larger one at 2,310mm-long (+845mm), 1,560mm-wide but 472mm-tall (-2mm).

At 1,775kg (kerb), the Single Cab with 223mm ground-clearance has a is as basic as it gets halogen headlights and fog lamps, 16-inch steel rims with 205R16C tyres and mud guards as well as electrically adjustable side mirrors and door handles both in black.

The cabin gets two airbags for the dual-occupant cabin with vinyl-wrapped passenger (fixed) and driver (four-way manual adjustment) seats, four-speaker multi-infor display with CD-player, radio and AUX-in as well as two 12V power outlets and manual locks (optional alarm and central locking available).

It sits on an independent double-wishbone with front stabiliser bar for the front suspension, a multi-leaf spring and shock absorber setup for the rear as well as front disc brakes and rear drums with load-sensing proportioning valve (LSPV).

As for the 1,833kg (kerb) E-variant, it has 5mm less of ground clearance at 215mm and looses LSPV while adding built-in side-steps, a bed-liner, rear spoiler.

It is also the first Japanese pickup truck to feature a multi-link rear suspension that improves handling and comfort while being able to take on a maximum payload of one tonne.

Inside, there’s a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, zero gravity inspired fabric seats with six-way manual adjustment (four for passenger), flip-up rear seats, rear ventilation, three 12V power outlets, six-speaker sound system, USB port, ISOFIX with tether and an alarm system with central locking.

The SE variant with a kerb weight of 1,846kg (1,834kg – manual), adds chrome to the door handles and folding side mirrors with integrated signals and changes out the steel wheels for 16-inch alloys with 255/70 series tyres that adds 10mm of ground clearance to 225mm.

Safety gets bolstered with anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, active brake limited slip, hill start assist and hill descent control.

For the 1,848kg (kerb) V-variant, it adds keyless entry with push-start/stop button, a reverse camera, a five-inch full-colour advanced drive assist display in the instrument cluster as well as volume, Bluetooth handsfree and cruise controls on the steering wheel.

Lastly, the 1,879kg (kerb) VL gets 18-inch wheels with 255/60 series tyres that increases the ground clearance to 230mm and allows for an angle of approach of 31-degrees and an angle of departure of 25.6-degrees.

The exterior sees the addition of roof rails and LEDs for the headlights and boomerang-shaped daytime running lights, while the cabin upgrades the rear view mirror to auto dimming with an in-built compass and dual-zone climate controls

The seats are now wrapped in leather and the driver’s seat gets an eight-way and two-way lumbar support power-adjustability.

Other optional accessories from Pro-Form Tango (imported from New Zealand) includes the sport bar (RM2,650) and sport lid (RM5,830) or the complete set for RM7,950, while the elegance package that includes metal sport pedals, stainless steel kick plates, door visors and door handle finishers for RM1,166.

Other options consist of leather combination upholstery (RM2,438), a seven-inch multimedia sound system with navigation (RM3,922) and four window tint options of Solar Gard (S/C) for RM1,272, Solar Gard (RM1,484), Solar Gard Amorcoat (RM2,067) and V-Kool Elite Security (RM5,141).

“We name the NP300 Navara The Ultimate Pickup, as it has the flexibility to be sturdy and reliable for work, yet comfortable and spacious for the weekend”, said ETCM executive director Datuk Dr. Ang Bon Beng.