Likes:
- Easy-going and relatively refined on-road manners
- Impressive ability to conquer the scenery
- High driving position gives excellent view ahead
- Unbeaten load and towing capacities
Car Buyers Guide
Nissan NP300 Navara Acenta+
March 2016
Gripes:
- Entry-level model is poor value for money
- Engine still noisy compared to road-biased car equivalents
- Slow steering hampers driveability on winding roads
- Desirable options are expensive
The Navara has been a firm favourite with working people and fans of the pick-up lifestyle ever since it was first launched, and this all-new version improves on interior quality, refinement and fuel economy to benefit both sides of its target audience. A two-wheel-drive entry-level version is poor value, but the mid- and high-spec models are very competitively priced.
The Navara may be big, but it has always been less brash than most of its pick-up contemporaries; a fact that has made it popular with buyers looking to spend a good deal of their time on the road, be that simply general use or for towing a trailer, caravan or horse box.
A new engine is at the heart of the 2016 model, with a marginally smaller capacity but improved performance and fuel economy. Towing capacity stays at 3.5 tonnes, making it perfectly suited to boat, horse and large caravan owners. The longer load bay can comfortably take more than a metric tonne.
The most popular body style will be the double cab, with its rear bench seat adding practicality and the ability to carry more workmates. Only the base model is offered with a single cab body, and it's also the only NP300 Navara to be made available with two-wheel-drive. Outright load area is reduced in the double cab, but at least lockable covers are common accessories.
A locking differential allows the Navara to traverse serious off-road challenges even on its standard road tyres. Adding proper mud tyres will give it the ability to tackle almost any rural task in all weathers, even with loads on board. Low gear ratios are typical for the class, and there is also a low-range option for serious off-roading.
The Navara may be big, but it has always been less brash than most of its pick-up contemporaries; a fact that has made it popular with buyers looking to spend a good deal of their time on the road, be that simply general use or for towing a trailer, caravan or horse box.
A new engine is at the heart of the 2016 model, with a marginally smaller capacity but improved performance and fuel economy. Towing capacity stays at 3.5 tonnes, making it perfectly suited to boat, horse and large caravan owners. The longer load bay can comfortably take more than a metric tonne.
The most popular body style will be the double cab, with its rear bench seat adding practicality and the ability to carry more workmates. Only the base model is offered with a single cab body, and it's also the only NP300 Navara to be made available with two-wheel-drive. Outright load area is reduced in the double cab, but at least lockable covers are common accessories.
A locking differential allows the Navara to traverse serious off-road challenges even on its standard road tyres. Adding proper mud tyres will give it the ability to tackle almost any rural task in all weathers, even with loads on board. Low gear ratios are typical for the class, and there is also a low-range option for serious off-roading.