DRIVEN: 2015 Nissan NP300 Navara – 4×2 and 4×4 tested on and off the beaten track in Chiang Mai

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Traditionally, people have only bought pickup trucks to haul large, heavy cargo or to trawl through the most hostile of environments. The utilitarian nature of these vehicles mean that while some concessions have been made in the name of day-to-day liveability, these vehicles are still, for the most part, uncouth and rickety.

Things are changing, however, and there is a new breed of buyers who buy these things as lifestyle vehicles, especially in Malaysia where their duty-free status make them relatively cheap compared to SUVs. And as they get used more and more for leisure, naturally, there are more and more demands placed on them to be nicer and easier to drive in the concrete jungle.

With the new Nissan NP300 Navara, there does seem to have been a concerted effort to boost the appeal of the pickup beyond the traditional workman types. This is reflected in the “Tough. Smart.” tagline that sits in contrast to the “Mother Trucker” moniker the outgoing car gained locally. The spec sheet, for example, reads like it belongs to a D-segment sedan, so comprehensive are its creature comforts.

But all these trappings would be for naught if it continues to have all the refinement and the driving manners of a shed – if it wants to be taken seriously as a car that can still be used when it’s time to put down your hard hat, it has to be reasonably comfortable and easy to drive without compromising on its capabilities as a workhorse. So, has it managed to achieve this? We drive the new contender in Chiang Mai to find out.

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The shift towards greater sophistication mirrors the general trend of the pickup market, but the Nissan NP300 Navara arguably goes the furthest, at least on higher-end models. Among the features available include LED projector headlights, keyless entry, push button start, dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a large colour TFT LCD multi-function display in the instrument cluster.

Safety equipment is also top-notch, with up to seven airbags (including one for the driver’s knee) as well as stability control, Active Brake Limited Slip, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and a rear-view camera. If local distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor wants to keep its newfound reputation for safety it gained with the latest Sylphy and Teana, it would do well to retain most, if not all, of these features.

Left: new NP300 Navara, right: current Navara

Complementing these upgrades is a smoother, more homogenous design compared to the minimalist, slab-sided predecessor. Nissan’s signature “V-motion” grille flows into the shapely bonnet and pushes the outer edges of the hood upwards. These lines are echoed in the sculpted fenders, and together with the interplay between convex and concave surfaces on the door section, they give the car an muscular, athletic stance.

It’s a handsome, thoroughly modern look, and buyers will surely appreciate the aerodynamic benefits of the more streamlined design. The flowing roofline, optimised glass surface offset and tailgate spoiler all help to cut drag massively. As a result, the coefficient figure drops from 0.43 Cd to 0.37 Cd, an outstanding number on what is still a large, bulky vehicle.

SONY DSCSONY DSCTop: new NP300 Navara, bottom: current Navara

Measuring 5,255 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,785 mm tall, the NP300 Navara is slightly longer and lower spec-for-spec compared to the current model. The height decrease, compared to a slight increase in ground clearance reduces the cross-sectional area, further aiding aerodynamics. Also significant is a 50 mm reduction in wheelbase to 3,150 mm, which contributes to a smaller turning circle.

Sitting inside, you don’t notice any reduction in interior space. Nissan says it has played around with the seat base positioning and torso angles and pushed the dashboard further forwards to free up precious amounts of space. The result is decent amount of head- and legroom for the front occupants, although the rear quarters is still too cramped and upright for passengers to really be comfortable.

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Up front sits a dashboard that would not look out of place in a modern Nissan sedan. The hard plastics do mar the illusion somewhat, but they are the norm in the segment – and at least in the Navara they feel durable and well screwed together. There are also many a cubby hole for you to store anything you could ever need to store, including a neat tray on top of the dash complete with its own power socket.

The optional powered driver’s seat provides much adjustability, and the Teana-esque zero-gravity inspired seats provide a decent amount of support on long journeys. But the steering wheel (also cribbed from the Teana) doesn’t move high enough in rake and there’s no reach adjustment, although the more vertical tilt does a lot to give the interior a more passenger car feel. And hey, there are rear air-con vents! On a pickup!

Left: new NP300 Navara, right: current Navara

Pop open the bonnet and what you won’t find – at least in our trucks – is the new YS23 2.3 litre diesel that is derived from the Renault Master van. This mill will only be available in countries with fuel grades Euro 5 and above (such as Australia) and produces 188 hp at 3,750 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm. Fuel consumption is quoted to be 19% better than the old YD25 2.5 litre turbodiesel.

You also probably won’t find the QR25 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol from the Teana that is currently being adapted for use on the pickup. That’s surely better suited to the oil-rich countries in the Middle East.

What you will instead be finding is an updated version of the YD25, available in countries with fuel grades Euro 4 and below (like ours). It dispenses the same power and torque as the YS23, but at different rpm levels – 188 hp at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. Improvements in fuel economy for this powerplant is a more modest 11%. There’s also a lower 161 hp, 403 Nm tune which we did not sample.

No matter what engine you end up with, the transmission choices will be the same: a revised version of the current six-speed manual, or a new seven-speed automatic transmission from the Infiniti QX80. And of course, it goes without saying that you’ll get a choice between a four-wheel drive system that is switchable on-the-fly, or rear-wheel drive.

The real departure is under the skin. Not at the front – where the new Navara has the same double wishbone suspension as before but with revised springs and dampers for a more refined ride – but at the rear.

While almost all pickups in the segment use leaf springs at the back, the NP300 Navara utilises a five-link live axle rear suspension with coil springs that has more in common with truck-based SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Such a setup is virtually unheard of in this segment – with the only exception in Malaysia being the oddball SsangYong Actyon Sports – and should provide for a better ride.

Crucially, the newfangled suspension is claimed to be just as strong as a leaf-spring unit, with payload and towing capacity ratings for the new car expected to remain more or less the same.

Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to test such a setup, as all the Navaras we were assigned to were Thai-market cars, which had conventional leaf springs. This was explained to us as being due to tax regulations in the Land of Smiles – a pickup with coil springs would be considered a passenger car and thus be taxed higher (apparently as much as a Fortuner), rather than the more favourable commercial vehicle bracket.

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We were, however, assured that leaf springs would be confined to Thailand only, and that the rest of the world would be getting the multi-link rear setup. So watch this space.

Setting off, the improved manoeuvrability of the NP300 Navara compared to the outgoing car is immediately apparent. The narrower pillars obstruct visibility much less and a noticeably smaller turning circle help make the new truck feel a lot less cumbersome, despite it being longer and no less wide. The slightly heavy steering may put off those who have to park in tight spots very often, though.

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The high-output YD25 that we had in our disposal is still a little vocal – although it’s definitely more muted that its predecessor – but there’s no arguing the level of performance you get. With maximum torque coming in at just 2,000 rpm, there is little lag to speak of, and the sheer amount of turning force pulls the near two-tonne truck (around 70 kg lighter than before) from low speeds very effortlessly, even in higher gears.

This effortlessness is matched by a six-speed manual that, longer lever throws and clutch pedal travel aside, is little more difficult to row than your typical passenger car stick shift. The wider ratios, along with the lower wind noise (tyre noise on the admittedly rough Thai tarmac could be quieter still), conspire to make the NP300 Navara a surprisingly relaxed cruiser at highway speeds.

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This is even more true on the automatic model, with sixth and seventh gears both being overdrive ratios. Helping the transmission’s case are the shifts themselves, which are smooth and decently quick, and its willingness to let the monstrous engine do all the work in higher gears instead of constantly shifting down. The manual override accessible by pulling the gear lever to the left of “D” is also a nice touch.

The taller ratios at the top end and the improved aerodynamics really do improve fuel consumption, too – we saw around 13 km per litre on the 4×2 model and around 9.5 km per litre on the 4×4 on a mix of highway roads, winding tarmac and, on the latter, a large stretch of crawling through mud. Both are impressive figures for vehicles of this type, given the driving conditions.

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Road manners is yet another area where the new Navara is greatly improved over the previous model. Despite the test cars being fitted with leaf springs at the rear, the usual bounce and crash over pitted roads have been noticeably reduced, and the aforementioned multi-link rear suspension setup that we should be getting is expected make the truck ride smoother still.

Pitch it into the corners and the car hangs on resolutely, exhibiting remarkably little body roll and a level of sure-footedness that makes the current Navara feel nervous in comparison. The steering is also more responsive than before, and while it’s still not the last word in feel or accuracy (there’s still over three turns lock-to-lock), it’s definitely less unwieldy.

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No matter how refined or sophisticated the NP300 Navara may feel on the road, however, it still ultimately needs to win its bread over the rough terrain its owners will inevitably subject it through on a daily basis. Thankfully, it seems perfectly capable of doing so.

Traversing over kilometre after kilometre of muddy tracks complete with deep ruts and puddles on our test route proved easy pickings for the pickup as it sailed straight through without missing a beat.

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More demanding was the specially-built 4×4 course that really tested the Navara’s off-roading abilities. Still, it remained composed throughout, easily cresting the steep hill that was built to showcase the car’s Hill Start Assist (which holds the car stationary when the brake is released for three seconds) and Hill Descent Control. Rolling down a 30-degree incline and trusting the car to do all the braking was unnerving to say the least.

The long suspension travel, electronic locking rear differential and Active Brake Limited Slip also impressed on the wheel articulation test, managing to find traction with two wheels in the air by braking the spinning wheels and sending power to the wheels with the best traction.

All-in-all, the new Navara looks to be a very impressive pickup that manages to blend off-road toughness and on-road tractability remarkably well. Minor niggles aside, Nissan’s latest truck seems more ready than ever to take on the class best, and while a more thorough and locally-relevant test will bring to light the car’s true abilities, the latent potential of this new Mother Trucker is already clear.

So, can the Nissan NP300 Navara be Tough as well as Smart? The answer, at least for now, is exceptionally close to being a yes.

UPDATE: The Nissan NP300 Navara is now on display in Malaysia – details and gallery here.


2014 Nissan Navara 2.5 SE M/T

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • nabill (Member) on Aug 04, 2014 at 10:43 pm

    I stil think the older one looks nicer n more macho…
    but thrs no denying the improvements of the new generation….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 81
    • Same L0rrr on Aug 05, 2014 at 1:31 pm

      Nice one, sushi cars.

      As long as it is not kimchi, it will have RV.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
      • ilyJDM on Aug 05, 2014 at 3:12 pm

        Which other cars have RV ?

        Europeans dont, Americans dont.

        Only Japanese cars have RV

        Allow me to make a new quote for you :
        “Only talk about RV if its a Sushi”

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
        • Same L0rrr on Aug 05, 2014 at 4:39 pm

          In term of build quality, sushi cars beat others in miles.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 6
          • Anti-Establishment on Aug 05, 2014 at 6:42 pm

            When it comes to safety, only certain Sushi cars make the mark like this one.

            Your beloved Toyota? Fat chance.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Good looking car..handsome nyeee

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 39 Thumb down 0
  • ben yap on Aug 04, 2014 at 11:18 pm

    top speed and 0-100 figures?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 23
    • If u need to know top speed and 0-100kph time, u’re looking at the wrong segment.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 49 Thumb down 7
    • Vader (Member) on Aug 05, 2014 at 8:03 am

      Oh gosh!
      Those pick-up car driver, don’t drive your truck like sport car, the car is not meant to it!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 5
      • parkjw on Aug 05, 2014 at 4:44 pm

        are you idiot? you know how fast thai’s pickup truck can be? why pickups cant drive fast with all the safety features? the car that shouldnt drive fast is vios.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 3
    • Jonathan Lee (Member) on Aug 05, 2014 at 1:14 pm

      Those figures have yet to be released.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Steve shim on Aug 05, 2014 at 12:25 am

    How does it match up with the t6 ranger ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
  • calcutta on Aug 05, 2014 at 12:50 am

    k-pop star bling bling vehicle first choice

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 5
  • better looking, better drivetrain, better engine, better equipment(pls tcm).This navara will be a hot seller once its arrived here. ford and Toyota should be worried and act fast

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 1
    • If t6 ranger can match the new navara safety features spec for spec, ford need not worry too much.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 4
  • Smart comes with a price on Aug 05, 2014 at 2:41 am

    Are we seeing the first pick-up to breach the rm120k price? The top-of-the-line model certainly won’t be too far from that price but rightfully so, with equipments and technologies uncommon or unheard of in a pick-up before.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
  • Nissan should have more ergonomic rear seats. too upright position

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 3
  • sudonano (Member) on Aug 05, 2014 at 7:44 am

    What’s the safety like in this pickup?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 11
    • Obviously (Member) on Aug 05, 2014 at 2:03 pm

      “Safety equipment is also top-notch, with up to seven airbags (including one for the driver’s knee) as well as stability control, Active Brake Limited Slip, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and a rear-view camera.”

      Really, how’d you miss that? :P

      The strength of the construction isn’t mentioned but should not fall behind class standards.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • DrCooper on Aug 05, 2014 at 7:51 am

    I expecting more torque from the 2.5 diesel. something above 450 value..I mean Sorento 2.2 diesel able to notch up 440 NM

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Chris (Member) on Aug 05, 2014 at 8:28 am

    “choice between a four-wheel drive system that is switchable on-the-fly, or rear-wheel drive”

    “we saw around 13 km per litre on the 4×2 model and around 9.5 km per litre on the 4×4”

    Never own a pickup truck before, can any one enlighten me on whether the 4×2’s FC is only attainable with the RWD model or is it also applicable to 4wd model switched to 2wd?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
    • lonelyobserve (Member) on Aug 05, 2014 at 11:12 am

      Pickup truck uses part-time 4WD system whereby driver can select 4×2 in the form of rear wheel drive or 4×4 in either high gear/H4 or low gear/L4. In general, engaging in 2WD mode will yield better fuel consumption and tyres’ wear and tear.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
    • Rokuth on Aug 05, 2014 at 2:24 pm

      Adding to lonelyobserve comments, the part time 4WD transmission adds extra weight and “resistance” in comparision to a 2WD transmission. 4WD transmissions have a transfer case and an additional drveshaft to the front wheels. Even with the transmission in 2WD mode, there is all that additional resistance to motion that the engine has to overcome which causes a greater consumption of fuel.
      FYI, unlike fulltime 4WD transmissions, you would only switch to 4WD when you are on dirt/unpaved roads with part-time 4WD transmissions.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • 4G63T DSM on Aug 05, 2014 at 8:29 am

    Good read. Although it is quite odd to not see any figures for tow ratings and payload. You know stuff that may be important for the pickup work truck demographics. :p

    Especially important is how it handles and stops with a bit of weight at the bed.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
    • Jonathan Lee (Member) on Aug 05, 2014 at 1:17 pm

      We didn’t manage to test out the performance of the NP300 Navara when loaded, but we were told that payload and towing capacity ratings will remain more or less the same despite the new rear suspension. The review has been amended with this information.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • droll on Aug 05, 2014 at 9:00 am

    my god, these pickup trucks are getting more and more car comfort features!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
  • Hahaha on Aug 05, 2014 at 9:12 am

    Ohh noooooo this car is awesome! It beats ranger T6 in terms of equipments!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 1
  • dailydriver on Aug 05, 2014 at 11:14 am

    Anyone thinking of what I’m thinking? What do you think of getting a pick up like this as a daily driver in KL? Its a comfortable SUV-like pickup. Price wise, I don’t see the reason why not.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
  • GoGoNissan on Aug 05, 2014 at 11:38 am

    Looks tempting, I got to test drive one (full spec) to find how does it compare to the 3.0 Liter (177HP) D-Max. Then I shall make a decision to get which one…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Kenny on Oct 12, 2015 at 11:12 pm

      It should beat the D-Max interm of comfort and power, D-Max is famous on FC and reliable.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • rengan on Aug 05, 2014 at 12:05 pm

    Dear Jonathan Lee you mentioned “We were, however, assured that leaf springs would be confined to Thailand only, and that the rest of the world would be getting the multi-link rear setup. So watch this space.”

    My comment :- Normally the term multilink refers to fully independent rear suspension (IRS). As far as most pickup trucks of this segment is does not have fully independent rear suspension (IRS) but have “live” axel with either :-
    a.leaf springs & staggered monotube dampers, w/wo anti roll bars
    b.coil springs, , monotube dampers ,4 trailling arms (fore/aft location) + panhard rod (side ways location), w/wo anti roll bars.

    I presume you mean “multilink” here means option “b”?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Jonathan Lee (Member) on Aug 05, 2014 at 1:58 pm

      Indeed, the NP300 Navara retains the use of a live axle at the rear in addition to a five-link suspension setup. A view of the setup is available here: http://paultan.org/2014/07/29/nissan-np300-navara-details/

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
      • rengan on Aug 05, 2014 at 4:29 pm

        Ok thanks for the clarification. The pictures sure confirms the live axel rather than IRS/multilink usage.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • While I’m fancy about the safety features offered and cool Rear Suspensions but still thinking about about how Nissan can get close to Hilux or Isuzu’s reliability.

    As a workhorse l guess reliability is most vital cut off point for most truck owners.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
    • silver on Aug 05, 2014 at 4:09 pm

      I have both the vigo and the current generation navara. both seems to work pretty got and quite reliable.. heard alot of mechanic talking about the high compresion turbo not lasting. but so far so good for both… handling and performance wise the navara beats the hilux hands down… most likely would still purchase vigo for a company car though as their parts are alot easier to source in the long run…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
  • A very nice looking truck with many luxury features

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • MeToo on Aug 06, 2014 at 12:51 am

    7 airbags?!

    Is that just for the Australian market? Nissan Thai specs shows the NP300 only comes with 2 airbags…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Jonathan Lee (Member) on Aug 07, 2014 at 12:05 pm

      Yes, Thai-market models (like what we were driving) come with just two airbags. But the Thais – and the rest of the region – do lag behind in the safety stakes, and we’re expecting better specs for our market.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Kimi Raikkonen on Aug 06, 2014 at 10:12 am

    I’m a HUGE fan! Gonna get one when it arrives.

    For those of you that are impatient like myself, here’s a link to Nissan TH where you can have a 360deg view as well as download the brouchure (albeit in Thai).

    http://www.nissan.co.th/en/Vehicles/NP300-Navara-Double-Cab.aspx

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • totot on Aug 08, 2014 at 10:08 pm

    YD25 engine?

    Read it has problem with timing chain issue…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • kelvin on Aug 13, 2014 at 7:33 pm

    Why the underwear inspired steering wheel again?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Ohh TC, bila mau masuk malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Muhammad Adib on Aug 19, 2014 at 6:03 pm

    in term of comfort, how much better is this compared to T6 Ranger or Colorado?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • T6 is comfortable, but Colorado?? I test drive it, like riding a horse, all its got is power…
      So far ride comfort for T6 is about the same as Navara D40, new one.. i am waiting for it to be tested.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Kelvin on Aug 24, 2014 at 4:14 am

    This is more like Beauty and the Beast 2015 Release.
    Outside you can see the Beast & the beauty from with in. What a perfect match it promises to be.

    Surely Innovation that Excites……can’t wait for 2015

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Kelvin on Aug 24, 2014 at 4:14 am

    This is more like Beauty and the Beast 2015 Release.
    Outside you can see the Beast & the beauty from with in. What a perfect match it promises to be.

    Surely! Innovation that Excites……can’t wait for 2015

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • When arrived malaysia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • When driving in automatic mode while accelerating like let’s say about 50-60 km/h
    A vibration is felt after pressing the accelerator then its stops and when u release the accelerator and press again comes back.
    This is d 2015 model does anyone has an idea.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Jerry on Dec 22, 2015 at 10:56 pm

      Did you get a response to the vibration issue? I got the same exact thing! !

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • shamir on Feb 25, 2015 at 2:29 pm

    Dale, has it even arrived in our shores yet? I asked etcm sales reps and even they dont know when its coming

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Mark Stanbury on Mar 19, 2015 at 7:27 am

    Okay, nice to have the power available at lower RPM, this has been needed for ages in the manual D22 especially BUT if this is to be a 4×4 work vehicle as some of us require and not some soft roader toy like an SR5 Toyota, why lower the vehicle by 50mm even more than the existing stock ride height of the D40??
    This is one of the reasons i never upgraded from my D22.
    Hopefully there will be an option with rubber floor mats and no carpet like the old DX models.
    Econmy looks great with the full 3.5 tonne towing

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • needhi on Jun 06, 2015 at 11:16 am

    I am seriously looking @ getting the Np300 calibre base model *@938t to my location @ surigao city….would you have any advice the on the road cost as i’m a retiree & not eligible for any loan!
    Nissan dun like cash buyers & no freebies/discounts!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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