Nissan NP300 Navara

• Nissan NP300 Navara previewed in Malaysia – 6 single and double cab variants, from RM85k to RM125k est

  In Cars, Local News, Nissan / By Gerard Lye / 11 November 2015 6:29 pm / 20 comments

  

  We have seen quite a bit of the all-new Nissan NP300 Navara already. In mid-October, the new ‘Mother Trucker’ was open for bookings with two body styles offered, with single and double cab models available. Now, Edaran Tan Chong Motor has provided the media a preview of the pick-up truck in selected variants.

  The Nissan NP300 Navara will officially be launched very soon with a grand total of six variants being offered. Estimated prices start from RM85,000 for the manual single cab model. For the double cabs, the E (MT) variant is estimated to cost RM95,000, the SE (MT) from RM104,000, the SE (AT) from RM109,000, the V (AT) from RM115,000 and the top-spec VL (AT) from RM125,000.

  Speaking of the range-topper, shortly after the order books opened, a Nissan NP300 Navara in VL-spec was put on display at 1Utama Shopping Centre. For this preview however, we were given an up-close look at the Navara for the very first time in E, SE (AT), V and VL variants.

  

  

  Under the hood, all NP300 Navara variants adopt the same 2.5 litre YD25DDTi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. However, only the mill in the double cab VL-spec churns out 190 PS/450 Nm, while the other variants make do with 163 PS/403 Nm.

  Transmission-wise, the single cab model along with the double cab E and SE (MT) variants are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. Moving up the range, the double cab SE (AT), V and VL variants receive a seven-speed automatic gearbox (with manual override). All NP300 Navara models come with an all-wheel drive system with on-the-fly switching up to 100 km/h.

  Beginning with the double cab variants, the manual-only Navara E kicks thing off with automatic halogen headlights with matching (bulb-type) DRLs. Elsewhere on the pick-up, there are side steps, 16-inch steel rims, a rear spoiler, silver front grille and black painted door handles. As the entry-level model, the manual folding side mirrors are finished in black and can be adjusted electrically.

  

  

  Inside, the Navara E (above) gets “zero-gravity” manually adjusted fabric seats, a monochrome multi-info display in the instrument cluster, manual air-con (dial-type) with rear vents, and double-DIN multimedia unit with USB/AUX input and a six-speaker system.

  Moving up the range, the Navara SE (MT and AT) introduces chrome elements to the exterior with the front grille and door handles finished in said material. Other additions include power foldable and adjustable side mirrors with integrated LED turn indicators. Also, 16-inch alloys come into the picture.

  Continuing on, the automatic-only Navara V packs on additional amenities with an i-Key keyless entry and push start, while the driver benefits from a Fine Vision Meter TFT colour display, a five-inch multimedia display screen linked to a rear view camera, cruise control and steering controls. The air-con is still manual, but is of the push-button variety instead.

  

  

  At the top of the list is the Navara VL that comes with all the bells and whistles including first-in-class LED headlamps with LED DRLs, roof rails and 18-inch alloys.

  The interior also receives a bump in luxury with an eight-way powered seat (plus two-way lumbar) for the driver. There’s leather on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob. Rounding off the VL’s kit list are a dual-zone automatic air-con and an auto dimming rear view mirror that features a compass that indicates the pick-up’s direction of travel.

  

  

  Finally, the single cab variant, which is available for private registration as well. This workhorse gets a larger flatbed with the omission of the rear passenger cab. The interior is a little sparse by comparison but it does come with a double-DIN radio unit and the dash-top storage tray comes with a 12V power outlet, as per the double cabs.

  Keep in mind that all double cab models feature rear multi-link suspension (live axle) setup but the single cab retains a leaf spring configuration instead. The EP300 also rides on a fully boxed ladder frame with 31 degree approach and 25.6 degree departure angles, with a ground clearance of 230 mm.

  

  

  Safety wise, all variants come with dual front airbags as standard. The SE (MT and AT), V and VL get an expanded safety suite that includes ABS with EBD and BA, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and traction control, Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).

  Four colour options – Savanna Orange, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black, Brilliant White are available for the double cab variants. The single cab model can only be had in Brilliant White. All models are CBU fully imported from Thailand and come with a three-year/100,000 km warranty. Read our review of the new Navara to find out more.

  GALLERY: Nissan NP300 Navara Single Cab
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Nissan NP300 Navara E
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Nissan NP300 Navara SE (AT)
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Nissan NP300 Navara V
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Nissan NP300 Navara VL
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Nissan NP300 Navara VL now on display at 1 Utama

  In Cars, Local News, Nissan / By Gregory Sze / 21 October 2015 1:47 pm / 20 comments

  

  Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with the Nissan NP300 Navara – the all-new pick-up truck is currently on display at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre in range-topping VL-spec. As mentioned earlier on, order books for the new ‘Mother Trucker’ are now open with an estimated entry price of RM85,000. The VL variant you see here has been tagged with an estimated price tag of RM125,000.

  Exterior wise, the VL should be the one to go for despite its relatively steep price as it features LED headlights replete with daytime running lights (DRL) – the lesser variants are all equipped with halogen lights instead. Elsewhere, the VL is equipped with roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. Said wheels are wrapped in 255/60 Toyo Open Country A25 tyres.

  Under the bonnet, the 2.5 litre YD25DDTi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine pumps out a total of 190 PS at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm of torque – said power figures help mark it out amongst the range as the rest get a detuned version of the same mill. A seven-speed automatic transmission with Manual Mode is offered.

  

  Interestingly enough, a peek underneath the truck reveals that this particular unit has leaf springs at the rear instead of the multi-link rear setup. With that said, keep in mind that this is a Thailand-spec unit – Malaysian units will feature the aforementioned multi-link rear suspension.

  Unfortunately, we were unable to gain access into the cabin of the Nissan NP300 Navara but one can rest assured that the interior will have quite the amount of standard kit. The brochure lists a multifunction steering wheel, leather-wrapped zero gravity-inspired seats with an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat (with two-way lumbar support) and a five-inch display with six speakers and AUX, MP3 and USB connectivity.

  

  

  Click to enlarge images.

  Additional driver conveniences includes an i-Key with push-start button and a reverse camera. As for standard safety kit, the VL-spec Nissan NP300 Navara is equipped with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), traction control, Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), hill start assist and hill descent control.

  Colour options include Brilliant White, Diamond Black, Tungsten Silver and Savanna Orange. With the car already on display for all to see, it’s safe to assume that a local launch has been scheduled to take place in the near future. Meanwhile, you can read our review of the truck to find out how it drives here.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Nissan NP300 Navara order books now open – six variants offered, estimated prices from RM85k

  In Cars, Local News, Nissan / By Gregory Sze / 13 October 2015 2:47 pm / 17 comments

  

  Order books for the all-new Nissan NP300 Navara are now open, ladies and gents! The new ‘Mother Trucker’ arrives in Malaysia in two body styles with single and double cab models presented – the latter body style is offered in five trim levels with either a choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission.

  As expected, the range kicks off with the single cab model, seen here in only a sole grade. On the outside, the single cab Nissan NP300 Navara is differentiated from the rest of its siblings via its 16-inch steel wheels and lack of rear spoiler and roof rails. Also missing on the single cab model are the multi-link rear suspension with coil springs – said feature is only available on the double cab variants.

  The single cab Nissan NP300 Navara also misses out on the full suite of safety features adopted by its more expensive siblings – said variant only receives two airbags. Moving on to the interior, it gets vinyl-covered seats and a base audio system with four speakers with radio and CD, MP3 compatibility.

  Under the bonnet, all models are equipped with the same 2.5 litre YD25DDTi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. With that said, only the top-spec double cab VL model gets the 190 PS/450 Nm rating – the rest of the range is powered by a detuned unit which puts out 163 PS at 3,600 rpm and 403 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm.

  

  Click to enlarge image.

  The double cab range is comprised of five different grades with the E variant kicking things off, followed by the SE (MT), SE (AT), V and finally the range-topping VL model. On the E variant, it receives the same 16-inch steel wheels as the single cab model – it is, however, equipped with a rear spoiler. Like the single cab model and the SE (MT), the E-spec Navara is equipped with a six-speed manual only.

  On the inside, it gets the Teana-esque zero gravity-inspired seats trimmed in fabric as well as a double-DIN head unit with six speakers and USB, AUX and MP3 compatibility. Safety wise, the E variant mirrors the single cab model in that it is only equipped with dual airbags.

  Moving on to the SE (MT) variant, it receives 16-inch alloys and adds on the full suite of safety kit. As such, one gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), traction control, Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), hill start assist and hill descent control. Everything else is as per NP300 Navara Grade E. The same can be said about the SE (AT) which, obviously, gets the seven-speed auto.

  Next up is the V variant. Said second-in-command to the VL is exclusively equipped with the seven-speed automatic transmission, a multi-function steering wheel, i-Key with push-start button and a five-inch display with six speakers and the AUX, MP3 and USB connectivity. Also, a reverse camera makes an appearance onwards from the V model.

  

  Click to enlarge image.

  Finally, the VL model is the one to get all the bells and whistles, both inside and out. On the exterior, it is equipped with LED headlamps replete with LED daytime running lights (every other variant gets halogen lamps), roof rails and 18-inch wheels, wrapped in 255/60 tyres. The seven-speed auto is to be found here. As mentioned earlier, the VL model is the only one to possess a total of 190 PS and 450 Nm of twist.

  Inside, it retains whatever is to be found in the V model but adds on leather-wrapped seats and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support. Naturally, the flagship variant is equipped with the full platter of safety features as found on every other variant bar the E and single cab models.

  Four colours are offered – Savanna Orange, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black and Brilliant White. Estimated prices for the new Nissan NP300 Navara begin at RM85,000 for the single cab model. The double cab variants are priced roughly from RM95,000 for the E model and up to around RM125,000 for the VL flagship.

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

  GALLERY: Nissan NP300 Navara spied in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: Nissan NP300 Navara driven in Chiang Mai, Thailand

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• SPIED: Nissan NP300 Navara spotted undisguised!

  In Cars, Local News, Nissan, Spyshots / By Jonathan Lee / 9 October 2015 1:12 pm / 16 comments

  

  The public will be able to view the new Nissan NP300 Navara in full at roadshows starting next Thursday, but it appears the new pick-up truck is already making the rounds on the roads fully undisguised – as seen by reader Shawn Loong, who sent us these pictures. Thanks!

  As you can see, this is the top-spec VL variant, which features LED projector headlights with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights, 18-inch machined-finish alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. This particular unit is painted in the international hero Savanna Orange hue, which pretty much confirms it as one of the colours that will be offered here.

  Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has confirmed provisional specs – the D23 NP300 will use an improved version of the current D40 Navara‘s YD25 2.5 litre diesel with common-rail direct injection and variable geometry turbocharging, producing 190 PS and 450 Nm. It’s mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode – a six-speed manual gearbox should also be on the cards, at least on lower-end variants.

  Under the skin, the Malaysian-spec NP300 utilises a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs – a first for the pick-up segment – for improved ride comfort, although it retains a tough, durable solid rear axle.

  

  Elsewhere, kit bandied about includes the ultra-comfortable zero gravity-inspired seats (first seen on the Teana), keyless entry, push-button ignition, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear seat air vents.

  Safety-wise, the NP300 Navara will feature Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), traction control, four-wheel Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC). In certain markets, the truck is available with up to seven airbags (including one for the driver’s knee), so here’s hoping we’ll get the whole lot too, at least on higher-end models.

  As mentioned, interested members of the public will be able to take a closer look at the NP300 Navara soon, as it will be on display at Nissan roadshows around the country from October 15 to November 22. They can also visit the official website to register their interest and receive a test drive invite, as well as view Nissan’s pick-up heritage stretching back 80 years.

  Of course, we’re plenty familiar with the Nissan NP300 Navara; last year, we not only covered the international launch in Bangkok, but also drove the truck in Chiang Mai – you can read on how it fared here. As always, we’ll update you with the latest information on Nissan’s new pick-up as soon as we have it.

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

  Nissan NP300 Navara in Chiang Mai

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Nissan NP300 Navara coming to Malaysia in Nov 2015

  In Cars, Local News, Nissan / By Jonathan Lee / 7 October 2015 1:07 pm / 14 comments

  

  Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has announced that the hotly-awaited Nissan NP300 Navara is coming soon – the all-new 12th generation of Nissan’s small pick-up truck is set to make its way into Malaysia as soon as next month.

  Provisional specs have also been confirmed; as expected, the D23 NP300 will make use of an improved version of the current D40 Navara‘s YD25 2.5 litre diesel with common-rail direct injection and variable geometry turbocharging, producing 190 PS and 450 Nm. It’s mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode – a six-speed manual gearbox should also be on the cards, at least on lower-end variants.

  Under the skin, the Malaysian-spec NP300 utilises a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs – a first for the pick-up segment – for improved ride comfort, although it retains a tough, durable solid rear axle.

  

  Elsewhere, kit bandied about includes LED headlights with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, the ultra-comfortable zero gravity-inspired seats (first seen on the Teana), 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, push-button ignition, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear seat air vents.

  Safety-wise, the NP300 Navara will feature Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), traction control, four-wheel Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC). In certain markets, the truck is available with up to seven airbags (including one for the driver’s knee), so here’s hoping we’ll get the whole lot too, at least on higher-end models.

  

  

  Interested members of the public will be able to take a closer look at the NP300 Navara soon, as it will be on display at Nissan roadshows around the country from October 15 to November 22. They can also visit the official website to register their interest and receive a test drive invite, as well as view Nissan’s pick-up heritage stretching back 80 years.

  Of course, we’re plenty familiar with the Nissan NP300 Navara; last year, we not only covered the international launch in Bangkok, but also drove the truck in Chiang Mai – you can read on how it fared here. As always, we’ll update you with the latest information on Nissan’s new pick-up as soon as we have it.

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

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Nissan NP300 Navara brochure appears; launch soon?

  In Cars, Local News, Nissan / By Gregory Sze / 2 October 2015 4:30 pm / 18 comments

  

  With Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) indicating a local launch for the 2015 Nissan NP300 Navara to take place next month, it should come as no surprise that we have managed to obtain a brochure detailing said pick-up truck. Firstly, we can now confirm that the new Navara will be offered in a sole double-cab body style.

  Also, the 2.5 litre YD25DDTi four-cylinder turbodiesel mill pumps out a total of 190 PS at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. More importantly, the brochure also states that the new Nissan NP300 Navara will be equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode – a first in its class in Malaysia.

  Other class firsts include the addition of LED headlamps with daytime running lights (DRLs), Nissan Teana-esque zero gravity-inspired seats, rear air-con vents and multi-link live axle rear suspension. Aside from that, other goodies highlighted in the brochure include an ‘Intelligent Key’ with push-start capabilities, 18-inch alloy wheels, Advance Drive Assist Display (ADAD) and automatic dual-zone climate control.

  

  Click to enlarge brochure.

  As for safety kit, the Nissan NP300 Navara is equipped with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), four-wheel active brake limited slip (ABLS) and traction control – no mention on how many airbags the new truck will arrive with, though. Also present in the Navara are hill start assist (HSA) and hill descent control (HDC).

  Interested parties would be glad to know that a quick check on Nissan Malaysia’s website will reveal the full list of locations for a roadshow on the new Nissan NP300 Navara. The campaign kicks off this October in the central region before making its way throughout the country and ending in East Malaysia in November.

  So while we wait for more news revolving the new ‘Mother Trucker’, why don’t you hang back and take a detailed look at the truck in a gallery post here or read our review of the Nissan NP300 Navara in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Alternatively, you can also read what six owners have to say about their trusty workhorses here.

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

  GALLERY: Nissan NP300 Navara driven in Chiang Mai, Thailand

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• SPIED: Nissan NP300 Navara caught in Malaysia again!

  In Cars, Local News, Nissan, Spyshots / By Gregory Sze / 5 June 2015 9:31 am / 21 comments

  

  The Nissan NP300 Navara has been caught in Malaysia once again, following its initial unofficial debut back in February 2015. With sightings (hopefully) increasing in frequency, one can only hope that the local debut of the 12th-generation Nissan pick-up is nigh.

  While we only have two shots of new Mother Trucker, a closer look reveals a 4WD badge plastered on the side of the cargo bed while zooming in on the front door reveals a ‘2.5 DDTi VGS Turbo’ tag. That should be enough to hint at what lies under the bonnet – a 2.5 litre YD25 turbodiesel engine.

  Two states of tune are available, a base map pumps out 161 hp at 3,600 rpm and 403 Nm at 2,000 rpm of torque while the cranking up the engine churns out 188 hp and 450 Nm of twist, achieved at the rev point. The turbocharger is electrically-actuated. Two transmission choices are offered along with said mill – a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

  

  The Navara’s 4WD system is switchable on-the-fly while non-all-paw models will send power to the rear wheels. Aside from that, Malaysian-spec models are also expected to receive the new five-link live axle rear suspension (a first in the segment) – leaf springs are still included but word is that it will only be confined to Thai-spec vehicles due to regulations there.

  Another segment-first will be the inclusion of rear air-con vents, which should help it stand out further from the competition. We’ve already driven the NP300 Navara in Thailand, read all about it here. For more information, check out the global debut coverage.

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

  GALLERY: Nissan NP300 Navara driven in Thailand

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Nissan NP300 Navara spied in Malaysia – 2.5 VL 4WD!

  In Cars, Local News, Nissan, Spyshots / By Jonathan James Tan / 5 February 2015 9:45 am / 27 comments

  

  The Nissan NP300 Navara has been spotted in Malaysia, on the MRR2! We thank Adam Shaharel and Nazirah Taib for the photos. This VL-spec vehicle’s body stickers reveal some of the features on offer: 2.5 litre DDTi VGS turbodiesel engine, VDC, TCS, HSA and HDC.

  Thanks to an upgraded cylinder head, the YD25 engine’s fuel economy is said to be improved by as much as 11%. Two states of tune are available globally – 160 hp/403 Nm and 188 hp/450 Nm. Seeing as our current Navara has 174 hp/403 Nm at its disposal, it wouldn’t be too much to hope for the higher tune, surely? No new 2.3 litre YD23 for us, sadly – that’s for Euro 5 fuel-and-up markets.

  Gearbox choices should comprise a six-speed manual and a seven-speed auto. The four-wheel drive system is switchable on-the-fly; non-4WD models will send drive to the rear.

  

  

  Click to enlarge

  We should get the new five-link rear suspension instead of leaf springs, which could do wonders for ride and handling. Rear air-con vents are a segment first, as are many other features usually found on more urban and sophisticated vehicles.

  The NP300 Navara measures 5,255 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,785 mm tall, with a 3,150 mm wheelbase. That makes it slightly longer and lower than its predecessor, while having a 50 mm shorter wheelbase, which affords it a smaller turning circle.

  The new Mother Trucker’s appearance here suggests that its local launch is on the horizon – meanwhile, read our Thai test drive report and global reveal coverage to learn more.

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

   

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

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Nissan / By Jonathan Lee / 4 August 2014 9:47 pm / 54 comments

  

  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.

  Read The Full Story ›

   

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• 2015 Nissan NP300 Navara – more details revealed: new 2.3 litre diesel, multi-link rear suspension

  In Cars, International News, Nissan / By Paul Tan / 29 July 2014 6:37 pm / 32 comments

  

  The Nissan NP300 Navara was unveiled in Thailand early last month, which gave us the bulk of information about what Nissan’s next-generation one-tonne pickup truck is all about. However, it turns out most of the information was related to the Thai market.

  Thanks to information provided at a media test drive that happened in Thailand this week, we now have new details on the Nissan NP300 Navara that could be relevant to our market. Our man Jonathan Lee will be publishing his first impressions of the new Navara very soon, but first here’s what we learned at the event.

  First of all, the YD25 2.5 litre turbodiesel engine that was unveiled at the Thai launch will be the engine that will be used for markets with fuel grades below Euro 4, including Malaysia. The YD25 has been improved over the unit in the outgoing Navara, with an upgraded cylinder head. Fuel economy is said to have been improved by as much as 11%.

  

  The YD25 will be available in two states of tune – a low output spec with 160 hp and 403 Nm of torque, as well as the higher output version dispensing the full 188 hp and 450 Nm of torque.

  What we won’t get is a new 2.3 litre YS23 engine, derived from the 2.3 dCi engine in the Renault Master van, that’s reserved for markets where Euro 5 fuel is available. As with the YD25, two versions of the YS23 will be offered – a fixed geometry turbo version that produces 158 hp and 403 Nm of torque, and a more powerful variable geometry turbo version that does the same 188 hp and 450 Nm of torque as the top YD25 mill.

  Despite the smaller displacement, the variable geometry turbocharger allows for the 450 Nm peak to come in earlier at 1,500-2,000 rpm compared to the 2,000 rpm of the YD25. Fuel consumption for the YS23 engine is said to have improved by 19% over the older YD25 thanks to reduced engine friction, an electrical variable oil pump and a thermo management system.

  

  The big Renault-sourced 228 hp, 550 Nm 3.0 litre turbodiesel V6 – never available in Malaysia – is now gone as the engine was unable to comply with the stringent emissions regulations in countries where it was previously offered. With 450 Nm being the range-topping torque figure, the Navara won’t be the most powerful pick-up around as it loses out to the larger engines in the Chevrolet Colorado, Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger.

  The good news is the Jatco seven-speed automatic transmission seems to be standard across the board and all markets. The expanded amount of ratios should both improve fuel efficiency as well as acceleration. For those who opt for a manual transmission, you’ll get a six-speeder with wider ratios than before.

  An interesting bit about the chassis – the Navara will be fitted with five-link rear suspension with coil springs instead of the usual leaf springs. Such a setup is more commonly used on truck-based SUVs such as the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and should provide for better ride and handling. The only pickup truck with such a design in Malaysia right now is the Ssangyong Actyon – the rest of the segment stick with a leaf spring design.

  

  The Thai-market Navara will continue with a leaf spring setup due to tax reasons – the truck will be classified as a passenger car if it employs coil spring rear suspension, thus raising the taxes that need to be paid on it. As far as we know, there’s no such restriction in Malaysia, thus the availability of the Actyon we mentioned.

  The Navara will also be available with LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, rear air conditioning vents, a a 3D colour multi-info display in the instrument panel, but the availability of these features may be market specific depending on what each individual country specs for the variants they have on sale.

  For more information on the new truck, read our Navara global unveiling story from June 2014, and stay tuned for Jonathan Lee’s test drive impressions. You can also refresh your memory on the outgoing Nissan Navara D40 that’s still sold in Malaysia at CarBase.my.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Nissan NP300 Navara unveiled in Thailand: 7spd auto!

  In Cars, International News, Nissan, Videos / By Jonathan James Tan / 11 June 2014 1:27 pm / 53 comments

  

  Sawasdee krub! We’re in Bangkok, Thailand, where Nissan has unveiled the all-new Nissan NP300 Navara. The 12th-gen Nissan pickup truck boasts better fuel economy, improved acceleration and a more rigid and durable frame.

  The model also features a lower roof, higher ground clearance and a larger load area. Narrow- and wide-bodies, king- and double-cabs as well as 2WD and 4WD versions are available.

  Nissan says the focus is on a “sportier and more emotional expression” – there’s a high belt line and blacked-out B-pillars, plus sculpted front wings and door sections with concave-convex surfaces. Two new colours are available – Savannah Yellow and The Earth Bronze.

  

  The LED DRLs create a boomerang-shaped signature, and there are chrome waist line mouldings and wing mirror indicators. The headlamps themselves are powered by LED as well, and Nissan claims visibility is 1.4 times better than a regular headlamp.

  Inside, the restyled dashboard features a gentle sweep from the centre panel to the door side. An aluminium-like finish can be found on the centre stack and console, and the ‘Zero-Gravity‘ seats as seen on the Teana feature “finely-crafted” stitching. Rear air vents are also available.

  

  Between the instrument dials sits a 3D colour TFT screen that displays turn-by-turn navigation instructions, compass, fuel economy indicator and audio information. The customisable display also provides alerts, service reminders and more, in a variety of languages.

  Under the bonnet resides either a 2.5 litre DOHC four-cylinder petrol or a 2.5 litre DOHC four-cylinder turbodiesel. The diesel engine’s turbocharger is electrically actuated, and there are two states of tune: 161 hp at 3,600 rpm and 403 Nm of twist at 2,000 rpm, and 188 hp and 450 Nm at the same revs. The engines are connected to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed auto (!) with manual override.

  

  

  Both engines are Euro 5 compliant, and Nissan says fuel economy has been improved by as much as 11% over the outgoing model. Underpinning the Nissan NP300 Navara is a high-strength chassis and leaf suspension. Smaller turning circle, too.

  Shift-on-the-fly 4×4 driving can be engaged while the vehicle is in motion. The security guards comprise Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).

  

  

  

  “Since we built our first pickup in 1933, over 14 million customers around the globe have come to depend on a Nissan pickup to transport their families, workmates and cargo, sometimes in the toughest of circumstances,” explained Nissan chief planning officer Andy Palmer.

  “The Nissan New NP300 Navara sets new benchmarks for performance, toughness, versatility and running costs; all the qualities that are critical for pickup users,” he added.

  The Nissan NP300 Navara will be the first vehicle built at the company’s new US$358 million plant in Samut Prakan near the capital, at a rate of about 75,000 units a year. This marks the end of Nissan’s joint venture with Mitsubishi Motors to produce pickup trucks at the latter’s plant at the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Chonburi, which will continue to build the outgoing Navara until export sales end.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  Click here for official photos of the Nissan NP300 Navara.

   

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