Nissan Navara NP300 Double Cab, car review: Tougher, better equipped and more capable than ever before

Ten years ago, Nissan took the pick-up world by storm with its all-singing, all-dancing Navara. Now that model has been superseded, and the manufacturer is hoping to do the same once again.

The third-generation truck may use a revised version of its predecessor’s chassis and drivetrain, but it’s a very different animal. One major standout is that the double-cab variant driven here uses rear coil springs in place of the more traditional leaf packs – one of the first one-tonne pick-ups to do so. The more workaday King-Cab, which Nissan expects to account for less than 10 per cent of sales, continues with the standard set-up.

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The single engine choice, a 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel, comes with 158bhp and 187bhp, as in our test model. Most private buyers will go for this range-topper. In its drive to further blur the lines between truck and SUV, Nissan makes sure they get impressive equipment levels and premium-look trim, but there’s still a reassuring feeling of solidity and longevity to the materials used.

The engine becomes quite vocal under strain, further underlining the fact that this is a pick-up. And coil springs notwithstanding, a beam axle, a one-tonne payload to support and a 3.5-tonne towing weight ensure that handling remains workmanlike. Having said that, with the bed full or empty the ride comfort is less bouncy and better controlled than truck drivers have traditionally been led to expect, the steering is nicely predictable and body roll is well contained, too.

Heading off tarmac, the Navara belies its size and heft. Those coils boost back-axle articulation, and the optional locking rear diff puts the previous limited-slip unit in the shade.

A manual gearbox, dual-ratio transfer case and hill descent control are all fitted as standard, while the 187bhp engine is also available with a seven-speed auto. This reduces fuel economy by around 10 per cent.

Now that sales have started in earnest, Nissan should have no problem achieving its aim. The Navara does everything even better than before – and that’s a sure recipe for success.