Available in two configurations — King and Double Cab — it doesn’t replace the Pickup range, but compliments it. It’s bigger, more powerful, more refined and has a much more carlike, high specification. All Navaras have the same 172hp 2.5-litre intercooled common rail turbodiesel under the bonnet, but the really good news is the 403Nm of peak torque (at 2,000rpm). This is one hell of a good engine. It has prodigious amounts of torque available in all of the six forward gears — a five-speed auto is an option on the two top spec DCs — and is a refined cruiser. Rear-wheel drive is the default setting, but dual-range four-wheel drive is available electronically at the turn of a dash-mounted knob.

Double wishbones, coil springs and dampers are suspended from the substantial ladder frame chassis at the front while the rear is the traditional pick-up live rear axle and leaf spring arrangement. Ventilated disc brakes grace the front, with drums at the rear, and ABS is standard on all models. Power assisted rack and pinion steering is fitted.

Navara load beds are 457mm high and 1,560mm wide (max), and the King Cab’s length is 1,861mm, but the Double Cab’s is shortened to 1,511mm. The cab is spacious, comfortable and practical — especially the King Cab’s rear-hinged, rear half doors — and there are four levels of specification to choose from. Even the basic ‘S’, however, is well equipped.

Navara is covered by Nissan’s standard three year/60,000 mile warranty and servicing is every 18,000 miles.

VERDICT

Navara is a superb one-tonne pick-up, but it’s a shame there is no Single Cab.