Nissan Navara

Nissan Navara has been around since 2015 as a fully-imported (CBU) from Thailand. There are two models available: the single variant Single Cab, while the Double Cab model which comes with six variants - E, SE (MT), SE (AT), V, VL and VL PLUS. Nissan Navara is now competing against Toyota Hilux.

The starting price for manual Single Cab model is at RM 79,000, while the base Double Cab E manual retails at RM 98,888.

Launch of new 2019 Nissan Navara pick-up

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2015 Nissan Navara Gallery

Design

The Nissan Navara features a sleek, muscled-up design that is more aerodynamic than its predecessor, with modern lines and curves that Nissan claims “reminiscent of an athlete in a fine-tailored suit”.

Dimensions

Lighting

The E, SE (MT), SE (AT) and V gets Halogen headlights and fog lights, while the VL and VL PLUS features LED projector headlights with LED daytime running light.

Wheels

Single Cab and E variant make do with 16’ steel wheels with 205R16C tires. SE (MT), SE (AT) and V gets rugged 16’ alloy wheel with 255/70/17 rubber. The top VL and VL PLUS gets a bigger 18’ alloy wheel wrapped in 255/60/18 rubber.

Dashboard

The NissanNavara features a car-like dashboard design, albeit trimmed in hard plastics.

Instrument cluster

The V, VL and VL Plus variant gets a full colour Advance Drive Assist Display (ADAD), with 8 informative screens that allow driver to get various vehicle information such as fuel economy and driving distance.

As for the Single Cab and E variant, both model gets the simple-looking analog meter.

Space and Practicality

Despite it burly outlook, inside is not as spacious as you think. You’ll get decent amount of headroom for both the front and rear. Storage spaces are aplenty; large glove compartment, deep door pockets and the dash-top tray with its own 12 V power socket.

Bed Size

Nissan Navara's Double Cab features a bed length of 1,503 mm, width of 1,560 mm, and depth of 474 mm – tons of space to carry items.

The Single Cab model gets a longer bed rated up to 250kg with a built-in side step; the latter is said to be first-in-class.

2015 Nissan Navara Specs and Features

Safety Features

VL Plus gets 7 airbags (including one for driver's knee), Intelligent Around View Monitor (i-AVM), Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), ISOFIX and the usual fare ABS with EBD, VDC and TCS.

VL is similar to VL PLUS, but only with 3 airbags and rear view camera. The rest of the variant gets 2 airbags upfront, including Single Cab model.

Comfort Features

VL and VL Plus variant gets leather seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air conditioning vent, auto-dimming rear view mirror, and Zero Gravity inspired seat for the driver. Lower variant gets fabric seats and analog climate control.

Infotainment

The top of the range V, VL and VL Plus gets a dated head unit with 5” display USB connectivity played 6 premium speakers. Touchscreen is all the norm now, so it is uncertain why Nissan decided offer a 7” touchscreen headunit as optional instead. There are no Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, which is a shame. Rest of the variant gets wide 2-din head unit with USB, and Single Cab gets CD player with FM/AM as standard.

Engine

Under the bonnet resides a revised version of the previous Nissan Navara’s 2.5 litre YD25DDTi four-cylinder, direct-injection turbodiesel engine. However, only the top VL and VL Plus trim produces the full 187 HP at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm at 2,000 rpm; the other variants make do with 160 HP and 403 Nm.

Transmission

Single Cab, E and SE (MT) models come standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while SE (AT), V, VL and VL Plus variants are offered solely with Infiniti-sourced 7-speed automatic with manual mode.

Drivetrain

All variant are part-time 4-wheel-drive.

Acceleration

The top range VL and VL Plus moves effortlessly as it comes with the full power and torque, while the variant below takes a little bit more time to get up to speed, with a lazier power delivery at low end.

Engine Performance

With 187 HP and 450 Nm available as early as 2,000 rpm, the VL and VL Plus variant is packs a punch as you would expect. It’s not too shabby for the lower variant either; 160 hp and 403 Nm at 2,000rpm.

Transmission Performance

Shifts are buttery smooth and quick, but the 7-speed automatic tends to stick in higher gear ratio and is hesitant to kickdown, for fuel efficiency sake. It feels more evident in the lower variant model as overall power is lower. If total control is your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that the 6-speed manual transmission feels solid and crisp.

Steering and Handling

​​Steering is vague and a little imprecise, and requires you to turn more than it actually suggest. The steering rack reacts slow to your input. Despite its hushed multi-link rear suspension, it does not feel as poised or composed as the Ford Ranger.

Certainly, the chassis feels like it is able to handle more than what you can throw at it, but it’s nowhere SUV-like.

Sound Proofing

Compared to its predecessor, the current Nissan Navara feels more refined. Acoustic windscreen, among others such as engine cover makes it quieter. Nissan Navara added sound-absorbing material to the centre console, firewall and transmission tunnel to further reduce noise.

Passenger Comfort

Thanks to the multi-link rear suspension, the Nissan Navara soaks up undulations well, but it doesn’t feel revolutionary, much to what Nissan wants you to believe. There is no hiding the fact that the base is still ladder frame; you’ll still get the judder and shimmy whenever you run over bumps.

Rear seats are too upright and feels a little too cramped to get truly comfortable, but the addition of rear air-con vents on the VL and VL Plus makes it sweeter.

Fuel Consumption

Nissan claims the fuel consumption for the diesel single turbo engine is between 6.4 to 7.1 litre/100km, depending on which model, while the claimed fuel economy for the diesel variable-turbo option is between 6.5 litre to 7.0 litre/100km.

If you want a pickup truck that drives comfortably on the daily, the Nissan Navara is worth buying, despite its shortcomings. It is a looker, has solid build quality, reliable and comes equipped with a great engine. For pure off-roading purposes however, there is a better pickup out there.

Plus, we think Nissan Navara should update the outlook and interior bits a little to keep up with the competition, as it is starting to look dated compared to the facelifted Toyota Hilux or theFord Ranger.