Nissan Navara ST-X

Nissan’s all-new NP300 model is certainly different, mixing a tough, albeit evolutionary look, with a new (shorter by 50mm in the wheelbase) chassis, a positively revolutionary new five-link coil-sprung rear end, and equally radical single or twin-turbo (depending on the spec) 2.3-litre in-line four diesel engine mated to either a sixspeed manual or seven-speed automatic transmissions. Our line-topping ST-X test unit came with all the fruit including leather-accented (i.e. part leather) seats – the driver’s eight-way electrically adjustable – as well as a seveninch touch screen complete with reversing camera (as well as sensors), dual zone climate air and a steel slide in/out sunroof. It also comes standard with a rear diff lock. You’ve got to love a company, too, that still includes a wee sliding square porthole insert in the rear window. Not to mention one that includes a 12V socket for the tray (as well as the two inside) Like the other “new” models in the sample, the Navara also boasted a sleek Suv-like interior, although the trim and in particular the fit and finish was not quite in Hilux, Ranger or Amarok league, the plastics appearing thinner and sharper edged. The big news as far as the NP300 model is concerned, of course, is the coil-sprung rear end. And – to a man – we were all keen to see if we could “spot the difference.” Where I noticed the biggest improvement in ride was on gravel, in particular on the corrugated uphill exits of corners. On the road the steering lacked the sharpness, precision and instant response to tiller input of its Ranger and Triton rivals, moving Ian to comment that “half a turn is needed for even slight corners.” Ian felt that the ride itself – we’re talking on the road here – “wasn’t bad,” though John spoke for most of us by saying that though “quite compliant, this makes (the ride) a bit soft and bouncy and the handling compromised by a lot of body roll.” This was also evident off-road. “Good visibility and easy to place,” John started with a positive in his summary, “but… the new rear coil suspension doesn’t make ride quality as good as expected.” All our testers rated the Nissan’s simple, effective driver selector dial and the rocker switch for the hill descent and our off-road specialist Kevin rated the hill descent system the best. The new twin-turbo 2.3 litre diesel engine and seven-speed auto transmission also received mixed comments. While Ian reckoned that “there were no problems with the power or torque… plenty of both, good transmission ratios as well,” Damien was of the opinion that it was “not as powerful as the best in the segment but (it’s got) enough grunt to do the trick in pretty much every situation.”