What sets the new Navara apart from other models?
The 2017 Nissan NP300 Navara is the latest Navara from Nissan since 2004 and it was worth the wait. The new Navara is available in four-wheel or rear-wheel drive and boasts a great balance between strength and low fuel consumption, whilst having a more comfortable cabin.
What features are available with all Navara models?
The Navaras are all equipped with excellent safety systems such as Electronic Stability Control and Electronic Traction Control – which assist in maintaining control in a skidding car and on slick terrains, respectively. Other safety features include seven airbags – including curtain airbags in the front and rear, side airbags in the front, two airbags in front of the front passenger and the driver and an airbag facing the driver’s knees. The Navara’s visibility is also improved on cloudy/ overcast days with Daytime Running headlights. Furthermore, the primary headlights are automatic and activate as it gets dark.
This beast also boasts great technological features – including button-operated cruise control (on the steering wheel), Bluetooth phone connection and audio streaming. Other trimmings provided are USB; auxiliary and iPod ports; a CD-audio unit (controllable from the steering wheel) – with four or six (in dual-cabs) speakers.
What are the additional accessories that one can get?
The Navara, that is exclusively available with a petrol engine, comes with 15″ steel wheel rims and vinyl-covered flooring. A little more spending can get you the Navara with 16″ steel rims, alarm system, remote central locking, a rear window demister, tinted windows (side and rear), swankier door handles and outside mirrors and an interior release mechanism for the fuel flap. This model is also fitted with a 12V port in the rear-tub for conveniences such as a portable fridge or cooler.
The Navara SL 4WD Dual Cab can be upgraded to be equipped with a diesel, twin-turbo engine for a stronger output and more performance, without foregoing the burly steel rims or the amiable vinyl flooring. This package offer includes a 5″
Multi-function dashboard screen, which includes smartphone synthesis and a reversible camera.
Investing in the Navara ST offers you form, comfort and character. This more expensive offer comprises even more attractive 16″ aluminium alloy wheel trims, carpeted floors; leather adorned steering wheel, gear- and handbrake levers, as well as trip computer and satellite navigation. The ST’s still include a powerful engine, and has more efficient headlights and projector and flaunts a great overall design. The exterior is more idiosyncratic with uniquely conceived running lights. This model furthermore includes fog lights, a notable sports bar (for the tub) and side steps to easily hop in and out of the cabin. This model is available with 4WD and rear differential lock – to assist in maintaining control in various off-road terrains.
Spending more on the Navara ST-X will acquire you partial-leather seats, power adjustable driver’s seat and front-seat heating. Additionally, the power-folding door mirrors serve as demisters with a heating feature. The ST-X model also comes with an aluminium alloy spare wheel, instead of the steel spare supplied for other models. Furthermore, rear sensors assist with parking, interchangeable ‘tie-down’ sites; roof racks; and the heavy-duty plastic lining is a wonderful advantage when mounting a luggage unit, and a ‘smart’ key gives ease of access with a mere touch of the front door handles – as long as the key is within range. The Dual Cab version of this model is also offered with an electronic sunroof at an additional fee.
How does the Navara rate in terms of comfort?
The interior of the NP300 has been upgraded to a more satisfactory and comfortable cabin, which has less of the uneasy ‘commercial-vehicle-cabin experience.’ The optional sunroof available in the dual-cab ST-X version adds to a more opulent cabin experience. The seats are cushioned and thus more cosy than expected in a commercial vehicle.
The steering column is height adjustable and handles well on the road, even more so with a load in the back. The NP300 is slightly smaller than the usual large workhorses – which add the benefit of easier parking in smaller lots and spaces.
Both the available diesel engine versions offer good feedback on the road and perform especially well when combined with the seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Note: The above article has been written based on the Nissan NP300 Navara available in the USA, Australia and Europe. The specifications, features and available accessories might differ for models available in South Africa. To find out about the South African Nissan Navara (not called the NP300 in South Africa), visit a dealer site such as Group 1 Nissan.
