Nissan Navara ST-X 4X4 2016 new ute review
Renault-Nissan alliance has promoted the “passenger-isation” of the Navara into dual-purpose roles for work and play.
Just as the Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail SUV have also spawned models for alliance brand Renault, the platform and most of the body of the new NP300 series Navara will be utilised by the French manufacturer for its South American assembled Alaskan pick-up.
It is a sign of the times, as global manufacturers such as the Renault-Nissan alliance promote the ever growing “passenger-isation” of pick ups such as the Navara into dual purpose roles for work and play. More importantly, the OEMs must also leverage their singular or combined economies of scale to produce those vehicles and bring them to market more efficiently and effectively.
A tie-up between Mercedes-Benz and the Franco-Japanese Alliance means that the NP300 series Navara line-up will also spawn a new light pick up for the three-pointed star brand, a style of vehicle which it has never offered before.
The Mercedes-Benz pick-up will offer its own proprietary diesel engine technology, while the Alaskan and Navara (depending on variant) are equipped with a Renault-designed twin turbocharged diesel 2.3-litre inline four-cylinder engine that puts out 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.
In the NP300 Navara ST-X 4x4, the claimed fuel efficiency with the seven-speed automatic transmission fitted to this model is a not-to-be sniffed-at-too-dismissively figure of 7L/100km.
A rear differential lock is also a standard feature, and there’s an efficient rotary selector dial to engage high and low range four-wheel drive, as well as a simple rocker switch allowing the driver to flick the hill descent control system on and off as needed.
Luxury spec
The Navara NP300 ST-X isn’t lacking for much in the creature comforts department. There’s leather upholstery with two-stage heating for the driver and front passenger seat, as well as dual-zone climate air conditioning, Bluetooth audio and telephony, cruise control, tilt and slide glass sunroof and there’s even an electric sliding ‘porthole' window in the rear windscreen.
Whether this is an additional ventilation feature, or more likely an option that allows a canine in the rear tray to stick their head into the cabin to say hello to the occupants, I’m not sure.
The driver’s seat has an 8-way electric power adjustment function, and the seven-inch touch screen also contains a reversing camera with grid lines, as well as reversing sensors, so there is very little excuse for the driver to have a reverse parking mishap, although it would have been nice for the left hand side mirror to dip downwards automatically for parallel parking.
While the interior is pretty well put together, and nothing rattled or squeaked, the plastics didn’t have the same quality as those found in a Ranger or a Hilux, indeed it felt very Nissan-generic.
Smoothest operator?
At the launch of the Navara NP300 much fanfare was given to the introduction of the five-link coil sprung rear suspension, rather than the usual leaf-spring setup, for its ability to offer both ride comfort as well as reasonable payload of 930kg. Certainly, the NP300 Navara has by far one of the best ride qualities in the ute market, there is very little pitch and oscillation felt through the cabin when driven unladen, over both smooth and rough surfaces, which can drive you mad in some of the competitor products.
The trade off for the softer and more comfortable ride is a lot of body roll through the corners, and the NP300 Navara’s steering is not as precise, sharp, or responsive as some of its competitors, such as the Ford Ranger or Mitsubishi Triton. A greater disappointment comes from the diesel engine, the twin-turbo Renault unit is strong, but quite noisy in this application, and a bit uncouth at times, especially when accelerating briskly from rest.
That said, the seven-speed automatic transmission manfully handles that 450Nm of torque, and the transmission ratios seem well spaced and suited to the engines power output.
Once on the motorway or open road, the Navara ST-X was a quiet and pleasant companion, with comfortable seats, efficient climate control, and an easily set cruise control system.
Conclusion
The NP300 Navara is certainly evolutionary in its look and feel, rather than revolutionary, despite the trick rear-suspension and twin-turbocharged engine.
It’s power and torque figures are similar to all of the other 4x4 utes in this category, and it has a similar towing capacity at 3500kg braked and 750kg without.
It’s obvious that Nissan wants to retain its current customer base, so it has provided a well specified and competent vehicle, but sadly not a lot of wow factor which you find in the top of the line Ranger Wildtrak or an Amarok Highline.
But in saying that, the ST-X has a much cheaper price tag than the Ford or the VW, that reflects pretty good value for what is essentially a luxury spec workhorse, and we did like the Utilitrak tie downs in the rear tray, as well as the 240-volt power socket, that was a smart and useful feature.
Price: $62,990
Note: this was reviewed as a new vehicle.
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