It is no secret that the NP300 series Navara will spawn a new Renault pick-up in Latin America, called the Alaskan, and a new Mercedes-Benz pick-up as yet unnamed, also for markets in Latin America, Asia, and Australasia.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance has recognised the growing (and profitable) international demand for light commercials such as the Navara, with dual roles as work and recreational vehicles.
While the future Mercedes-Benz version will offer its proprietary diesel-engine technology, the Alaskan and NP300 Navara (depending on variant) are equipped with a Renault-designed twin turbocharged diesel 2.3-litre in-line four-cylinder engine that puts out 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.
Its power and torque figures are similar to all the other 4×4 utes in this category, and it has a similar towing capacity, at 3500kg braked and 750kg without.
Nissan claims fuel efficiency of 7l/100km for the NP300 Navara ST-X 4×4, with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
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.
The Navara ST-X cabin offers 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, and a tilt and slide glass sunroof.
There is even an electric sliding ‘porthole’ window in the rear windscreen.
The driver’s seat has an eight-way electric power adjustment function, and the seven-inch touch screen also contains a reversing camera with grid lines, as well as reversing sensors.
Inside the cabin is pretty well put together, and nothing rattled or squeaked, but the plastics didn’t have the same quality as those found in its competitors. Indeed it felt very Nissan generic.
There’s five-link coil-sprung rear suspension in the NP300, rather than the usual leaf-spring set-up, which offers both ride comfort as well as the reasonable payload of 930kg.
The Navara ST-X has by far one of the best ride qualities in the 4×4 ute market: there is little pitch or 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.
But the trade-off for the softer and more comfortable ride is a lot of body roll through the corners, and the NP300’s steering is not as precise, sharp, or responsive as some of its competitors.
A greater disappointment comes from the diesel engine. The twin-turbo Renault-derived unit is quite noisy in the NP300, and a bit uncouth at times, especially when accelerating briskly from rest.
That said, the seven-speed automatic transmission manfully handles the that 450Nm of torque, and the transmission ratios seemed well spaced and suited to the engine’s power output.
Once at cruising speed on the motorway or open road, the NP300 Navara ST-X was a quiet and pleasant companion, with comfortable seats, efficient climate control, and a quickly set cruise-control system.
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.
It’s obvious that Nissan wants to retain its current customer base, so it has provided a well specified and competent vehicle.
In spite of the trick rear suspension and twin-turbocharged engine, we feel the NP300 Navara is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, a trait that was no doubt demanded by international markets.
Price $62,990.
