Ten years with the same model is quite a while & that’s exactly how long the second generation Nissan Navara has been on sale in the UK. It surely is testament to the longevity of this much loved vehicle. However, as good as it was, time waits for no man, or 4x4 for that matter, so Nissan has brought its third-generation Navara, the NP300 onto the market. Considering there are currently refreshed versions of the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Amarok and Mitsubishi L200 all entering the market, the Nissan has some very tough competition and this fight for supremacy is only set to intensify with the Renault Alaskan (based on the Navara) and Fiat's Fullback (based on the L200) both readying themselves to enter the battle, while Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot and Citroën are all watching on from the sidelines. Maybe it’s a good thing that Nissan has been very thorough with the NP300. Although the chassis and 4WD system are just modified versions of those found on the previous Navara, everything else is completely new. The engine has been downsized and now comes as 2.3 litres. There are two BHP outputs available: 158bhp and 187bhp. You might expect Nissan to have simply cranked the boost up to get the additional power, but they’ve been a little more thorough than that, bolting on an extra turbo to create even more pulling power. Naturally, both engines feature economy and emissions improvements, too. The big news is that the Double Cab ditches the old-school leaf sprung rear end of the previous generation. In its place is an all-new five-link set-up with coil springs that offers greater ride comfort and improved handling. The new Navara has the best ride comfort of any unladen pick-up I have driven! Handling is subsequently much improved too. You can carry a surprising amount of speed around bends while even rapid direction changes are completed with ease. You’d never call it fun, but it really does feel like a very stable vehicle and much better than you’d expect from a pick-up. Despite this, the Navara is still more than capable off-road. The Double Cab is 4WD only and comes complete with a low range ’box, hill descent control and excellent axle articulation. If you want to get really serious, a rear diff-lock is on the options list, too. Nissan is claiming the interior has been inspired by its crossovers and at first glance, it does appear quite similar to the Qashqai or even the X-Trail. There are four other trims to choose from including the entry-level Visia, Acenta, Acenta + and N-Connecta. There’s an attractive, but highly scratchable piano black trim, a sprinkling of metal effect detailing plus a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation.The Navara is far more comfortable than its competition, looks good in the metal and is still able to carry or tow big loads, therefore if you are in the market for a pick-up it is the one to go for. But is it an SUV too? That’s a tricky question to answer. There’s no doubt an SUV would offer cheaper running costs, better rear seat accommodation, should handle better and probably have a higher level of perceived quality inside. Not that this will matter to the many people who are likely to buy a Navara, though; the idea of a "do-everything lifestyle vehicle" is the appeal here. Even if the Nissan doesn’t drive exactly like a crossover is no real issue; by narrowing the gap between pick-up and SUV the Navara has become one of the best pick-ups out there!
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