Nissan used to be called Datsun and if you are old enough, you will remember the many Datsun single-cab pickups that used to run around Malaysia, such as the Datsun 620, which featured the hardy J15 engine, with 77 hp. Used by farmers, plumbers, wet market merchants, electricians and more, it was a true workhorse.

Sometime in 1997, Nissan launched a fresh new pickup truck. It had two and also four-wheel drive options, known as the Nissan Frontier. After this, the Navara was introduced in February 2004 to replace the Frontier.

Now, we have an all-new Navara and it is still a pickup truck that looks the part. However, the macho image of driving a pickup has superseded its real working need.

Make no mistake, there is no doubt that this new Navara, launched in March this year, is able to do the hard work, but it also has the capacity to act as a surprisingly comfortable family vehicle.

Cabin

Drivers of various sizes and shapes will be happy behind the Navara’s tilt-adjustable steering wheel. Legroom in the driver’s seat is plenty and adds to the comfortable vantage.

The driving position is natural and relaxed, perfect for long-distance hauls without back-aches, with good forward visibility and decent sized rearview mirrors too.

The central infotainment touchscreen with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to ensure the driver is well entertained on long journeys.

Rear seat passengers are reasonably well catered for, with a USB charging point, air-conditioning vents and better rear back incline. This Navara’s occupants now have more comfortable seating.

Plus, this Navara continues to provide ASEAN NCAP 5-Star rating safety features, something it has maintained from its earlier version from 2016.

Exterior

This high-riding new Navara has had all its shiny chrome replaced with black finish, giving it a tough urban look, with a bolder and bigger grille in front, wide side-steps, roof-rails, LED fitted side view mirrors and the multi-LED headlamps.

All these ‘extras’ do make a difference and give it a muscular look, something that definitely appeals to the growing number of urban cowboys in the past few years.

Engine

Under the bonnet sits a frugal 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine, which has come a long way in technology from equivalent units. The engine delivers a surplus grunt that is not always associated with other 2.5-liter diesel engines. In fact, shifts from the seven-speed automatic are slick and timely.

The engine, as a whole, is impressively refined; it is smooth and measured with its power delivery, with noise levels generally low. It is a very civilized engine, and Nissan also took care to spread its torque over a wide range of revs, ensuring almost instantaneous throttle response.

Drive impressions

The driving experience of the PRO-4X is a considerable leap, compared to the older 2.5 model which struggled with overtaking maneuvers. This new version makes overtaking easy.

A quick turn knob in front of the gear lever selects all drive options, be it 2WD, 4WD-H and 4WD-L, which is a neat option that makes the hassle of 4×4 driving so very convenient.

The Navara features disc brakes in front and drum brakes at the rear, while the suspension is shared from a SUV which means better passenger comfort.

As mentioned earlier, throttle response is quick and there are very few occasions where the 7-speed auto gets caught in the wrong gear. This makes driving the PRO-4X a pleasingly effortless affair.

Matching the powertrain’s excellence is a well-calibrated chassis that is impressively composed at high speeds and surprisingly reassuring around corners. Nissan evidently paid far greater attention to ride comfort.

Their signature five-link, rear coil suspension is maintained compared to more conventional leaf springs of its immediate rivals.

The system soaks up bumps and road patches with great aplomb. It is effective with smaller obstacles such as Petaling Jaya’s many small pot holes, yellow road stripes and bridge joints.

Conclusion

For a family man who is a city dweller or a company accountant looking to purchase a fleet of workhorses that will deliver usage with minimal cost incurred, this new Navara should be taken into account.

By all means, head to a Nissan showroom and take it for a spin.

Nissan Navara PRO-4X Diesel Specifications

Engine: Inline-4, DOHC Commonrail Diesel
Capacity: 2,488cc
Transmission: 7-speed auto with Manual Mode
Max Power: 190PS @ 3,600rpm
Max Torque: 450Nm @ 2,000rpm
Price: RM142,200.00

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