The top-grade Navara can come with premium stuff such as a seven-speed automatic transmission, LED projector headlamps, dual zone air conditioning, rear air-conditioning vents, keyless entry, engine start-stop button and a Kenwood DNX7330BT head unit featuring a seven-inch touch-screen colour display, rear view camera and navigation system, as well as USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.
The NP300 Navara is available in King Cab and Double Cab models, and in either 4X2 or 4X4 versions.
READ ALSO: New cars coming in second half of 2015
It also has a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system that allows drivers to switch from 2WD mode (meant for city roads or highways) to 4WD with a simple twist of a push-button dial, at speeds of up to 100kph.
It will compete with pick-ups such as the latest Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton.
Engine options are the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with two states of tune, and outputs maximum power of 163hp or 190hp, maximum torque of 403Nm or 450Nm.
This is suitable for markets with emission standards of Euro 4 and below.
We were able to check out the top-grade variants of the NP300 Navara at a media test drive in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Another engine option is the new 2.3-litre YS23 diesel turbo engine which offers more torque at low speeds, and even better fuel economy of up to 20%.
The YS23 engine has a two-stage turbocharger, and outputs maximum power of 190hp and maximum torque of 450Nm.
We might see the YS23 engine here as BHPetrol has made Euro5 diesel available in Johor and the Klang Valley.
The NP300 Navara is also said to have improved off-road capability with its higher ground clearance, sharper approach and departure angles, and wading depth of up to 450mm.
Compared with its predecessor, the NP300 Navara has improvements such as a reduction in roof height and higher ground clearance, as well as a larger loading area.
Malaysia is likely to get NP300 Navara models with a five-link rear suspension which can provide better comfort, handling and stability.
For updates, check out Nissan Malaysia website and Facebook page.
