NISSAN NAVARA R-GUARD

What is it?

The Navara has been around for a long time and has gained a good reputation for being a comfortable working truck. Sadly that all changed a few years ago when the previous model was marred with having a weak chassis that would snap in two. Nissan did the right thing and bought a lot of them back, but that’s another story.

Nissan then brought out a new version (yes, with a stronger chassis), and this model was the base for the Mercedes X-Class, which despite poor sales was a another good pickup.

So, N-Guard, what is it?

It’s a special edition Navara that offers an enhanced styling pack and a couple of extra features above the top-of-the-range Tekna model. Amongst many features you have side steps and roof rails, unique black 18” alloy wheels, and a sunroof with tinted glass. As well as unique decals at the base of the front doors you also get a plastic load liner.

On the road

During a day out in Yorkshire, the driving gods bestowed upon me a traffic-free B1257 all the way from Great Broughton to Helmsley. That’s around 27 miles of empty road that features a mixture of tight, twisty sections and long, sweeping corners, and although the Navara was unladen, and therefore a bit bouncy in places, the fancy rear multi-link suspension handled the run really well, and was bloomin’ good fun.

On another journey the weather turned vile with rain pelting the windscreen and sidewinds trying its best to push us from one lane to another, yet inside I felt cocooned in a warm and safe environment.

With 190bhp/450Nm on tap from the 2.3ltr twin-turbocharged diesel, the Navara’s 7-speed automatic ‘box worked well on twisty lanes and through town centres, it was both smooth and responsive.

Fuel-wise, according to the computer, it was achieving 35mpg both at a steady 50mph and 70mph. Then, on a 260 mile round trip to north Yorkshire and a trip over to Rudland Rigg, the Navara achieved 30mpg.

Off-road

I really don’t have much to say here, once in 4wd and low box the Navara went wherever I pointed it, with ease and comfort I might add. It did take a while for it to engage in low box mind, that was a nuisance.

Interior

Being the N-Guard model you get a lot of goodies. There’s an Around View Monitor parking camera, heated 8-Way electronically adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control with speed limiter and an 8” touchscreen display with steering-mounted controls and Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity.

Overall then the interior is smart, clean and functional, my only bug-bear was the small plastic holders that are fitted to either side of the transmission tunnel.

Although a good idea for hiding your gubbins and loose change, they’re positioned right where your left leg rests against the side and therefore they dig into your calf - a tad painful if you mansplay!

There’s a decent amount of legroom for rear passengers, even if those up front have long legs.

Conclusion

In proper motoring writer terminology, the Navara has an assertive look to it, and adding the N-Guard goodies such as the black 18” alloy wheels, black front grille, black LED headlight inlays and black wing mirrors and so on, makes it look. even more imposing

Overall I really enjoyed my week with the Navara, the seats are comfortable, and as I wrote earlier, whilst driving in harsh conditions I felt cocooned in a quiet cab whilst the weather outside was grim.

Sadly, I don’t know whether its chassis reputation stuck, but Nissan have decided to stop selling the Navara in the UK - which is sad, really, as it’s one of the comfiest pickups in today’s market.

Price: from £25,075 (vehicle tested - £37,250) more at » www.nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/navara.html