Yes, she's here, the mother of all trucks...that's how Nissan claimed its Navara for the last generation, until the all new Ford Ranger took over. This round, it is making another big wave, especially with its 7-speed auto gearbox, and multi-link rear suspension, which is a first in the pickup category. Of course, it remain the most powerful 4x4 with the new 2.5-litre VGS Diesel engine, which is capable of producing 190PS/450Nm of power, if you chose to have the highest specifications VL (AT) variant.
Of all the the popular models, it is good to see most has grown in size and has advance in technology. Though, some manufacturers have have remain using 5-speed or 4-speed gearbox which is so outdated nowadays. Let's take a look the size, and see how the futuristic Ford Ranger has beat it all.
| Navara 2.5 | Ranger 2.2 | Triton 2.5 | D-Max 2.5 | Hilux 2.5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (mm) | 5255 | 5362 | 5280 | 5295 | 5260 |
| Width (mm) | 1850 | 1860 | 1815 | 1860 | 1835 |
| Height (mm) | 1840 | 1815 | 1780 | 1795 | 1850 |
| Ground Clearance | 230 | 233 | 205 | 235 | 212 |
| Rear Bed Length (mm) | 1465 | 1549 | 1520 | 1552 | 1520 |
| Rear Bed Width (mm) | 1560 | 1560 | 1470 | 1530 | 1515 |
| Power (ps/Nm) | 190/450 | 160/385 | 178/400 | 136/320 | 144/343 |
| Gearbox (Speed) | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
A Nissan is always well-built, even though it is done locally. Pickup truck is now equipped like a luxury car, with comfortable seat, dual zone auto aircon, auto dimming rear view mirror, rear aircon vents, keyless entry and start/stop, cruise control, rear view camera, daytime running lights, etc. In the safety department, again, the Navara has everything a car should have, with 2-airbag, traction control, hill start assist, active brake limited slip, vehicle dynamic control, rear fog lamp, and of course ABS. Now, when will all cars in Malaysia be equipped with all such standard safety equipment, which the government should make them mandatory.
Besides losing in size to the Ranger, the Navara has a smaller 5" display audio unit. However, at an extra RM3,922, one could upgrade to a 7" navigation unit, which could connect to smartphone, yet retaining the factory reverse camera view.
From the look department, the Navara is not the most handsome 4x4 around, but the rugged feel of a pickup remains effective. The Triton has always been on the softer side, the Ranger on the futuristic side, the D-Max on the tough side, then the Navara will sit among all sides, providing the most neutral feel. With the reliability of a Nissan and 3-Year/100,000km warranty, the Navara is a workhouse, and of all other competitors, Nissan at least has the most service centers in Malaysia, providing convenience for owners who want to give it tender-loving-care. Of course, at RM124k for the VL variant, it is not the cheapest. One could get the V variant at RM113k, minus leather and power seat, with a de-tuned 163ps/403Nm engine, Halogen lights instead of LED, etc, it is still a good buy. If you just want the most basic SE variant, it is priced at RM106k for the Auto and RM101k for the Manual 6-speed. If all you wanted was a basic commercial pickup, get the manual E variant at only RM93k
