Pickups in Ukraine are a kind of underestimated class of cars. In the US, they have been elevated to the rank of cult, but we have not yet embraced them. Although recently you can see pickups on the roads more often, and fresh models appear on the market. One of them is the new Nissan Navara.
Nissan Navara 2020 is a classic frame construction, 5.3 m in length and 2135 kg in weight.
By the way, this particular model served as the basis for the Mercedes X-Class pickup. The car features a muscular design with pronounced wheel arches and massive bumpers. Compared to its predecessor, the body shapes have become more streamlined. The top Platinum version is recognizable by its LED headlights, 18-inch rims, as well as chrome mirrors, door handles, and rear bumper. In addition, there are roof rails.
The body size of 158 by 156 cm can accommodate a ton of cargo. The drop-down tailgate can hold up to 200 kg, so it can serve as a bench. A necessary thing in our area is the sliding shutter that protects the cargo from the weather and prying eyes.
The interior of the Nissan Navara Platinum uses leather and quite a few lacquered inserts. The cabin layout is familiar from many Nissan models.
For example, the steering wheel is known from the pre-styling Qashqai and X-Trail, the onboard computer screen and multimedia menu look familiar. By the way, Navara has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. And there are three sockets in the cabin at once – a pair on the central panel and one in the box under the armrest.
The front seats are wide and comfortable, and the driver’s seat also has electric drive. The seating position in the pickup is very high, which contributes to a good view forward.
There is enough space in the second row if the passengers are not too tall. An interesting feature: the cushion of the sofa lifts up and there is cargo storage behind it. There are also two niches in the floor, one of them hides a jack.
The Nissan Navara Platinum equipment is quite decent: engine start button, climate control, cruise control, light sensor, surround view cameras, seat heating, navigation, 7 airbags. The 2.3-liter diesel engine is equipped with two turbines and produces 190 hp.
For a two-ton pickup, it is quite sufficient, although it is advisable to rev the engine to 2000-2500 rpm – then it is faster. Of course, you won’t be able to sprint from the traffic light (and why would you?), but the pickup confidently overtakes trucks on the highway. Especially since the 7-speed automatic transmission doesn’t slow down and quickly downshifts.
The traction is quite sufficient – 450 N∙m of torque is available already at 1500 rpm, and you can pull a 3.5-ton trailer. The diesel engine is not the quietest, but it is economical: when driving on the highway at a speed of 110-120 km/h, it consumes about 7-7.2 l/100 km, in the city – about 10.
The frame, switchable all-wheel drive with a downshift gear, and hill descent assist system are well-prepared for off-road. In addition, the geometric cross-country ability is on par: clearance is 223 mm, the entry angle is 30.4°, and the departure angle is 25.6°. In general, there will be no problems in the mud.
However, this is expected from a pickup, but on the asphalt, the new Nissan Navara pleasantly surprises. It has a rare multi-link rear suspension in this class, providing a comfortable ride.
Plus, thanks to it, an unloaded pickup does not bounce on rough surfaces. The suspension travel is large, which is just right for our roads. The brakes are also pleasing: unlike some competitors, Navara has rear discs, not drums.
By the way, in the city, you don’t feel like a Gazel driver in Navara – the car is not too wide and easy to maneuver. The steering is also quite precise.
The forward and side visibility is good, and the mirrors are large and convenient. The surround view cameras are very helpful for parking and in tight spaces, a must-have for such a large vehicle.
However, of course, the pickup is more suitable for residents of the regional center or rural areas where traffic is not so intense. You can buy a Nissan Navara in Ukraine for a price starting from 930,630 hryvnias. The top Platinum version costs from 1,099,800 hryvnias.
Nissan Navara 2020 Specifications
- 4-cylinder turbo diesel, front longitudinal
- Volume 2298 cm3
- Power 190 at 3750 rpm
- Maximum torque 450 N∙m at 1500-2500 rpm
- All-wheel drive
- 7-speed automatic transmission
- Maximum speed 180 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h 11.2 s
- Fuel consumption city/highway/combined 9.1/6.4 l/7.4 100 km
- Length/width/height/wheelbase 5330/1850/1824/3150 mm
- Payload 1040 kg
- Ground clearance 223 mm
- Turning diameter 11.8 m
- Price from 930,630 UAH
- Price of the test car 1,099,800 UAH