NAVARA GOES TO THE GYM... BUT HAS A MUCH SOFTER SIDE TOO.

Is this the new benchmark for ride comfort?

- Pawan Dhingara

The Nissan Navara still holds a lot of clout at enthusiasts' gatherings helped by its ties to Nissan's other range of lifestyle vehicles: If there was an X-Trail or NP200 in the garage, there was always a good chance that a Navara would feature alongside them. Nissan simply knew how to give its customers what they needed and tailor their products accordingly up through the ranks. Now thanks to a sizeable investment in new manufacturing plants, Nissan once again believes it understands exactly what customers want and need from one of the oldest and most trusted nameplates in the world.

Design

The Navara arrived for test just after the Peugeot Landtrek and GWM P-Series - two examples of bakkie styling that introduced some striking concepts and ideas to the recipe. The Navara, particularly when wearing black paint with the back wheels and little splashes of red, didn't feel threatened by either in the slightest. It's arguably the best-styled pickup currently on sale, although we do agree with those who felt that the wheel size looked a bit small and lost in the arches.

Ride and handling