Test Driven - Nissan Navara Double Cab

[Brian the Sn@il]

Ive been looking to change My Racing Caddy for something a bit different, and i think i have found it.

at 174 BHP and loads of torque kcking in at 1500 rpm its rather a quick runabout. To be honest i was surprised at the Drift potential of these pickups.

I didnt know what to expect on collecting from Desira Motor Co. As being used to Low Profiles and Modded everything on the racing caddy i wasnt sure it was my style.

But as soon as i hit the back lanes, opening it up its great fun. Easy maintaining 80 in the twisty B raods, and 120 on the Southern bypass.
It fits the bill for me  

I was surprised of the handling i was expecting terrible body roll, and bouncy bouncy. But far from it, it felt planted and not bouncy at all.

It looks massive fromt eh outside, but from behind the wheel it doesnt feel that big, if anything it feels long, speacially when reversing.

For a Off roader they have got it just right.

Still deciding on the options, i am close to sealing a deal.

some people will ask - why spend 26K on a Pickup truck ? Well you can claim back 40% in the first year (offsett against my TAX Bill)

Tried it out on a very muddy field and had a bit of fun with it in 4wd.

Its ideal for the Growing Family as we have a Son on the way (February)
So 4 year old Daughter will have a brother :)

still deciding on options......... Sat Nav/ electric leather seats/ heated / MP3 player head unit with blue tooth for phone. ????

[beast5680]

I looked at getting a double cab before i got my discovery, the big decider was boot space for stuff, in a double cab there is none, and yes i know before everyone says what about the pick up bit! but thats just it if i want a pickup i want it for the pick up part and the ability to sling anything in it but if i want to put luggage etc in i have to either have a waterproof cover or a canopy thing on the back.
That said i really like the new navara and think it looks the dogs dangly,s if its the one for you go for it :D

[LOFTY]

Its about time the towing rate went upto 3500kg, seems daft, series 3 land rover with drum brakes can tow 3500 kg, yet the Navara cant.
I know which one i would sooner have 3500 kg behind, for the disc brakes alone.

 :shock:

[Bush Tucker Man]

The Yank equivilant has a 5.6 V8 petrol

Titan

Wonder if you can get one of those?

What about the Ford F-series imports, or the Dodge RAM

[Bishops Finger]

I've sat in one and it was very tasty

[Brian the Sn@il]

OK after ANOTHER weekend DEMO Navara :)

I took it on a bit of greenlaning :)

and what fun we all had (the family)

It was great :) had not had this much fun in a vehicle for ages !!


So on the Sunday i then took it to Silverstone where we had organised a rolling road day for the Subaru Impreza WR1 Owners Club.





I crused at at 90 + for most of the way with teh Navara maxing out at 110.

The engine is fantastic, it pulls fron any rev range over 1500 rpm right up to the 5000 rpm red line.
THis really is the best derv engine i have tried and i have tried them all ;)

So my dilema.. is

I have booked for the Automatic for a teast drive in 2 weeks time BUT is a MODERN AUTO any good for off roading ????

[muddyweb]

I have booked for the Automatic for a teast drive in 2 weeks time BUT is a MODERN AUTO any good for off roading ????

Can, open....  worms, everywhere ;-)


For my money you can't beat an auto box off road.. better power delivery, better torque delivery, more control.


I took one of the Devon 4x4 Navaras out for a spin recently... that's the 'Sport' verison, *and* is has been chipped  :(bigwicked):

Just needs a suspension package on it really to stiffen it up in the corners, and then it would be a total BEAST.