Driven – Nissan Navara 3.0 AT – the bearded vehicle

If Chuck Norris was real, and if he lived in Europe, the Nissan Navara would have been his vehicle of choice.

Is it new?

No, the Navara has been in production since 2005 and it has recently reveived a facelift.

Is it cheap?

Sort of, the cheapest version of the Navara is priced at just over 28,500 euros but for the version I tested you will have to pay almost 40,000 euros.

Is it “green”?

It’s dark brown, a color which represents it just perfectly in every matter. As for you tree huggers out there, you should know that you can’t feed it leafs and baby Panda tears don’t go out of its exhaust system. In 2WD, in the city, the model will burn 14L / 100 km, despite Nissan tells us 10.7L / 100 km. The highway won’t drop the fuel consumption by much but the trip computer indicated 9.0 L / 100 km. Nissan says 7.2 L / 100 km. The average will stand at 10 L.

 Is it quiet?

It’s as quiet as a V6 diesel pick-up truck can be but you will be able to have a decent conversation at speeds over 100 km/h. The diesel engine isn’t making an annoying sound but you will sometimes want to listen to its turbocharger.

Is it safe?

In Euro NCAP terms, not exactly. Despite its massive size, the vehicle managed to score an overall three-star rating, with four stars in child protection and 2 stars in pedestrian safety. So what Euro NCAP is trying to say here is that you’ll suffer almost the same wounds if you get run over by a B-segment hot hatch or by a massive pick-up truck. If I had to choose, I would choose the hatchback any day.

Is it practical?

If you’re the kind of guy who likes to cut down trees in order to make his dog a new house than yes, it’s very practical. If you’re a 20-year old teenage girl, you have room for four of your friends. And the class’ geeks can come for a ride as well, but they will be traveling under the open sky.

Is it comfortable?

Not exactly, the Navara has been designed to work off-road so you may feel the bumps on the road. But once you will leave the main road and head over towards anything, you will feel what every wheel is doing and the low-range gearbox comes in handy here.

Is it gadget friendly?

For a lumberjack, yes, you can make calls using the Bluetooth, you can listen to music on your portable MP3 player and you have an AUX input too. There is a GPS system which will leave a trail if you ask it to, once you leave the road, so you don’t get lost in the forest. It also comes with a rearview camera, handy for when trying to maneuver it close to trees. And that’s all.

Is it fast, does it handle well and how good are its brakes?

It’s faster than the 2.5 liter version and this one came with a 3.0 liter turbo diesel unit, producing 230 HP at 3,750 rpm and 550 Nm of torque offered as low as 1,750 rpm. The torque figure will provide you with enough power to pass other vehicles on open road and it’s also perfect for when trying to climb a hill and the wheels will grip on gravel, grass or any other surface. The steering is useless in a crowded city because you have to turn the steering wheel all the time in order to get to where you want to be, but off-road, it’s doing its job just like it should. Yes, its brakes are good and you won’t feel like stopping your house every time you push the brake pedal.

Do women think it’s cool?

Women who don’t shave will think this is a useless vehicle which eats lots of gas but your friends will always comfort you and tell you they would rather be driving this than their MPVs.

Will my neighbors be jealous if I buy it?

If your neighbors are gangsters in an eastern European country, than yes, because this is something they haven’t heard of. They’re fans of Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles.

Will I be ashamed driving it?

Never, because the Navara is screaming “testosterone” through its every hole in the body and if it will grow a beard, than it will become your best friend.

Do I need a road to drive it?

No, because the Navara has been designed to be an off-road vehicle. In fact, all you need is a winch, some massive lights for the roof and off-road tires and you’re good to go.

 What else do I need to know about it?

The Nissan Navara has been made to last. It has powerful side mirror motors, one-off function buttons, a big key for the ignition and all plastics have been fitted just like they should have been. The vehicle will probably last for a lifetime if you change its oil and other spare parts regularly.

Original story here.