A new generation of Nissan’s long-running mid-sized pick-up has been revealed at an event in Thailand. The NP300 Navara will be rolled out in multiple markets from later in 2014.
The new model will compete in Asia-Pacific with its arch-rival, the Toyota Hilux, as well as the Isuzu D-MAX and Mitsubishi L200/Triton. Like these, it is rear- or all-wheel drive. The main manufacturing plant for the NP300 will be Nissan’s new Samutprakarn facility in Thailand, which is due to open on 3 July. The model may also be built in the US as the Nissan Frontier but this is yet to be confirmed.
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Compared to the outgoing Navara/Frontier, the new model has reduced roof height, higher ground clearance and a larger loading area. The chassis is new and remains a body-on-frame design, while the rear suspension features leaf springs. As for engines, revised versions of Nissan’s 2.5-litre petrol and diesel four-cylinder units feature.
“Since we built our first pickup in 1933, over 14 million customers around the globe have come to depend on a Nissan pickup to transport their families, workmates and cargo, sometimes in the toughest of circumstances, “Andy Palmer, Nissan’s Chief Planning Officer, stated at the media launch.
