Yes folks, the new Nissan NP300 Navara will be officially launched in Malaysia come 26 November, and Edaran Tan Chong Motors will be offering a total of six variants, no less. Just like the D40 Navara, the earlier batches of the NP300 will be fully imported from Nissan’s second plant in Thailand – a dedicated plant to produce and assemble a single model that is the Navara.
Malaysia is one of 20 countries receiving the Navara from Thailand, but we’re told that Malaysia is the first country in the region to get the NP300 Navara with the multi-link rear suspension as opposed to the conventional leaf spring setup. However, those preferring the leaf spring suspension will have to make do with the Single Cab variant, which is also the most affordable pick of the lot at RM85k (estimated price).
QUICK FACTS
| Nissan NP300 Navara | Grade VL | Grade V | Grade SE (AT) | Grade SE (MT) | Grade E | Single Cab |
| Engine | 2,488cc; inline-4 DOHC with Variable Geometry System; Commonrail Injection (YD25DDTi) | |||||
| Transmission | 7-speed Auto with Manual Mode | 6-speed manual | ||||
| Max Power | 190 hp @ 3,600 rpm | 163 hp @ 3,600 rpm | ||||
| Max Torque | 450 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | 403 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | ||||
| Suspension | Independent Double Wishbone (Front), Multi-Link with Shocks (Rear) | Double Wishbone (Front), Multi-Leaf with Shocks | ||||
| Estimated Price | RM125,000 | Between RM95,000 to RM115,000 | RM85,000 | |||
All six variants will be powered by Nissan’s reworked 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, which means we won’t be getting the new 187hp twin turbocharged 2.3-litre dCi engine offered elsewhere. The engine gets two states of tune – 190 hp and 450 Nm for the range-topping VL variant and 163 hp and 403 Nm for the rest of the range. This means the Nissan NP300 Navara Single Cab sits at the top of its class with respect to output figures. Bravo.
The engines will be paired to either a six-speed manual transmission or a brand new seven-speed automatic gearbox with Manual Mode. All variants will get an electronically operated 4×4 system that you can shift on the fly. Features unique to the new Navara include numerous first-in-class tech, such as full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (for the VL only), rear spoiler, rear air-conditioning vents and Zero Gravity Inspired Seats – the same kind used in the Nissan Teana.
The Navara Single Cab may be priced on the higher side as far as single cabs go, but you’re getting quite a performer under the hood. It sits on 16-inch steel wheels shod with 205R16C profiled tyres, and the seats (also Zero Gravity Seats) are upholstered in vinyl. There is a total of four speakers and a CD player that support FM, AM and MP3 playback.
For grade E and SE, the seats are wrapped in smooth fabric and comes with a Wide 2-Din head unit with USB and auxiliary connectivity, paired to six speakers. The SE (AT) will get – as you’ve guessed – the seven-speed automatic, but all else are identical. They SE variants will sit on 16-inch alloy rims wrapped in 255/70 series tyres, but the Grade E variant will settle for the same 16-inch steel rims as the Single Cab.
Moving one trim up is the RM115k Grade V, and for the money you get a multifunction steering wheel with cruise control and Bluetooth Handsfree. The seats are still wrapped in fabric, but you do get a 5-inch display with rear view camera and six speakers. However, it won’t get the 190 hp/450 Nm tune as the range topper. That said, ETCM expects this variant to be their best seller, and it’s hard to think otherwise.
RM125,000 is quite a chunk of dough to ask for a pickup truck, but this VL trim is decked out to the brim. There’s a set of 18-inch wheels (255/60 tyres), roof rails and exclusive LED headlights to complete the exterior package. Inside, there’s leather seats all around and the driver gets an 8-way adjustability with 2-way lumbar support.
Variants SE (MT included) and above will get Nissan’s entire suite of safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, Active Brake Limited Slip, Hill Assist and Hill Descent Control. The new Nissan NP300 Navara will only be offered in four exterior shades – Savanna Orange, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black and Brilliant White. The Single Cab however, will only be available in Brilliant White.
Again, prices start from RM85k to RM125k, and Nissan’s newest pickup will be fully imported from Thailand. ETCM hasn’t shrugged off any plans on assembling it at their 40-year old plant in Segambut, but like the D40 Navara, only time can tell. Each new purchase of the Navara comes packaged with a 3-year or 100,000km factory warranty, whichever comes first. First batch of deliveries will begin on launch day that is 26 November. For those who have yet to place their booking, you may pay a visit to the showrooms below for an early-bird test drive session.
| Date | Region | Venue |
| 14 to 15 November 2015 | Central | ETCM Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor |
| Northern | ETCM Butterworth, Penang | |
| ETCM Ipoh, Perak | ||
| Southern | ETCM Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru | |
| ETCM Seremban, Negeri Sembilan | ||
| East Coast | ETCM Kuantan, Pahang | |
| 20 to 21 November 2015 | Northern | ETCM Sg. Petani, Kedah |
| 21 to 22 November 2015 | Central | ETCM Petaling Jaya, Selangor |
| ETCM Southgate, KL | ||
| Southern | ETCM Semabok, Melaka | |
| East Coast | ETCM Kota Bahru, Kelantan | |
| East Malaysia | ETCM Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | |
| ETCM Kuching, Sarawak |
IMAGE GALLERY
Nissan NP300 Navara Single Cab & Grade E
Nissan NP300 Navara SE (MT & AT); Grade V
Nissan NP300 Navara VL
