Introduction
The Navara is essentially a commercial vehicle with a few creature comforts, but you shouldn't rule it out as a serious family vehicle. Particularly if you're the sort of family who likes the outdoors.
What are its rivals?
The Navara rivals the other pick-ups out there like Mitsubishi's L200, the Ford Ranger and Isuzu Rodeo. It's also perfectly reasonable to expect that buyers will have considered regular SUVs as an alternative, particularly as in Double Cab guise the Navara allows reasonable rear seat comfort for smaller passengers. The pick-up market has exploded in the past few years, Mitsubishi's L200 and Nissan's Navara dominating. That's hardly surprising either, as with every new model introduced pick-ups become more car-like in their driving characteristics and ever more comfortable, too. They also appeal on the styling front and here the Navara is arguably one of the best lookers among its rivals.
How does it drive?
Like an old-school SUV. Pick-ups aren't particularly sophisticated in the chassis and suspension department. That means that the ride can be rather bouncy, the body control interesting and lean in corners ship-like. The Navara does better than some though, demonstrating that although this is a vehicle that'll haul and carry huge loads across all sorts of terrain, it's not a disaster on the road. With the optional automatic five-speed transmission it's actually remarkably civilised. It's not the smoothest nor quickest automatic transmission we've ever encountered, but it's infinitely preferable to the heavy clutch and long-throw of the manual option.
Given the sheer scale of the Navara the engine does a good job at keeping it moving along at pace. It's a lusty unit, with a gruff engine note to match, but that's part of its enormous charm. It's surprisingly enjoyable to drive, unless you're parking it, when its long tail makes it pretty tricky to position. No worse than many big SUVs, though.
What's impressive?
The amount of kit that's included with this, admittedly top-level, Aventura model is impressive. There's DVD satellite navigation, premium audio with MP3 compatibility, cruise control, powered leather front seats and Bluetooth phone integration among its lengthy standard specification. It's an enjoyable drive too, the engine giving it remarkably sprightly performance. Consumption isn't too bad either with a combined consumption figure of 27.7mpg. That rear load bed is also huge, meaning if you want to carry bikes, motorbikes or just about anything else, you can. It's amazing how quickly having the ability to carry so much becomes essential and how much you miss it when you go back to driving regular cars and SUVs.
What's not?
It's unlikely to have escaped your notice that it's big. Very. That makes it interesting to thread around busy town streets and parking it is often rather a fraught affair. Be sure to sometimes be seen carrying a load in the back, or towing something with it to escape the scorn of those thinking you bought it as a mere fashion object. In the wet the tail can be pretty lively, which, depending on how you drive, is either fun or scary. The rear seats, although comfortable for shorter journeys, are rather upright and short on legroom if you're going a bit further, it being a bit claustrophobic on the rear bench. Like all pick-ups, if you want to make sure your load is secure when you're not there you'll need to spend some money on a hardtop or roll cover.
Should I buy one?
If you're after a go almost anywhere, rugged and dependable vehicle with good towing and carrying ability then there's not much out there to beat the Navara. There's a certain acceptability to driving a pick-up over a conventional SUV too, as they're seen as working vehicles. Pick-ups are pretty inexpensive as well, particularly in comparison with conventional SUVs, so if you're prepared to put up with a few compromises then the Navara might be just the thing.
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