Nissan Navara Aventura X-BACK : NAVARA GETS ITS BACK UP

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Nissans Navara Aventura X-BACK offers a detailed specification and a novel load carrying configuration. Steve Walker reports

The load area is the pick-up trucks defining feature. Open to the elements and ideal for stowing the kind of dirty, smelly cargos that would play havoc with the interior of a van or car, this space is a vital part of what enables pick-ups to do their utility vehicle duty. But what about customers who want the rugged qualities of a pick-up married to a cargo capacity thats secure and protected from the weather? For them, Nissan offer the Navara Aventura X-BACK.

Based on the plush Aventura model, the Navara Aventura X-BACK adds a load cover for the load bay and some other desirable extras. Its priced to take over as the range-topping Navara model and can be specified with either a manual or automatic gearbox to marshal the power from its 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine. Is the Navara Aventura X-BACK still a pick-up? Well, if you define a pick-up truck as having an open load bay, maybe it isnt.

The vehicle looks more like a family 4x4 car because over the top of the Navaras rear end, it has a specially designed load cover. Such covers are readily available as aftermarket accessories for all pick-ups but very few are as well-integrated with the vehicles styling as the one on the X-BACK. The rear end is quite steeply angled which diminishes the available load space but is far easier on the eye than the boxier load covers that youll occasionally see out on the road. It was designed in house by Nissan and features a shoulder line and cabin roof lines which integrate with the Navaras cabin.

Blacked out windows and pillars contribute to the styling and security of the cover and because its made of a composite SMC plastic material, its both light weight and extremely strong.

"Is the Navara Aventura X-BACK still a pick-up? Well, if you define a pick-up truck as having an open load bay, maybe it isnt"

Beneath the X-BACK load cover is a fully carpeted load area thats accessed through a split tailgate. The bottom section drops down as it would in a standard pick-up but theres also a hatch that lifts up to give easier access. Fitting larger items inside should be simplicity itself with both doors open and there is a sizable 1.8m3 of space in there should you need it.

The clear glazing between the X-BACKs cabin and load area aids visibility but owners will still be glad of the rear parking sensors that come as standard. Also making an appearance on the Navara Aventura X-BACK equipment list are a variety of styling and functional accessories. Improving the look of the exterior are the 17" alloys wheels, chrome side steps, front fog lights and roof rails. Then theres the dual-zone climate control, the Bluetooth phone compatability, the MP3 stereo with 6 CD autochanger, heated front seats, cruise control automatic wipers, automatic lights and plenty more as well. Despite all the equipment thats been crammed in, storage space in the cabin is generous. The inclusion of a 6.

0-litre box in the centre console helps, as do twin gloveboxes in front of the front passenger. There are also specialist spaces for coins, cups and cards along with a neat sunglasses holder which folds down from a console in the roof. The door pockets are much larger than before and the seats in the Double Cab can be folded into various positions to further boost the capacity. Aventura buyers also get the C-Channel system which is comprised of five rails mounted into the loadbay sides and floor.

These can accommodate special cleats which slide along and lock into place to provide lashing points for securing loads. The Navaras powertrain may well be its most impressive feature. The vehicle is powered by a version of Nissans tried and tested 2.5-litre diesel engine.

This unit uses second generation common-rail injection technology with a variable nozzle turbocharger and twin counter rotating balancer shafts. The net result of all this is increased efficiency and refinement but the big plus comes in terms of raw power. Buyers used to UK market pick-ups with between 100 and 130bhp will feel their eyebrows raising at the Navaras 171bhp output. Theres a massive 403Nm of torque too which gives the Navara real prowess as a towing vehicle.

It will actually tow 2.6 tonnes and carry 1,097kg in its load bay but, if you unhitch the trailer and unload whatever youve got in the rear, it will also average over 33mpg. All Navara models get Nissans proven part-time 4x4 system. All drive goes to the rear wheels under normal conditions but torque is split equally to all four wheels when 4x4 mode is engaged via a dashboard-mounted dial.

Theres a low ratio mode for serious offroad work too and, with this setting selected, drivers have the option of employing an electronic rear diff lock to extricate themselves from really sticky situations. The Navara Aventura X-BACK will put too many limits on the kind of cargo that can be carried for some but others will be fully persuaded by the extra security and protection from the elements that the X-BACK load cover adds. It looks well integrated with the lines of the Navara preserving the vehicles rugged looks and with a massive haul of equipment included, the value for money angle shouldnt be a problem

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Nissan Navara Aventura X-BACK ENGINE: 2.5-litre 171bhp
PERFORMANCE: Max speed 105mph / 0-60mph 11.5s DIMENSIONS: 5220/1850/1886 length/width/heightmm