Nissan PICKUP range
Can The Pickup Enable
Nissan To Sell This Class Of Vehicle To The Car As Well As Commercial Public? Jonathan Crouch Decides
If the word 'heritage' really can be applied to a commercial vehicle, then Nissan's Pickup certainly has it. Well over six million have been produced since 1934, not only in Japan but in countries as diverse as China and New Zealand, Thailand, the Philippines and Mexico. This is a world model in every sense of the word.
Whether it also now qualifies as a car is another question entirely. In recent times,
Mitsubishi,
Mazda and other rivals have revised their pickup ranges to appeal to an entirely new non-commercial market. For years in America, people have been buying pickups for recreational use; for hauling jet-skis and horse boxes, for carrying bicycles and trail bikes. Now its happening in Europe too.
| Build |
 |
| Comfort |
 |
| Depreciation |
|
| Economy |
 |
| Equipment |
|
| Handling |
|
| Insurance |
|
| Performance |
|
| Styling |
|
| Value |
|
These people want a car with carrying capacity, not a commercial vehicle with a flatbed behind the seats. So will they want a
Nissan Pickup? Well, the first impressions are quite good. The latest styling echoes the companys X-TRAIL, Terrano, Pathfinder and Patrol off-roaders, then goes one step beyond with chunky wheel-arch extensions and imposing 16-inch alloy wheels. The load area has been reshaped to reduce wind noise and theres a tailgate that lowers to a flat position via a suitably robust handle.
The idea apparently is to combine toughness with a sporty edge and if the Pickups edge isnt sharp enough for you, you can upgrade to the imposing Navara derivatives. That may be overstating things a little, but there's no doubt that the latest revision of the 16th generation model looks far less utilitarian than its predecessors. There's the usual choice of Single or Double Cab bodystyles, plus a 'King Cab' option positioned between the two. Here, instead of the single bench
seat of the Single Cab or the front and rear bench seats of the four-door Double Cab, there are two individual front seats with a secure space behind to store tools and valuables.
''There's no doubt that the latest model looks far less utilitarian than its predecessors...''
Under the bonnet, there's a 16-valve 2.5-litre Di diesel engine. The traditional 0-62mph figure is an impressive 13.3 seconds but the real benefits come in the prodigious torque available at low revs (304Nm at 2,000rpm).
Just the thing for hauling your trailer out of that boggy carpark. Carrying capacity is similar across the range with negligible differences between the single and double cab versions. If every kilogram counts in your line of work, the single cab will accommodate a maximum payload of 1115kg and tow a 2800kg braked trailer while the double cab and king cab derivatives can safely stow 1055kg and 1095kg respectively with 3000kg of trailer bringing up the rear. Whatever you carry, it will be more easily accessible if you make use of a neat feature that enables the cargo area to be divided into separate compartments by adding a board between the designated slats.
Underneath, its the usual tough steel chassis construction with independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle; it has to be. Most Nissan Pickups will still, after all, be bought by construction workers and farmers. These people should, however, find the latest model a great deal more agreeable to drive than Pickups past. Power steering is standard for a start.
Moreover, a wider track, stiffer chassis and re-tuned spring and damper settings have all contributed to improve steering and response, plus general stability. And softer springs improve ride comfort. There's also a tight turning circle despite the wide wheels and tyres. Inside the cab, its predictably car-like with ergonomically shaped seats. Its safer too, thanks to roof front rail and A-pillar reinforcements and progressively deformable bodyshell areas protecting a strong safety cage around the cabin. Double Cab models include a drivers airbag, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, electric mirrors and central locking.
On the security front, all models get an immobiliser system with transponder key operation. The 4-wheel drive comes courtesy of a part time all-wheel drive system, very similar to that used not only in the Patrol but also in the company's Terrano off roader. A lever gives the option of high or low ratio four-wheel drive to provide optimum traction and towing ability on all surfaces. You don't have to stop to change between the high and low ratios and there are automatic free running hubs to lock the front wheels for really heavy sludgy stuff. A limited slip differential helps here too. The aftersales service treats you like a car customer too, thanks to a three-year or 60,000-mile mechanical warranty, a three-year paint warranty and six years of anti-corrosion protection. You also get the usual twelve months RAC membership.
Britain is one of 110 countries getting the latest Nissan Pickup and from Nissan's point of view, probably one of the least significant in terms of sales. Whether that will change will probably depend upon just how successful dealers are in using this product to branch out from their core commercial market. It will be interesting to see.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Nissan Pickup range ENGINES: 2.5-litre Di 16-valve TOWING CAPACITY: 2800kg-3000kg PAYLOAD: 1055kg-1095kg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Deformable body structure / side impact protection door beams
<< Back to Nissan car reviews
<< Back to car reviews homepage
Find New & Used Cars in the UK |
New & Used Nissan Cars For Sale UK
