Road Tests: Nissan Navara King Cab Outlaw

While the combination of double can and load area has p[roved a winner in the pickup market due to its passenger flexibility, and a single cab allows for an increased load bed, the ‘cab-and-a-half-setup’ offers neither one nor the other. But conversely it does offer extra space in secure surroundings – and in these modern times of ASBOs and mandatory community service for armed robbery, you can’t put a price on security. Nissan must be convinced by this approach as it has dropped its single-cab version, now offering either a double or a ‘King Cab’ (as the company likes to call it).

There are three trim versions available on the King Cab – standard, SE, and Outlaw – and naturally each one rises in equipment levels (and price). Equipment on the base model includes ABS, alarm, central locking, electric windows and CD/radio. Our Outlaw test vehicle, priced at £17,192 compared to £14,895 for the bottom model, also receives alloy wheels, numerous body add-ons, headlamp washes, air-conditioning, and six-CD autochanger – to name but a few. Power comes from a 2.5-litre common-rail turbo-diesel that produces an impressive 172hp at 4,000rpm, while 403Nm of torque is available at 2,000rpm. Built around a ladder-frame chassis onto which the body is fixed, the Navara features part-time four-wheel drive, which is selected via a rotary switch on the dashboard. In 2WD power is delivered to the rear wheels, while once 4WD is engaged the torque is split 50:50. Nissan also claims that its crawler ratio (2.625) is one of the best in the class, allowing strong levels of traction.

With a kerbweight of 2,025kg, the Navara can’t be considered a lightweight in the class (the Mitsubishi L200 4Work double-cab weighs in at 2,890kg) – and combined with the most powerful engine you’d expect fuel consumption to take a knock. But Nissan’s common-rail unit is a thoroughly modern affair. Combined with a six-speed box it delivers a strong 31.8mpg on a laden run, just edging the rest of the competition. Unladen it continues to impress with 36.8mpg, slightly behind the L200’s 38.1mpg. There has been some tinkering with the load bed, which is 88mm longer than the old King Cab; the neatly designed wheel housings contribute to the largest minimum bed width in the class at 1,130mm. This all adds up to sound load credentials, but its party piece is the company’s ‘C-Channel’ system. This consists of movable cleats attached to the rails located on the inside of the load walls and two integrated channels on the load bed. Simply release and move these where you want to secure the load, whatever the shape or size. Further storage space is available in the rear of the cabin behind the front seats; access is via two smartly designed rear-opening second doors which include an integrated handle. These open out a full 90o and reveal two ‘occasional’ seats; although they wouldn’t be much use to anyone bigger than Ronnie Corbett, they do flip upright to reveal storage cubbies, giving an extra element of security.