2011 Nissan Navara Review
Price
from: RM87,276
to: RM102,886
Installment
from: RM832/mth
to: RM981/mth
2011 Nissan Navara at a glance
Nissan's ‘Mother Trucker’ is the biggest, toughest and the most powerful of all trucks, bringing class-leading pace and interior room. But the 2011 Nissan Navara's high price tag and uncomfortable rear seats are limiting factors.
2011 Nissan Navara quick specs
| Body Style | Truck |
| Class | Large Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Nissan Navara ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The 2011 Nissan Navara's styling does little to hide its huge proportions. But that is clearly Nissan's intention for the ‘Mother Trucker’—to be the biggest, the most macho, and the most rugged. To that end, Nissan has largely succeeded as the Navara dwarfs most other cars on the roads, and in some instances, may just scare drivers off the roads.
Handling
The 2011 Nissan Navara has decent on-road manners and excellent off-road ability. Although the Nissan Navara handles much better than trucks of old, controlling body movements well and steering accurately, this is a truck built for mud-tracks than twisty roads. Ultimately, the Nissan Navara's high centre of gravity, sheer mass and feel-lacking steering limit the fun factor. The electronically controlled 4WD system, Limited Slip Differential (LSD) and 24° departure / 32° approach angles mean the 2011 Nissan Navara performs outstandingly off-road.
Comfort
The suspension soaks up bumps better than most trucks, but the ride can be rather unsettled. Engine and road noise are not intrusive at speed, but wind noise becomes quite noticeable. The leather-trimmed cabin is familiarly Nissan, featuring well laid-out controls and plenty of storage ideas. Front seats are comfortable but rear bench is too upright and lacks thigh support. Six-way adjustments for the driver seat ensure good comfort but steering column is only tilt-adjustable.
Quality + Reliability
The dashboard uses mainly soft-feeling plastics, and all cabin parts feel well put together. From the dash architecture to quality, the cabin is similar to the Nissan Latio/Sylphy's. As a Nissan, we expect the 2011 Nissan Navara's solid construction and rugged mechanicals to stand the test of time and rough use.
Performance
The ‘Mother Trucker’ features the most powerful diesel engine among trucks. The 2.5-litre, a common-rail diesel engine with Variable Nozzle Turbo (VNT), churns out 172 bhp and 403 Nm. On the roads, the engine is linear in delivery and gives the 2011 Nissan Navara class-leading pace. The five-speed automatic shifts smoothly. The 4WD with high/low ranges can be electronically-controlled via a knob instead of a secondary gear lever. Switching between 2WD and 4WD is possible as long as the speed is below 100 km/h.
Roominess
The wheelbase is at least 100 mm more than rivals', therefore providing ample legroom for rear passengers. Front driver and passenger sit high and enjoy loads of room, and the same can be said for the rear if there are only two passengers; three will put shoulder room at a premium. The loading bay is huge and among the largest in the class.
Running Costs
The 2011 Nissan Navara's fuel economy is respectable when compared against that for other trucks, and good when considering the power output. Both servicing bills and depreciation should be reasonable. The popular Nissan brand, while still not as strong as Honda or Toyota, should enable the Navara to fetch fairly competitive resale prices.
Value for Money
The ‘Mother Trucker’ is positioned as the biggest and the most powerful truck out there. And unsurprisingly, the price tag is also the highest, one that perhaps only truck lovers would pay. The closest competitor would have to be the Mitsubishi Triton 3.2, which has less room and power, but has more equipment, more comfortable rear seats and more style. Size and power wise, the 2011 Nissan Navara is undoubtedly the mother of trucks.
Equipment
The 2011 Nissan Navara gets standard equipments including leather interior, 2-DIN audio system with 6-CD changer and MP3 player, 4 door speakers and 2 front tweeters, rear parking sensor, bedliner, power remote controlled door mirrors, xenon headlamps, front fog lamps and keyless entry. Safety kit includes dual front SRS airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution).
Environment
While the 2011 Nissan Navara's fuel economy is respectable, the carbon dioxide emissions level is quite high. The numbers may look fine when put aside an SUV's. But in absolute terms, the numbers leave much to be desired. Environmentalists should stay away from the polluting ‘Mother Trucker’, and stick to light, small-engined city cars instead.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Biggest and toughest
Most powerful diesel engine among trucks
Longest wheelbase brings more legroom
Ride could be rather unsettled
Uncomfortable rear seats
Expensive for a truck
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