Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has announced that the hotly-awaited Nissan NP300 Navara is coming soon – the all-new 12th generation of Nissan’s small pick-up truck is set to make its way into Malaysia as soon as next month.
Provisional specs have also been confirmed; as expected, the D23 NP300 will make use of an improved version of the current D40 Navara‘s YD25 2.5 litre diesel with common-rail direct injection and variable geometry turbocharging, producing 190 PS and 450 Nm. It’s mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode – a six-speed manual gearbox should also be on the cards, at least on lower-end variants.
Under the skin, the Malaysian-spec NP300 utilises a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs – a first for the pick-up segment – for improved ride comfort, although it retains a tough, durable solid rear axle.
Elsewhere, kit bandied about includes LED headlights with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, the ultra-comfortable zero gravity-inspired seats (first seen on the Teana), 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, push-button ignition, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear seat air vents.
Safety-wise, the NP300 Navara will feature Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), traction control, four-wheel Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC). In certain markets, the truck is available with up to seven airbags (including one for the driver’s knee), so here’s hoping we’ll get the whole lot too, at least on higher-end models.
Of course, we’re plenty familiar with the Nissan NP300 Navara; last year, we not only covered the international launch in Bangkok, but also drove the truck in Chiang Mai – you can read on how it fared here. As always, we’ll update you with the latest information on Nissan’s new pick-up as soon as we have it.
