Nissan Pickup Review

Nissan NP300 Pickup

The new N300 Pickup is the latest model to be added to Nissan's `Good-To-Go Range' which was launched at the end of 2007. The Single and King Cab form are on sale from April, with a Single Cab 4x4 Tipper available later this year. The NP300 range comes with an enhanced specification and is even better value for money than the legendary N22 Pickup, and contains the 4x4 capability to go off-road when required.

Essentially, the NP300 range provides a solution for business and industry whilst complimenting the existing Navara (D40) range aimed more at the leisure market.

The key attributes of the NP300 Pickup range are choice and off-road capabilities which are better than the Navara. The NP300 comes with a strong separate ladder chassis, heavy duty suspension, high payload and 4x4 ensuring the van is tough enough to work in the most challenging of environments.

NP300 2.5dCi King Cab 4wd
Manufacturer’s RRP: £14,030.00 (excluding VAT)

We drove the NP300 King Cab which seats two people on individual front seats whilst providing secure storage space inside the cabin for tools and materials. Alternatively, the Double Cab seats five. Containing only two doors, the King Cab has the larger load bed at 1865mm whereas the D/Cab's is 1485mm.

Nissan NP300	A welcoming cabin
Window panel helps visability	A reliable badge
Good load dmensions	Additional load space behind seats
A stylish design	This pickup has it all

Technical

NP300 continues to use the four-cylinder 2.5-litre Di turbo engine with a torque of 304 Nm at just 2000 rpm. Nissan fuel economy is an impressive 38.7 mpg on Single Cab 4x2, 31.0 mpg on Single Cab 4x4 and 30.7 on King and D/Cab 4x4. The towing capability is 2800kg (braker trailer) on 4x4 Single and 3000 on King and D/Cab.

Drive

Setting off in the NP300 is easy. The van accelerates easily with minimal fuss, but you'll find that the revs are quite high until you reach fifth gear. The gear shift was smooth, but the van did rattle slightly when driving in lower gears. Maneuvering the pickup was a breeze - the van was responsive to steering and had a good turning circle. An auxiliary lever to the left of the gearshift allows the driver to select gears for off-road driving.

Cabin

Stepping inside the cabin, you automatically feel at home. The seats are very inviting and cater to your every need with ease. Pedals and dials are both easy to reach and there is plenty of storage space on the floor but the cabin did lack alternative storage options in front of the seats. The CD/radio is sophisticated with a good quality of sound and the electric windows and keyless entry at to the safety and convenience of the model. Behind the seats is a secure storage space for tools and materials.

4x 4 Capability

If you need to deliver a load to a remote location, the NP300 is the perfect solution. The 4x 4 models demonstrate strong off road capabilities with ground clearance at 230 mmm, approach and departure angles of 31 degrees and a wading depth of 450 mm. NP300 Pickups can achieve a maximum climbing gradient of 39 degrees, a lateral inclination of 48 degrees and is fitted with sump and fuel tank guards.

Verdict

The perfect solution for any type of business, the NP300 is versatile, robust and good-looking with a comfortable interior.

Data file

Engines: 2.5 Di turbo
Gearbox: 5 speed manual
Power output; 133 PS
Maximum Torque: 304 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Insurance group: 11
Maximum pay load (kg): 1115
Turning Circle (C2C)/(W2W): 12.0/12.8
Towing capacity (kg): 3000 (braked)
Transmission: Manual with 4WD system
Rear load bed area: length / width/ height (mm) 1865 x 1390 x 435
Wheelbase (mm): 2950
CO2 emissions (g/km): 241
Service intervals: 18,000 miles / 1 year

Vansunited.co.uk verdict : ****