After initially launching its new Navara mid-size pickup in Thailand (where they’re crazy for compact pickups, kind of like we were in the 1980s), and later bringing it to Mexico, Nissan is now rolling out the new truck in Europe, which means we’re learning a bit more about our upcoming new Frontier pickup.
Aside from a fresh design inside and out, the big news for the latest Navara is a new rear-suspension design (actually two) and increased tech. Taking the latter first, Nissan is adding its 360-degree-view monitor and automatic emergency braking. As to the suspension, Double Cab models switch from leaf springs to a multilink rear suspension, with Nissan claiming improved ride and handling and a 44-pound weight reduction as a result. The two-door King Cab version retains leaf springs but mounts them upside down—overslung rather than underslung—with a lesser, 15-pound weight loss claimed.
As a Euro-market truck, the Navara predictably comes only with diesel power, a 2.3-liter four-cylinder available in 160-hp and 188-hp strengths (the latter with twin turbos). Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic. Other markets also get a 2.5-liter gasoline engine. (Our current Frontier has a 2.5-liter and a 4.0-liter V-6, with five- and six-speed manuals and a five-speed autobox.)
Nissan has slightly increased the length of the Double Cab’s cargo bed, from 59 to 62 inches. Conversely, the long bed—available exclusively in the King Cab over there but offered on our Double Cab, as well—has shrunk by a roughly similar amount, from 73 to 70 inches.
So, when will our new Frontier finally arrive? Nissan won’t say. We do know that the current version soldiers on for 2016, so it looks to be at least a year away. That’s going to put Nissan at a disadvantage against fresher competitors such as the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon—which will add the option of a diesel engine for 2016—and the all-new Toyota Tacoma. Frankly, however, there’s one more variant of the Navara that we’re even more curious to see: the Mercedes-Benz pickup, which is being developed off the same platform.
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