Nissan Navara ST-X 2015 Long-term review - 2

Nissan Navara ST-X
Long-Term Test update

Inexplicably, Nissan's new-generation NP300-series Navara workhorse lacks something of the macho element that is such an omnipresent expectation in light commercial workhorses.

Dimensionally it's so close to the likes of Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Holden Colorado it's not funny; equally so in terms of load-carrying and towing abilities, and power and torque outputs.

But it somehow doesn't feel as big and overpowering as most of its competitors, even though it's a match by every measure.

Perhaps it's to do with the efforts Nissan has made to bring the Navara close to a regular car in terms of the passenger environment and, in some ways, the on-road experience.

Certainly this is helped by the adoption of a coil-spring rear suspension in the ute versions, and the cosy cab with its comfortable, thoughtfully designed seating and the array of cabin goodies that includes – in our long-term, top of the range ST-X version anyway – power adjusted and heated front seats, sunroof, dual-zone climate-control, push-button starter and a 7.0-inch colour display that includes sat-nav and numerous other functions.

If Nissan's intention is to make the Navara more like a car than a workhorse ute, that's certainly the way it comes across – although that ambitious aim can only be achieved to a certain extent.

If, in the short time we've spent with our ST-X Navara, we've noted the high levels of cabin refinement and the bling-centric garnishings, it's not to be denied that it steers like most 4WD utes in that it's slow, low-geared at almost four turns lock to lock, and quite heavy.

Though the 4WD version rides well on its all-coil underpinnings, it is what it is: a light commercial vehicle that demands some compromises when it comes to overall ride and handling refinement.

Nissan talks a lot about the efficiency of the new Renault-Nissan 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, but it remains pretty agricultural despite its obvious effectiveness – and, so far, has not yet come near the quoted combined fuel consumption figure.

Our most recent testing has seen it returning 9.8L/100km which is way short of the quoted 7.0L. Further kms under the belt will confirm whether or not the real-world figure is as class-leading as Nissan claims…

Our recent 4WD dual-cab ute comparison indicated that, while the Navara shared the best average fuel consumption figure with Volkswagen's 2.0-litre Amarok (10.2L/100km in trying conditions), it was not greatly different to any of its competitors bar the worst-performing Toyota HiLux.

That said, the Navara's YS23DDTT 140kW/450Nm powerplant benefits from its low-rpm torque development (the maximum comes in at just 1500rpm) and within its limitations is flexible, effective and well-favoured by the seven-speed automatic transmission.

The Navara has so far been applied to regular urban-ute work, although a brief stint recently on some mildly challenging bush tracks has shown it to be a competent performer with adequate clearance and – helped in part by the rear limited-slip differential – plenty of willingness to lay down traction.

We do like the rotary shift-on-the-fly drive-mode selector switch positioned above and to the right of the auto shift lever, the thoughtful provision of central air vents for rear-seat passengers and the powered, sliding rear window overlooking the tray area.

But rear-seat legroom is still compromised, especially if there's a tall driver at the helm, and most of the motoring.com.au team have accidently knocked the Navara's horn button at least once while applying steering wheel lock, causing the occasional, unintentional and embarrassing blat.

The Navara's seemingly shallow tray area proves to be just so when compared with the rest: it's less high-sided than the already shallow HiLux and way less than Ford Ranger or Volkswagen Amarok. Otherwise – in length and width – the ST-X's fully-lined tray is competitively dimensioned.

As far as the Navara's reliability so far is concerned, we've saved the worst until last.

Not long after collecting it to make our extended acquaintances, the Navara was motoring along nicely on a freeway when the engine suddenly and without warning went into a total funk, struggling like a normally-aspirated diesel of old. Enough to limp home with, but no low end, no mid-range and certainly no top-end were available.

Clearly something wasn't right and we contacted Nissan to get them onto the case.

A few days later we got the call from the company's PR team who advised us the problem was pretty much what we had figured: the Garret twin-turbo system had basically shut down as a result of a faulty wastegate-controlling solenoid and for a time we were briefly driving what was pretty much a pure-atmo Navara. No drama, no slow-moving chicane-like behavior, the diesel just had to be worked hard keeping pace with the freeway traffic.

Now the ST-X is back in the motoring.com.au garage, eager to go as our team cycles it through a varied, all-purpose long-term drive program.

Let's see how it's been behaving when the time comes to file our next report.

2015 Nissan Navara ST-X 4WD pricing and specifications:
Price: $54,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/450Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 186g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Related reading:
>> Nissan Navara Long-Term Test (Intro)
>> 4WD Dual-Cab Ute Comparison 2015