Nissan’s popular pick-up, the NP300 Navara, has received a batch of engine and convenience updates. These changes are making their debut for units sold in Europe starting in September but it wouldn’t be stretch to say that it will be making their way to more regions and markets soon.
The main difference lies with the Navara’s turbodiesel engine, which is now a Euro 6 (for light commercial vehicles) emissions standard compliant 2.3-litre four-cylinder unit that’s available in either 119kW or 141kW states of tune but now is quoted to emit just 159g/km of CO2, a 8g/kg improvement over the outgoing 2.5-litre Euro 5 engine.
Even more important from an environmental perspective is the dramatic reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions thanks to the fitment of an AdBlue Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system similar to what Peugeot and Mercedes-Benz are using in their diesel engines.
The AdBlue substance is what is primarily responsible for absorbing the dangerous combustion byproducts that are slowly being outlawed by stricter and stricter emissions regulations. Over time, though, the SCR system needs to be replenished - a procedure typically done through pre-defined service intervals at dealerships or authorised service centres.
Nissan, however, has a 17-litre AdBlue tank that can be refilled by the owner through a filler flap located on the opposite side of the diesel tank pump inlet. The automaker says that the Navara can travel up to 11,500km before needing to refill its SCR system and has also integrated a gauge to the pick-up’s LED combimeter to display the level of said tank.
Other than the engine improvements, Nissan has also made idle-stop start a standard feature for all Navara’s equipped with a manual transmission, so too is cruise control with speed limiter and Bluetooth hands-free audio and multi-function steering wheel.
While it’s unclear whether Nissan will choose to bring those new standard features to all NP300 Navara’s worldwide, we’re fairly confident that the 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine will eventually find its way into most - if not all - markets where the pick-up is being sold.
It’s also likely that Renault will adopt the newer Euro 6 compliant version of the Nissan 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine for use in their Alaskan pick-up, which is a sister vehicle to the Navara, when it rolls out to showrooms in the near future.
For more on Nissan vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
