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Nissan NP300

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Author: Patrick Vermaak

Publishing date: 10.08.2008 20:57

Pic by Patrick Vermaak
Ready for the next decade

Think Nissan Hardbody and the sight and sound of Hannes Grobler flatout in the ABS Navara immediately has the adrenalin levels at a high and when invited to the recent launch of the new look NP300 range it became a personal challenge to see what excitement a standard “bakkie” range would be able to generate.

Pic by Patrick Vermaak
Any condition will do

Now known as Nissan Pick-Up (NP) and model code (300) the planned 15 new vehicles will offer everything from the faithful workhorse to absolute 4x4 luxury and amazingly Nissan claims that on average their prices have only escalated by one percent. Overall specifications have been improved on every model whilst cost considerations have seen the base models pinned to rugged, reliable, low maintenance and practical considerations.

Pic by Patrick Vermaak
Assisting the needy

Refined would possible have been a better description than new but during the launch the range of Hardbody vehicles will undoubtedly only further enhance the qualities for which it has already become a household name in South Africa. Now the 16th generation from Nissan the more value for money approach is commendable given the current economic climate and they certainly did not disappoint in general appearance either.

Pic by Patrick Vermaak
Tools of the trade

Pic by Patrick Vermaak
Pull

Loaded with a ton of food each, the fleet of vehicles delivered their valued loads and regular driver changes allowed brief introductions to a number of the models available. Whether you need to transport your quad, want to shoot clay or prove that you do have patience by taking up fly fishing, Nissan can provide the model required.

Pic by Patrick Vermaak
A true workhorse

Obviously such a brief intro allows little time to evaluate a specific vehicle and recently we had the pleasure of taking the all new 2.5 litre, 98kW / 304Nm turbodiesel long-wheelbase on a journey or two. Basic in the true sense the cockpit lacks any creature comforts – no aircon – no radio / cd – no electric windows – a bench seat. Found the bench seat to be rather uncomfortable after about 300km on various surfaces and an aircon on the West Coast will certainly be missed eventually.

Picture by Patrick Vermaak
Nissan delivers

Pic by Patrick Vermaak
News spread quickly

Anyone who have spent time on the West Coast would appreciate the dense mist encountered at this time of the year and the lack of intermittent wipers proved rather frustrating. But, at the same time this would possibly also be the only piece of positive criticism as most of the other elements could be included depending on personal specifications required.

Pic by Patrick Vermaak
Visiting Rondomskrik

You will be getting a very reliable, rugged and economic “bakkie” with service intervals set at 15 000km, including a three year or 90 000km service plan, three year or 100 000km warranty and three year unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty.

At R149 950 the 2.5 TDi lwb lacks a few necessities in the cockpit but as workhorse it seems more than willing to provide hassle free service under any circumstances.

Pic by Patrick Vermaak
John Floyd admiring new NP300

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