2016 Nissan Navara King Cab

2 July, 2015   By: Alex Forrest

Following the launch of its all-new Navara NP300 twin-cab ute in mid-2015, Nissan introduced the single cab, king cab and twin cab chassis versions of the legendary ute.

Last year was one of big change for the ute sector, with almost every major manufacturer introducing new products. With these extra variants available, Nissan’s ute range is now complete. 

They come with the same two highly efficient renditions of the 2.3-litre diesel engine that are in the full-bodied twin-cab ute, one with a single turbo, the other with a twin-turbo set up.

A 2.4-litre petrol engine, similar to that used in the X-Trail, is also available in the two-wheel drive versions of the Navara. This makes 122kW and 238Nm.

The King Cab Navara cab chassis we tested was a six-speed manual in entry level RX specification, meaning it comes with the single turbo version of the 2.3-litre diesel. In this form, the engine has 120kW and 403Nm.

Opt for the ST or the range-topping ST-X, and the engine will have two turbos, which help make 140kW and 450Nm.

We found the single turbo diesel ample for hauling light to medium loads in the tray, which you would expect, given the payload capacity in the RX pick-up is 1183kg. Attach a large boat trailer to the towbar and you’ll want to move up to the more powerful twin-turbo unit.

The manual gearbox had a long-throw shift movement, but the shifts themselves were positive and baulk-free. Its interior is good, but its build and finish isn’t quite up with the segment leaders, which are, however, more expensive.

The NP300’s safety credentials are good. It carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and even when the optional Nissan bullbar is fitted, it retains that rating.

Although it doesn’t have the rear cabin space of a full twin-cab ute, the Navara King Cab does have a pair of fold-down seats in the back. They’re not armchairs, but handy nonetheless.

The King Cab looks like a two-door ute, but there are in fact four doors. The rear two doors are cleverly concealed, and open only when the adjoining front doors are open.