Nissan Navara KingCab
The Nissan Navara has undoubtedly left its mark on the South African motoring landscape. Its combination of rugged good looks, generous equipment levels and workhorse-like performance started a new trend when the vehicle was first introduced back in2005.
The line-up was broadened in 2009 with more affordable, commercial type additions that included a lower spec double cab and, of course, the King Cab. The King Cab added a regal dose of additional practicality to the business-oriented customer who was still after that esteemed Navara badge. Now they’ve added a few tweaks to keep the Navara at the front of the field.
The XE moniker may denote entry-level status, but considering the luxurious nature of its double cab brother, it is still a very well-equipped vehicle. Electrically-operated windows and mirrors, for instance, as well as a front-loading CD player, air-conditioning, and remote central locking are all standard fare for this workhorse.
Inside reveals the real practical strengths of this model over the more traditional single cab layout. There’s a fair bit of space behind the front seats, although void of storage bins, which is easily accessible thanks to suicide-style rear doors.
The loss of the second row of seats gives the advantage of lengthening the load bay, which is simply gargantuan. Take a glance in the rear view mirror and you’ll see what I’m on about – it’s like a never ending expanse stretching its way back from whence you came.
The drive train is the same potent combination found under the hood of double cab diesel Navara, a 2.5-litre turbodiesel 
that develops 128kW and 403Nm. It’s so potent in fact that you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a much larger capacity motor. This mountain of low-down torque gives the King Cab a mammoth trailer towing ability of three tons.
Not only is this turbodiesel exceptionally powerful, it’s also very refined. There’s a six-speed manual gearbox which has had its operation further refined for an even smoother, more positive action – although finding reverse is not for the faint hearted.
The King Cab stands shoulder to shoulder with its double cab brother when it comes to off road ability. The switch operated system allows for easy engagement of 4×4 and Low Range modes on the fly, at which stage your Navara is transformed into a vehicle that knows no bounds.
The last strength carried-over from the more widely-recognised double cab, is the wildly popular styling that made the Navara the success it is today. In fact in King Cab form the Navara is arguably even better proportioned, particularly for true fans of the traditional bakkie.
With all of this backed by Nissan’s legendary tough-build standards, the new Navara King Cab is the perfect business partner, completely at home on the building site or outside a trendy pub in the heart of Umhlanga.
Price: R 357,000
Engine: 2.5dCi turbo diesel
Power: 128 kW
Torque: 403 Nm
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 11.6
Miles Downard
First published in Autodealer KZN