Nissan to launch NP300 pick-up truck

Nissan continue to make strides into light commercial vehicle territory, as it unearths its new NP300 go-anywhere pick-up in April.

Nissan is returning to its workmanlike roots in 2008 in the shape of the NP300 pick-up truck, due out in the UK this summer.

The archetypal builder-buddy pick-up is set to be unveiled as a more rough-and-ready alternative to the upwardly mobile stance of the more 'lifestyle-led' Navara off-roader.

The NP300 will debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham's NEC from 15 April, and will be available in three body-styles. The Single Cab, King Cab and Double Cab can all trace their lineage back to Nissan (nee Datsun's) original Toyota Hi-Lux-baiting pick-up of many moons ago.

So here's the up-to-date facts and figures. The Single Cab ferries three adults about in relative comfort, and boasts the largest bed in its class – some 2.2 metres hard hat to steel-toecap and 1.4 metres in girth - should you want to camp out after some remote grafting.

It also marks a welcome, manly-embracing return to the full front bench seat, and comes in both two and four-wheel-drive set-up.

The King Cab accommodates two consenting adults and a shed-load of tools with comparative room to spare, whereas the double cab allows 5 construction workers to journey to and from site in close proximity to one another.

The one engine is a bullish Euro IV-compliant 2.5-litre direct-injection diesel that generates 133bhp via a five-speed transmission to be precise. Bruise-resistant independent front suspension mated to industrial-strength rear leaf springs and a limited slip diff affords the NP300 all the bite it needs to sink its teeth into unforgiving terrain.

All NP300 derivatives have All-wheel drive options and ABS keeps it heading where the driver wants it to.

Sump and petrol tank guard ensure suspect leakages can be avoided, however ground clearance isn't a worry. 230mm separates the NP300 from the rubble beneath its tyres, and should it be introduced voluntary or otherwise to water, then it can be submerged to 450mm depth before the coastguard needs to be involved.

A mighty 1115kg maximum payload capacity raises its voice to be heard above the fact that the NP300 can at the same time hulk 3000kg of raw materials around with ease.

The Nissan NP300 might be a workhorse, but that doesn't mean buyers cant be pampered inside. Air-con, a CD player and power-windows help keep occupants cool.

All in all, great news if your daily commute necessitates the crossing of ravines. If your contract insists you have to construct something at the other end, then forget anything else, the Nissan NP300 is just the job.

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