Nissan, the pioneer of the “Nissan Frontier” since 1986, first produced the D21 which is a small pick-up. After more than 10 years with the D21, the second generation Navara was manufactured from 1997 until 2004 which was classed as a compact sized pick-up. It was replaced with the bigger, taller, longer D40, which Nissan now considers to be a mid-size pick-up truck.

Nissan Navara is the name for the D22 and D40 generations of Nissan pickup trucks, sold as the Nissan Frontier. The Navara gets its name from the Navarre region of northern Spain, and the European version is built at the Nissan factory in Barcelona. In many European markets it is sold as the Nissan NP300. The D22 Navara was a compact size pick-up truck manufactured from 1997 to 2004. However, Nissan continues to build the D22 as a cheaper alternative to the current D40, and is known as “Pickup”. Currently the D22 Navara series remains on the Nissan line-up for many countries and is known as the Nissan NP300, Pickup, Frontier and Navara D22. In 2009, the D22 was updated with redesigned exterior door handles.

The D40 Navara came in Europe came with an updated Euro IV compliant engine post September 2006 vehicles. It has four trim levels, the S, SE, Outlaw and Aventura. The Aventura trim package is equipped with leather upholstery, dual zone climate control, six-stacker CD/MP3 changer and satellite navigation as standard. The 2008 model of the Navara was launched on July 2. Changes included a new style of alloy wheels, bluetooth as standard, side work lights and indicators on the wing mirrors.

The 2008 Single Cab became available in Thailand March 6. The 2.5-liter engine reduces the torque output from 356 N·m (263 ft·lbf) to 294 N·m (217 ft·lbf) @ 2,000 rpm. This model has 15-inch wheels. Power steering is standard. Also available are electric mirrors and central power locking as an optional extra. Nissan planned to sell the single cab and began to export worldwide in the same month. Nissan also continues to sell the D22 pickups with minor updates for a lower price (now known as the Frontier LCV). The Nissan Navara Double Cab became available in Malaysia on November 5, 2008. It is available with a 2.5-liter diesel engine producing 128 kW (172 hp) and 403 N·m (297 ft·lbf), with a five-speed automatic transmission. A year later the six-speed manual version became available. The D22 series Nissan Frontier remains on sale in Malaysia with a manual transmission. In November 2008 Nissan Thailand Released the all new Nissan Navara Calibre with a 144 PS (106 kW) @4000 rpm 36.3 kg·m (356 N·m; 263 ft·lbf) @2000 rpm available with a five-speed automatic an a six-speed manual transmissions.

The Nissan Navara Engine:

The new Navara (top of the line model) is powered by a new 3.0-litre V6 turbo V9X Engine diesel engine producing 240 hp (175 kW),406 lb-ft (500 Nm) @ 2,500 rpm and a revised 2.5-litre dCi unit(YD25DDTi High Power). The 2011 Nissan Navara and Pathfinder facelift V6 produce 170 kW (231 PS) and 550 Nm of torque between 1,700 rpm and 2,500 rpm and the famous YD engine which produces 190 PS (140 kW) and 450 Nm of torque and the VQ40DE remains the same with the 261 hp (195 kW) @5600 rpm; 281 pound-feet (381 N·m) @4000 rpm. Nissan designers have specified softer materials of a better quality for the dash, seats and interior moulds. The centre console and fascia designs have been revised, as have the instrument binnacle layout and door trims. Additional bright/gloss finish surfacing is used throughout the cabin. The six-stack CD audio system or the TV Navigation entertainment console is upgraded with speed-sensing volume, MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity for the (six disc CD audio system). Other new or revised features include dual-zone climate control, remote audio/Bluetooth/trip computer controls on the steering wheel, trip computer, external temperature gauge, speed sensitive variable windscreen wipers and ‘follow me home’ lighting. The electric mirrors now fold in fully for car washes or parking in narrow spaces.

The 2015 Nissan Navara NP300 range now includes cab-chassis single-cab models and King Cab variants, and a new petrol engine. The mid-range dual-cab version of the new-generation Nissan Navara NP300 could be the sweet spot. The 2016 Navara ST-X Dual Cab is Nissan’s latest stab at blending work truck toughness with weekender comfort and finesse.

Nissan projects that 95% of their UK buyers will choose the Double-Cab due to the added cabin space. The Double-Cab models also get a completely different rear suspension set-up which has a fully independent multi-link design which is far more advanced the basic leaf-springs on the King-Cab pick-ups.

The latest Nissan Navara boasts a 2.3 litre diesel engine that is also used in Renault and Nissan van ranges. In its entry level it produces 158bhp or with twin turbos boosting it has an output of 187bhp. The standard gearbox is the 6 speed manual but there is also a 7 speed auto which is predicted to be popular in the high-spec versions. Specifiction levels of the Navara vary widely depend on which trim you choose, but the Tekna and N-Connecta also get the Nissanconnect 7 touchscreen sat nav. All the models do come with Nissan’s Forward Emergency Braking autonomous braking technology and 7 airbags which is great for helping the Navara achieve low insurance groupings.

In terms of fuel economy, the best Navara is the 2wd King-Cab with a 44.9mpg. However, even the dCi 190 (187bhp) engine manages an impressive 44.1mpg and also 169g/km of CO2. Unfortunately the 7 speed gearbox does have an effect on the economy but at 40.3mpg  and 183/kg its not a significant difference.

The choice between the Double-Cab and King-Cab simply comes down to the kind of usage the buyers are planning on utilising it for. The King-Cab is purely a working vehicle with its less advanced suspension while the Double-Cab which is likely to cover a far wider audience.