Nissan Navara - Manual or automatic

Pickup trucks are usually not considered as lifestyle vehicles in most parts of the world. They’re the blue-collars who work long, hard hours and are touted for their ruggedness and durability. However, in the past few years, there has been a paradigm shift wherein there’s been an insurgence of upmarket pickup trucks. The third-generation Nissan Navara is part of this new breed of pickups which are primarily aimed at white-collar Joes. It first came to Malaysia back in late 2015, and since then, there have been ten different variants that have been launched. While they all share the same diesel engine, you do get to choose between a manual and automatic gearbox. So, which transmission should you pick for your Navara?

Before we proceed, however, here’s a heads up. For this article, we will be mostly focussing on the top variants of both the manual and automatic Navara. Of course, there might be mentions of lower trims as and when required.

The 2019 Nissan Navara Double Cab SE variant with the manual transmission is priced at RM 98,888, while the top-of-the-range Double Cab VL Plus Black Series with the automatic gearbox will cost you RM 133,888.

Nissan Navara Manual

If your primary purpose behind purchasing the Navara is that of simplistic utility sans much-advanced amenities or goodies, you’d be satisfied with one of the lower trim options. For example, the Single Cab entry-level Navara will still get you four-wheel drive, power steering, air conditioning, electrically adjustable door mirrors, auto on-off halogen headlamps, a single-din audio system with four speakers, and dual front airbags. Obviously, if you’d like to carry four more people and need an extra kit, step up to the RM 98,888 Double Cab SE trim.

The Navara SE gets 16-inch alloy wheels, power-folding door mirrors with integrated turn indicators, fixed side steps, remote keyless-entry, Nissan’s “zero gravity” front seats, rear aircon vents, and a six-speaker audio rig with support for AUX and USB. You also benefit from more safety tech, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control (TCS), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), and reverse parking sensors.

All Nissan Navaras sold in Malaysia source power from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. This one’s assisted by a variable-geometry turbocharger and double overhead cams, resulting in it pumping out 160 hp at 3,600 rpm and a punchy 403 Nm of maximum torque at 2,000 rpm. However, the top VL variants (all automatics) get a re-tuned version of this same engine with more power and thus produce 187 hp and 450 Nm of shove. The Navara manual uses a 6-speed gearbox and comes as standard with a selectable 4WD system. It takes this pickup 12 seconds to cross 100 kmph mark, while top speed is just north of 170 kmph. However, fuel economy is quite strong, averaging about 15 kmpl.

Driving the manual Navara isn’t a bad experience, though the feel of the clutch and its action aren’t the best. Having said that, the gearbox itself is decent, and the throws are good as well. Unfortunately, the numb steering wheel and soft suspension rob any real ‘driving pleasure’ you might have, but in return, the ride quality seems pretty darn good for a truck.

Nissan Navara Automatic

The automatic variants of the Nissan Navara start at RM 103,888, and that’s for the Double Cab SE model. Meanwhile, the VL, VL Plus (and their respective Black Series) cost between 20,000 to 30,000 ringgit more than the SE trim. If performance is key to you, then you must go for one of the 187 hp variants - those will be the VL trim and above. The higher output of this oil burner means that you can now go from nought to 100 kmph in 10.8 seconds and to a top speed of 180 kmph. However, this motor still remains relatively frugal, sipping around 14 litres of diesel per kilometre on average. This is also down to the Navara’s 7-speed automatic transmission, which is not only smooth and relaxed but has been specifically tuned for maximum efficiency.

If money is no object and you want all the bells-and-whistles, the range-topping Navara VL Plus Black Series is the pick of the bunch. Standard kit here includes 18-inch alloys, roof rails, LED headlamps with automatic levelling and DRLs, leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, power-operated driver’s seat, smart entry with push-button start, 360-degree camera system, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, digital speedometer, and a 5-inch touch-display with Bluetooth connectivity.

In the end, if features, luxury, performance, and convenience are among your top priorities - fret not and book the Navara VL Plus Black Series.