NP300 — a fully reliable double cab
Now, Nissan has decided to offer a higher spec, 4x4 double cab with a diesel engine.
If there is one model that I have always wished would become available in South Africa, it is the Nissan NP300 in a Turbodiesel 4×4.
The NP300 4×4 double cab has always been available with the 2.4 petrol that is ultra-reliable, but sluggish and thirsty. The specification of the 2.4 is also very Spartan and really only suitable for government and fleet use.
Now, Nissan has decided to offer a higher spec, 4×4 double cab with a diesel engine. The 2.5 is not a modern power plant, but at least proven to be reliable.
The cabin is also not exactly luxurious and being by far the oldest design in our bakkie segment, space is at a premium. The rear seats are tiny and offers less knee room than a Kulula plane, in fact, the seating position seems similar to the brace position demonstrated in case of a plane crash.
Although the NP300 cannot be compared to the current crop of double cabs in terms of power, space and specification, it provides reliable, double cab real off-road ability at a price point lower than an entry level Hilux.
If the budget is tight and a new reliable 4×4 double cab is a must, drive past the Chinese dealerships straight to Nissan.
