Pick-up this Nissan truck and you won't be disappointed

For those needing a working vehicle that will double as the family transport there has never been more choice and the all-new Nissan Navara NP300 is a pick-up truck that should definitely be on your shortlist.

Nissan produced their first pick-up back in 1935 so they had plenty of experience to draw on when designing the new Navara which is available in both King Cab configuration with tiny, rear-hinged back doors and fold-down rear seats or the more family-friendly Double Cab layout which provides regular three-seat accommodation and full-sized rear doors.

There is just the one engine available – a 2.3 litre diesel unit in either single-turbo 160PS guise or the more powerful twin-turbo 190PS.

Either way it’s a well-proven, rugged unit capable of up to 46.3mpg.

The model range consists of five trim-levels starting with the Navara Visia (from £24,480 inc. VAT) which includes such goodies as Bluetooth, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control (4WD), an electronic Limited Slip Differential and a 5in. HD full colour TFT screen combimeter.

The Double Cab version also gets a 5-link rear suspension for a comfier ride and Intelligent Emergency Braking which will also bring down the insurance premium.

The Navara Acenta (fom £26,280 inc. VAT) adds some exterior styling as well as 16in alloys, Nissan Intelligent Key and push-button Start.

There is also a chrome rear step bumper and the excellent C-Channel moveable tie-down points for the load bay.

Navara Acenta+ (from £28,980 inc. VAT) provides 18in alloys, auto air-con (dual zone), side-steps, a reversing camera and rear privacy glass.

If media connection is your thing then you’ll want the Navara N-Connecta (from £29,830 inc. VAT) which includes NissanConnect Sat Nav and entertainment system with smartphone integration and Bluetooth audio streaming.

Finally there is the Navara Tekna (from £31,630 inc. VAT) which also gets you a 360-degree monitor, leather seats, LED headlights, roof rails, heated front seats and rear parking sensors.

All Double Cab versions get part-time 4WD and the option of a seven-speed auto gearbox, while the manual-only King Cab can be optioned with 2WD-only.

I’ve been driving a Navara N-Connecta Double Cab with the more powerful 190PS diesel engine and manual gearbox.

It is in a very striking Savannah Yellow metallic paint and includes a couple of options: A Rear Differential Lock at £500 and a Premium Hardtop for £3,300.

As you would expect it looks a bit of a beast, especially that battering-ram front end. However, this is true of all the Navara’s rivals.

The Mitsubishi L200, VW’s Amarok, the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux are all quite aggressive in their looks as well as their stance.

All in all the Nissan Navara NP300 is a work-horse with a plush saddle.

Buyers moving from a conventional hatchback and thinking about an SUV would be much better served with the likes of the Nissan X-Trail or SEAT Ateca.

But those who need to shift and load heavy gear on a regular basis and don’t want to destroy the inside of their SUV will find a lot to like here. Just make sure you have a long driveway.

RATING: ****

AT A GLANCE:

Nissan Navara N-Connecta Double Cab

OTR Price: £29,830

Engine: 2.3 turbo diesel

Power: 190 bhp

Transmission: 6-speed manual

0-62mph: 10.8 secs

Top Speed: 114 mph

Combined Economy: 44.9 mpg