Nissan has unveiled the all-new NP300 Navara pickup truck for Europe ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

Bringing new styling inside and out, as well as a new 2.3-liter dCi diesel engine and new technologies, the third generation Navara is said to offer improved comfort and refinement while retaining the nameplate’s off-road ability, durability and loading capacity.

There are no surprises in terms of styling: the European-spec NP300 Navara looks identical to the model sold in Asia and the Americas.

Nissan says a major objective with the new model was to deliver a crossover-style driving experience. To make this possible without compromising the vehicle’s off-road ability, Nissan designed an all-new five-link rear suspension system for the Double Cab model which is said to provide “significantly improved ride comfort and improved handling.” Furthermore, the new rear suspension is 20kg (44 lbs) lighter than the previous leaf spring layout.

The King Cab model retains the leaf spring design though, but with a substantial update – the new over slung leaf weigh 7 kg (15.4 lbs) less than the previous under slung design while reducing road noise and giving the King Cab a 3.1 percent improvement in rear wheel approach angle.

Under the bonnet, the NP300 Navara gets a new 2.3-liter dCi engine, available in two states of tune: 160PS (158hp) and 190PS (188hp). The new engine is up to 24 percent more economical than the unit it replaces. The more powerful unit features twin turbocharging (a first in the segment).

The new NP300 Navara will be available in either two- or four-wheel drive configurations, with a standard six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Nissan has fitted the NP300 Navara with an array of technologies, including the Around View Monitor and Forward Emergency Braking (FEB). Other safety and convenience features include Cruise Control, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), keyless entry, rear camera and parking sensors.

Since we’re talking about a pickup truck, Nissan says it has improved load carrying and towing ability across the range. Payload ratings now exceed one tonne across the range, while towing capacity is 3,500kg (7,716lbs). The NP300 Navara Double Cab’s load bed is 67mm (2.6in) longer than the previous model, with a bed length of 1,578mm (62.1in). The King Cab’s load bed measures 1,788mm (70.4in) in length.

More details will be offered on September 15, when the NP300 Navara debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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