We have spotted Nissan testing what looks like the SUV version of the latest NP300 Navara pickup truck.
Unlike the last time we spied on one of Nissan’s prototypes, this one looks like it’s wearing the final production body, albeit one that remains under wraps.
Nissan’s upcoming SUV will get a front end that looks near identical to that of the NP300 Navara with the rest of the body looking much less square than its predecessor, the body-on-frame R51-gen Pathfinder.
It only makes sense for Nissan to produce a SUV based out of the Navara; they did it the last time with the previous R51-gen Pathfinder model and with the latest NP300 already having a five-link rear suspension, a proper passenger version is the next, logical step.
Nissan currently offers the NP300 Navara pickup truck in Europe, Asia and other selected markets but not in the US, which probably means that Americans won’t get a chance at this new SUV either.
Under the bonnet will be the same engine choices with the NP300 Navara model, meaning a 2.3-litre dCi diesel unit in single-turbo 158hp and twin-turbo 188hp versions, offered with a six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox.
We still don’t know how Nissan will name the Navara SUV which is expected to be offered in both five- and seven-seat configurations when it will hit the market in 2017. Don’t be surprised though if Nissan calls their new model a Pathfinder, as they have switched before from unibody to body-on-frame platforms and maybe the time has come for them to do it again.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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