Straightline - Nissan Frontier Navara Single Cab Diesel

Nissan Frontier Navara Single Cab Diesel

As you know, I've been asking for small-but-serious diesel work truck for some time here on Straightline, as I think the time is right for such a vehicle. Guess what? Nissan just introduced one: the new Nissan Frontier Navara single cab diesel pickup. That's the good news. The bad news is you can't get it here.

This new pickup will be built in Thailand for export to 120 other overseas markets, but not us. Now I fully understand why it's not coming here, as it's the Chicken Tax raising its ugly head again. Hey, doesn't Nissan make Frontiers here? Like in Smyrna, TN? Why not just add this nifty workhorse to the existing production line, instead of the silly Suzuki Equator?

So here's what we can't get: A very good small honest work truck powered by a Nissan 2.5L DOHC I4 common-rail turbodiesel that's rated at 172-horsepower and 297 ib-ft of torque hooked up to a 5-speed manual transmission. In addition, it's a single cab configuration with a serious bed with very useful external tie-downs, just like what Datsun and Toyota offered some 25 years ago.

Full story here and here.

Posted by Bob Feb 20, 2008 5:00 am

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Categories: Nissan | Suzuki | Diesels | SUVs

Comments

ateixeira - Feb 20, 2008 7:41 am (#1 Total: 3)

Recife, PE, Brazil

This is cool in a retro-work-truck kind of way.

It needs a rear bumper of some sort, though, this goes a bit too far in cost cutting.

Of course, the US version would have big chrome bumpers, giant fender flares, 20" chrome wheels by DUB, an automatic, a V8 gas engine and 4 doors and a price of $40 large. LOL

festiboi1 - Feb 20, 2008 8:53 am (#2 Total: 3)

I love the external tie-downs. I used to have a 1978 Toyota truck (not very pretty, but it would not die) and it had those as Bob had mentioned in the article. They made carrying bulky items easier and were a life saver. As to why they were taken off of trucks, I have no idea. Style I guess? Because that's what trucks are all about in the US.

moparbad - Feb 27, 2008 8:43 pm (#3 Total: 3)

USA

That truck would be fantastic! I'd drive it as my commuter and use it for work/hauling.