DUAL cabs used to be an uncomfortable compromise.
Just ask any apprentice tradesman or labourer forced to endure a token rear seat that would have been a tight squeeze for a battery hen.
Then there was the rock-hard back rest that tilted you forward like you were about to be shot out of a cannon.
The additional cab space, if you could call it that, also robbed owners of valuable load-carrying capacity.
Well the good news is that now you can have it all.
Leading the charge of the new brigade has been Toyota`s handsome HiLux and Holden`s beefy Rodeo.
Now Nissan has a solid contender in its bigger, more powerful version of the Navara.
The D40 Navara will be sold alongside the existing D22 to give customers even greater choice in a very popular market segment.
It is a real head-turner, projecting a bold American pick-up look.
The Nissan DNA is evident in a chrome, angled strut grille, short front and rear overhangs and large fender flares.
Like the D22, the new D40 Navara benefits from a tried and trusted four-wheel drive system to ensure grip under all conditions, one of the many key features that made the existing D22 model such a favourite with the farming and construction industries.
While traditional buyers are expected to appreciate Navara`s "go anywhere, do anything`` qualities, the newcomer`s higher levels of comfort, quality and refinement will attract customers who are likely to use it for their recreational activities as well.
Four-wheel drive models are available with either a 4.0-litre V6 petrol or 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine and manual or automatic transmissions. They are offered in two specification levels, the entry-level RX or higher-specification ST-X.
The two-wheel drive D40 Navara is available in one high-specification ST-X and is also only available with the 4.0-litre V6 with the choice of manual or automatic transmissions.
Our test subject was the automatic version of the turbo-diesel ST-X four-wheel-drive.
With a power output of 128 kW and an awesome 403Nm of torque at just 2,000 revs, the turbo diesel is in a class of its own.
The 198kW 4.0-litre V6 has all the refinement and effortless performance you would expect from an engine derived from the VQ family used in the 350Z sport coupe.
Two transmissions are available _ a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.
The auto is very smooth and compatible with the high levels of torque available in the diesel.
Like its stablemate the Pathfinder, the Navara features a rugged ladder-frame chassis and a refined independent front suspension system featuring double wishbones and coil springs. It is teamed with a rigid axle and over slung leaf springs at the rear, designed to provide the best possible payload levels while providing SUV-like ride and handling and comfort.
Inside, there is plenty of room for five with two comfortable and supportive front seats and a three-seater split folding rear bench in the rear. The rear seats also flip up _ on a 60/40 split _ to create extra storage space behind the front.
The D40, as you would expect for a vehicle of its stature, gives the driver a commanding view.
For a rig with loads of muscle, the Navara is extremely smooth.
It has a solid, truck-like feel and handling overall is fair.
The only gripes would be that the steering could be more direct and parking is not the easiest.
The rear tray provides a load space measuring 2.36m2. It has a minimum width dimension between the wheel housings of 1130mm and an internal bed length of 1511mm.
The practicality of the new Navara is further enhanced by the C-Channel utility-track system - available on ST-X models.
This factory-fitted system incorporates five rails (one channel on either side of the load floor, plus one on each of the three fixed sides of the pick-up bed) into which self-locking cleats can be placed, providing fixed points for securing ropes and a range of accessories designed to work with C-Channel.
Navara models come with an impressive array of standard features, including an in-dash single CD, central locking, air conditioning, electronically controlled dial-up four-wheel drive system, three-point seatbelts for all occupants and optional dual airbags and anti- lock brakes.
The ST-X version adds an in-dash six-stack CD change, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, 16" alloy wheels, side steps, leather bound steering wheel with cruise control and dual front airbags.
The Nissan Navara is also an extremely capable off-roader and uses Nissan`s proven and tough part-time four-wheel drive system. The system is driver selectable via a rotary switch on the centre console and confirmed by a dashboard mode indicator _ replacing the auxiliary lever to the left of the gearshift in D22 Navara. In 2WD, drive is delivered to the rear wheels, but once four-wheel drive (4H) is electrically engaged, torque is split on a 50/50 basis between the front and rear axles to cope with slippery conditions.
Navara, unlike some "soft roader`` 4x4s, features a low ratio transfer box and when it`s time for serious off-road adventures, Navara`s low range is one of the best in class.
Pricing for the new Navara four-wheel-drive range starts at $38,990 for the RX V6 petrol, while the ST-X V6 petrol is priced from $43,990. Turbo-diesel models start at $40,990, with the ST-X $45,990 for the six-speed manual and $47,990 for the auto, as tested.