Nissan Navara D40 4WD King Cab range

When it comes to utes, a compromise has to be made. They either have a big tub or tray and front-row seating only, or, as in dual cabs, two sets of seats and a far smaller cargo area at the back. In between these are those known as extra, king or super cabs that provide additional room behind the front seats without comprising too much on the carrying capacity, but they, too, can have their flaws, like very limited seating, if any, and single-door entry.

But recently some auto manufacturers have introduced seating for four, courtesy of adjustable rear seats and four-door access, without a B pillar in that in-between guise.

The newest of this variant are three models from Nissan’s Navara D40 range - the 4x4 King Cab RX Chassis and the more specified 4x4 King Cab ST-X Chassis and Pick-Up.

The D40 King Cabs, as stated earlier, offer seating for four with a pair of fold-down rear seats which, when upright said Nissan, allow more than enough room for luggage or tools behind the front seats. The seats (as pictured) are rudimentary with straight backs and I’d hate to do an interstate trip here bolt upright, but, once again, comprises are made when it comes to utes and in this case they are functional enough to cater adequately for extra passengers on short journeys.

Entry is unobstructed to the back of the cab with rear-hinged doors opening wide and no B pillar to impede entry or egress. All seats have headrests and three-point seatbelts for all four passengers.

The object of the King Cab was to create an all-round vehicle with a big 3000kg towing capacity.

As Dan Thompson, CEO of Nissan Australia said: "Increasingly, customers want to be able to use their vehicle at the weekends, as much as during the week."

"Many Navara customers have something big to tow, and with a 4x4 class-topping 403Nm torque and a 3000kg towing capacity (equalling class-best) across the range, that should be no problem," he said.

A 2.5lt intercooled turbo DOHC diesel powers the King Cabs with 126kW at 4000rpm and torque of 403Nm at 2000rpm through either a six-speed manual or optional five-speed auto transmission. There is also an on-the-move 2WD to full-time 4WD switch, low-range transfer case and limited slip differential.

Also standard to the three models are ABS with Brake Assist, 16in wheels, dual airbags, and air-con, with the ST-X King Cab Chassis and Pick-Up featuring side steps, cruise control, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, and six-stacker CD with MP3 facility. The Pick-Up also has a liner for the rear tub that can fit 1855m long loads, sports bar, rear chrome step bumper, and remote fuel release.

The trio have 80lt fuel capacity, and on government figures supplied by Nissan, the combined cycle fuel consumption figures are 9.8lt/100km (manual) and 10.5lt (auto). Weight carrying capacity ranges from 1109kg for the manual RX King Cab Chassis down to 913kg for the auto ST-X King Cab Pick-Up.

Nissan quotes recommended retail prices of $38,160 for the RX King Cab Chassis, $41,160 for the ST-X King Cab Chassis and $42,660 for the ST-X King Cab Pick-Up.