At the front
The Hardbody range can be divided into three distinct groupings, although they share a single theme. There are the 4x4 and 4x2 Hi-Rider double cabs, the Hi-Rider single cabs, and the standard Hardbody, or workhorse, with either long or short wheelbase.
The shared theme is that of a modern vehicle projecting flowing contours in a bold, contemporary design. The stance is both powerful and purposeful, conveying a sense of activity and freedom. Roofracks on the 3.0 Turbodiesel and 3.3 V6 double cabs enhance the purposeful look.
Looking at the exterior differences between the standard and the high specification models, the most noticeable is the difference in height. The high specification single cabs and 4x2 double cabs all come with the Hi-Rider package, standing 220mm off the ground.
The Hi-Rider takes on the strong, masculine appearance of the big 4x4 models, but retains the simplicity and economy of two-wheel drive. Off-road ability is not as extreme as for the true 4x4 versions, but for those who don't need the extensive capabilities of Nissan's four-wheel drive systems, but who still appreciate the image and presence of the big 4x4, as well as the higher ground clearance for "middel mannetjies" and rough terrain, the Hi-Rider will be a welcome addition to the range.
The up-market styling is further enhanced by the addition of a nudge bar at the front of the bumper. Additional styling cues on the high specification models are distinctive front headlights and integrated fog lamps housed in the bumper.
Both the headlights and the fog lamps are halogen, which offers a clearer beam than conventional sealed-beam headlights. In addition, the dual type reflectors and integrated clear lens design of the headlights and the turning signals provides the new Hardbody with a crisp contemporary front-end appearance. Both headlights and fog lamps are housed behind crack-resistant polycarbonate covers.
All models in the new Hardbody range feature contoured front bumpers that have been designed to help improve airflow around the vehicle for greater aerodynamic efficiency. Both the single and double cab SE and SEL models have body-coloured front bumpers, further enhancing the distinctive exterior styling.
On the standard Hardbody models the bumpers are black, and these models can also be identified by the absence of fog lights and a lower cab height.
Four new engines
Staying with the front of the vehicle, it's time for a peep under the hood.
All the petrol engines in the Hardbody range are brand new. At the top of the range is a new 3,3-litre V6 SOHC fuel-injection engine that replaces the previous 3,0-litre V6.
This new engine has been designed to produce maximum torque at low revs, providing excellent on-demand power across the range. The VG33E engine produces 125 kW at 4 800 r/min and 265 Nm at 3 600 r/min. This represents a substantial increase in both power and torque over the previous engine, yet there's a significant improvement in fuel consumption.
The technology behind these improvements can be found in the use of friction-reducing technology that gives the camshaft and crankshaft surfaces a highly polished feel. Micro-finishes on the camshaft lobes enable them to turn with the least possible resistance. These improvements help to reduce heat and vibration - impacting positively on engine efficiency, power and durability.
Next up in the Hardbody petrol engine range is the 2,4-litre four- cylinder DOHC 16V fuel-injected KA24DE engine, again performing considerably better than the SOHC 8V 2.4 it replaces. The engine produces 110 kW at 5 600 r/min and 208 Nm of torque at
3 600 r/min, making this 16V engine a leader in its class.
The four-valve-per-cylinder design provides for a more efficient flow of air and fuel into the engine. The advantage is enhanced power output without increasing fuel consumption. This engine also employs friction- reducing technology and micro-finished camshafts. It has an electronic, sequential multi-point fuel-injection system, ensuring that precise quantities of fuel is injected at exactly the right moment in relation to the valve timing and piston position. The advantages are a more responsive and efficient engine with better hot and cold starting abilities.
At the entry level is the 2,0-litre DOHC 16V four-cylinder fuel-injection engine. Producing 92 kW at 5 600 r/min and 174 Nm at 3 200 r/min, this engine is a class leader in terms of power and torque. Like the new 2.4 this engine has a four-valves-per-cylinder design that enhances output and helps to provide a substantial saving at the pumps.
Class-leading diesel power
There are two diesel engines in the new Hardbody range. The proven 2,7-litre diesel is carried over from the previous Hardbody range. It is a reliable four-cylinder OHV engine producing 64 kW at 4 300 r/min and 178 Nm at 2 200 r/min.
Then there is the class-leading new ZD30DDT power plant, a turbocharged 3,0-litre multivalve double overhead camshaft unit with Nissan's revolutionary M-Fire combustion technology. This engine produces 105 kW at 3 400 r/min and 314 Nm at a low 2 000 r/min, compared with the 76 kW and 216 Nm of its normally aspirated predecessor. What is more, due to the revolutionary 16 valve technology, this engine produces more power than any of its current competitors in its class.
The main features of this new engine are:
* Increased power and torque
* Improved fuel consumption
* Reduced noise, vibration and harshness
* Reduced emissions (CO2, NOX and smoke)
The new engine is more fuel efficient than the 3.2 litre unit it replaces, thanks to a high-pressure injection pump that sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber.
Direct injection reduces heat transfer, pressure drop and mechanical (pumping) loss, resulting in a more efficient and better performing engine.
To reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) a secondary balancer shaft has been incorporated into the cylinder block design, while a ladder frame strengthens the block. Further NVH reductions have been achieved through the use of scissor gears and lightweight pistons. Nissan's M-Fire combustion technology improves the mix of fuel and air and produces a more stable and slower combustion.
Thanks to the M-Fire system the service interval is 15 000km for major services and 7 500km for oil and filter change.
From the side
The high specification models can be distinguished from the standard model by the body-colour overfenders designed to enhance the visual appeal of the new shape. All models have mud flaps integrated into the fender design.
Passive safety elements engineered into the Hardbody range include front crumple zones and side impact protection bars.
All Hardbody models come with rear proportioning brake valves that varies braking pressure depending on the amount of pressure placed on the brake pedal and the weight of the load.
The top-of-the-range 4x4 models have ABS. An additional gravity sensor measures the deceleration of the vehicle and interacts with the ABS control unit to ensure that the ABS does not interfere with braking during low speed off-road manoeuvres.
The front suspension consists of an independent double-wishbone setup with torsion bar, allowing the front wheels to react independently to changes in the road surfaces to provide a smoother ride and improve driver control. The torsion bar helps maintain stability.
At the rear is a solid axle with a variable-rate leaf-spring setup. The springs are mounted directly in line with the frame rails to provide added strength. The wide design of the long leaf springs helps to minimize lean during lateral manoeuvres, improving the handling. The variable-rate springs provide more comfort when driving with light loads and more control for driving with heavy loads.
Front stabiliser bars help keep the vehicle level during cornering or in the event of sudden lateral movements such as a crash or avoidance manoeuvre.
The chassis consists of a steel reinforced ladder frame that provides a strong backbone for hauling and towing. The frame rails are box sectioned (enclosed on all four sides) to provide added strength for heavy-duty use. Cross members are welded – not riveted – to the frame rails to help reduce frame flexing and increase durability.
The cab is attached to the frame by rubber mounts that absorb noise and vibration. The mounts are individually tuned – they vary in harshness – allowing them to isolate and absorb a wider range of noise and vibration frequencies.
The new Hardbody has smoothly contoured "aircraft" doors for a quieter ride by reducing wind noise. Unlike conventional designs the "aircraft" door has a recessed door seal that serves as a water channel. This helps to keep side windows clear when the vehicle is moving and prevents water from dripping on to occupants entering and exiting the vehicle.
The standard Hardbody comes with steel wheels (14 or 15 inch, depending on model). The high specification models have 16-inch alloy wheels.
From the rear
Moving to the rear of the Hardbody, the most noticeable feature is the new tailgate design. The double cabs have a distinctive new tailgate that incorporates an easy-to-use centre latch. The single cabs feature steel rope hooks with side latches. All double cab models have a tonneau cover.
The short wheelbase single cab 2.0 models have a load box measuring 1 920mm long by 1 466mm wide and 428mm deep. The long wheelbase models' load box is
2 220mm long.The double cab's load box is 1 485mm long, with the same width and depth as the other two configurations. The load box is double walled to protect the exterior of the vehicle from damage should the cargo move. Every load box has sealed bed rails for corrosion resistance and tie-down hooks.
Front seat driver side
All high specification models offer keyless entry and central locking. They also have bucket seats adjustable for optimum driver and front passenger seating comfort. The seat design allows for firm lateral support with ample leg support from the front cushion.
The standard range have bench seats with a new cushion design and padding configuration to provide a more comfortable ride. All models' front seats have adjustable head restraints.
Power steering is standard on most models, as is an adjustable steering column. The switches and controls are all positioned for easy recognition for comfortable, safe and clear operation.
The differential lock switch can be found located on the console between the front seats. This comes as standard equipment on all 4x4 models as well as all 4x2 models, except for the base-line workhorses.
The 3.0 turbodiesel and 3.3 V6 double cab models come equipped with front driver & passenger airbags. They are designed to deploy with less force to help protect the front occupants from injury. The airbags are designed to inflate immediately when it detects a significant frontal impact.
The front seat belts contain pyrotechnical pretensioners that automatically help tighten the belts when the airbags deploy.
"The new Hardbody projects a much more aggressive personality and inspires a totally different mindset than our previous model," said Mike Whitfield, executive vice president, marketing, of Nissan South Africa. "It instils confidence and evokes thoughts of freedom, adventure and fun."
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