For those who prefer to be in control of gearshifts with the 'Mother of all Trucks', Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is now offering a new variant which has a 6-speed manual transmission.

Clearly, the aim is to keep the Nissan Navara as the performance leader in the pick-up segment and having 6 speeds does underline that point.

Like the 5-speed automatic launched last year, the Navara with manual transmission has the powerful YD25DDTi common-rail direct injection diesel engine. This engine produces 174 ps and maximum torque of 403 Nm, thanks in part to the use of a variable nozzle turbocharger with an intercooler. A balance shaft system is employed to keep Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH) down.

The 4x4 system is the 'proper' type with a transfer case and the driver can go from 4x2 to 4x4 without stopping ("Shift-on-the-Fly", as it's called). There is also a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) to optimise distribution of torque between left and right rear wheels on slippery ground so that stability is maintained.

The Navara which ETCM imports from Nissan's factory in Thailand comes in a standard version and a Safety Edition which has with dual front airbags and ABS + EBD, the latter optimising braking whatever the load on board.

Priced from RM89,800 or US$ 26,400 (with insurance/roadtax in Peninsular Malaysia), the Navara Manual has three colour choices: Brilliant White, Supreme Black, Tungsten Silver and Twilight Gray.

Customers can also opt to include a versatile and rugged utility box which is bolted on the spacious cargo bed. With its 200-litre storage capacity, it provides ample storage space for work tools or recreational gear.

All Nissan Navaras come with a 3-year/100,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty in Malaysia.