Nissan already introduced a new generation of the Navara in 2005 but kept the former generation on the market at a lower price.
While more and more customers were looking at pickup-trucks as leisure vehicles and asked for more on-board features, there was another big market for dedicated, off-road utility vehicles. Those clients didn't want more than an air-conditioning unit and four doors to take its workers in and out of work sites. Nissan kept for them the older, D22 series pickup on the market. It was available in a few body choices, including a double cab with four regular doors.
At the front, the D22 featured an updated fascia with clear headlights and a black plastic bumper. A black hood-scoop provided additional air for the intercooler. It wasn't there only for design purposes. The four-door version featured black door handles and, depending on the trim level, chromed door-mirror cases. Nissan understood that its customers liked their cars with more features, especially if they used them for leisure use, such as hunting or camping.
Inside, Nissan NP300 Double Cab offered room for five occupants, with a regular bench in the back and more legroom than in the extended-cab version. Even on the base level, the carmaker installed more than just an air-conditioning unit and cranked windows. A stereo was fitted as standard on the entire range.
Under the hood, Nissan installed a 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine in the NP300. The only available transmission was a 5-speed manual. Unlike its main rival, the Toyota Hi-Lux, the D22 featured a 4x4 system with a transfer box and a low-range gear.