European and other non-North American truck owners rejoice! The Nissan NP300 will be available with diesel power in the 2015 model. Coined the Navara, this midsize truck will fill the gap for the worker who doesn’t need a full-sized truck but still needs to haul equipment or materials. Road sizing and congestion make full-size trucks an uncommon sight on the roads of other countries of the world. This sensible and restrained pickup will be a Japanese workhorse of utility and an answer to the newly announced Chevrolet Colorado Duramax.

The external styling of the Navara is rugged and edgy. Flared fenders and high cheek-boned quarter panels add to the off-road styling of this multipurpose pickup, no doubt trying to capitalize on the pre-runner market. Shown in some of Nissan’s photos is a bed roll bar, certainly more of a piece of chrome for posturing than protection but a nice touch none the less. The interior gives way to an elegant leather appointed cabin, not the utilitarian cloth of midsize trucks of the past.

Available with three engine choices, customers will have to choose between a twin, or single turbo 2.3-liter diesel, making 140kw/450nm torque, 120kw/403nm, respectively. Non-diesel drivers will have a 2.5-liter gas powerplant producing 122kw/238nm torque. Two transmission options will be available for this new Nissan; a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic. Between all powerplant options, and two or four wheel-drive models the maximum towing capacity is set at 3500kg making this truck a good candidate for hauling light trailers.

Packed with Nissan’s signature technology the Navaras will be available with such features as, LED headlights, backup cameras, satellite navigation, hill descent and climb control, and Nissan’s trademarked Utili-Track System. As is often the case we will not get to enjoy this diesel addition to the midsize truck market here in the U.S., but a Colorado/Navara showdown would be a interesting test wouldn’t it?