Exclusivity comes courtesy of a stylish hard top load cover providing a unique design yet still retaining a high cargo volume. Add a load bed protector and reversing sensors for an OTR price of £23,795 and the UK’s number one choice for pickups looks set to continue at the top of the pack.

The new hard top was sculpture-led by Nissan’s own design centre based in Paddington, London to ensure a perfect blend with the Navara’s svelte looks. The side windows therefore have a simulated shoulder line to emulate those of the cabin while the styling lines of the cabin roof integrate with those moulded into the hard top.

The result is a visually arresting design with a distinctive look made all the more stylish by the use of privacy glass and a gloss black finish to the rear pillars, creating a continuous sweep from one side to the other. Further continuity with the pickup body is provided by a rear door handle cover finish matching that of the tailgate handle.

There’s a choice of Black metallic, Starburst Silver, Storm Grey, Cayman Blue and Arctic White paint, which either match, or complement, the Navara palette of colours.

As well as stylish good looks the X-BACK hard top is immensely practical, with a standard load liner and a total volume of more than 1.8 m3. It is fully compatible with C-Channel accessories, including the tool box. An unimpeded view from the cabin to the load area is provided by clear glazing for the front window.

The high quality finish continues inside with all internal surfaces trimmed in a dark grey carpet with the exception of the rear door which has the same paint finish as the exterior.

Added safety is provided by an internal lever that allows the rear door to be opened from the inside.

The new hard top is made from the composite material SMC, which is similar to glass reinforced plastic but with a uniform layered construction making it particularly tough and light for easy installation. The high quality finish is also resistant to minor impacts, its heat expansion properties are identical to the steel body panels and last, but not least, SMC can be recycled.

The X-BACK hardtop has been subjected to a tough regime to prove its endurance, including weathering and impact tests, thermal cycle testing and extensive road testing. As a result, just like the Navara, it comes with a 3 year/ 60,000 mile warranty.

Like all other Navaras, the X-BACK offers SUV levels of comfort, refinement and performance while still offering ‘go anywhere, do anything’ qualities. There’s ample room for five plus one of the largest load beds in its class.

The potent 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine punches out 171 PS and an awesome 403Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, yet it remains economical, achieving 28.8mpg on the combined cycle. And with all that torque it doesn’t hang about between gears either. Drive is transmitted to the road by a tried and tested four-wheel drive system.

Navara Aventura X-BACK customers will want for nothing. The extensive spec includes side bars and chunky chrome back bumper, 17" alloys, electric and heated door mirrors, front fogs, automatic headlamps with washers, rain sensing wipers and roof rails.

Moving inside there’s Bluetooth phone integration, premium audio with MP3 compatibility and 6CD autochanger, DVD sat nav, dual zone climate control, a leather steering wheel with audio controls, a trip computer, cruise control, rear dark tinted glass, an electric glass sunroof, leather Seat trim and electrically adjustable front seats – which are also heated.

Full safety features include front, side and curtain airbags plus active front headrests.