THERE was a time when pick-up trucks were a budget option for drivers looking for a go-anywhere, jack-of-all-trades vehicle which could be used for business or leisure.

Not any more - the humble truck is gradually moving up-market and Nissan's new Navara N-Guard special edition exemplifies the latest breed of luxury double-cabs and costs more than £33,500 if you have to pay VAT.

The N-Guard comes as a Double Cab with a 2.3-litre, 190 PS diesel engine. There's a choice of manual or auto transmission with prices starting from £28,075 excluding VAT for the manual. Add an extra £1,450, plus VAT, for the auto version.

The N-Guard is all about style and comfort. Based on the flagship Tekna grade, the front grille, fog lamp surrounds, mirror covers, door handles and rear bumper are all finished in black. Matching side steps and roof rails have been added, along with unique black 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior of the headlamps has been darkened, and a sunroof with tinted glass is standard.

The makeover is completed with unique decals at the base of the front doors, extending on to the load bed behind the rear wheel. Metallic or Pearlescent paint in a choice of grey, black or white.

Inside there are restyled leather and cloth seats in a dark grey and yellow design, complemented by yellow double stitching. This feature is replicated on the door trim and on the new signature floor mats, which feature a geometric design to match the exterior decals.

In addition to the sunroof, headlamp washers are fitted as standard equipment on top of the Navara Tekna's standard spec which includes hill start assist, hill descent control, intelligent emergency braking and intelligent around view monitor. The one item still on the options list is a rear differential lock to provide enhanced traction.