The arrival of the Series II upgrade for Nissan’s Navara this year has seen the Japanese brand quietly drop its entry level petrol model variants, leaving the one-tonne utility range as an all-diesel affair.

Entry DX variants previously offered a ‘QR25DE’ 2.5L four-cylinder petrol engine that was updated for the new-generation NP300 series launched in 2015, producing 122kW of power at 6,000rpm, 238Nm of torque at 4,000rpm and combining with either a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed automatic.

Importantly, the DX petrol provided Nissan with a sub-$20,000 starting point that could be spruiked in advertising and pitched directly at budget-conscious tradies.

The company has now advised that the petrol engine is no longer being shipped to Australia, with the decision based on the level of investment required for a further upgrade necessary to meet ever-tightening emissions regulations.

That leaves Navara with the ‘YS23DDT/TT’ 2.3L diesel engine combination in single and twin-turbo guise – the single offering 120kW/403Nm and the bi-turbo churning out 140kW/450Nm – and both teaming up with a six-speed manual as standard or a seven-speed auto as an option.

Entry to the range is now at $25,990 plus on-road costs for the RX 4×2 single cab chassis manual, with pricing moving through a comprehensive 30-plus variant line-up that as well as the two engine and transmission choices, spans all the usual body styles, drivelines, tray options and various model grades – including a new ‘SL’ workhorse grade specifically targeted at tradesfolk.

The SL is a 4×4 dual cab without all the bells and whistles of the higher-grade ST but still carries the twin-turbo diesel engine, newly revised five-link coil spring rear suspension, a rear-view camera, vinyl flooring, LED headlights and daytime running lights, and flared wheel arches with 16” steel wheels and 225/70-section tyres.

It is priced from $43,990 plus on-roads for the manual, with auto adding $2,500.

Vinyl flooring has also replaced carpet in the RX grade, while the RX dual cab chassis is now available with an automatic gearbox option (from $40,990). There is still a sole DX variant for the single cab chassis diesel manual, but only with the 4×4 driveline (starting at $31,990).

The other major change brought with the Series II upgrade is a suspension overhaul for all variants fitted with the five-link coil-spring rear suspension – it does not apply to leaf-sprung models – which involves revised rear shock absorbers and rebound dampers, and new front shocks.

Nissan says the result is “more refined ride and handling with improved lateral stability, especially when carrying a load in the cargo area or towing”.