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issan has launched its crucial new-generation Thai-built
Navara in Australia, kicking off with dual cab variants in
a rollout that will see single and king cab models – and a
full 27-variant range – on sale by the end of the year.
As well as the three body styles, the new Navara – dubbed
NP300 and replacing both the decade-old D40 and 18-year-
old D22 series – will cover all bases with four trim levels (DX,
RX, ST and ST-X), pick-up and cab chassis back ends, 4x2 and
4x4 drivelines, six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic
transmission choices, and three powertrains (two turbo-
diesels and a petrol) on offer.
Nissan has a lot riding on the all-new version of its top-
selling nameplate, pointing to years of development – including
testing in rural and metropolitan Australia – and promising
plenty with the launch of the dual cab, such as improved
performance, reliability and safety, best-in-class diesel fuel
economy and equal-best braked towing capacity for the diesels
of 3,500kg.
The diesels in question are two new Renault-sourced 2.3L
‘YS23’ four-cylinder engines, headlined by a twin-turbo unit
that produces 140kW at 3,750rpm and 450Nm from 1,500-
2,500rpm.
In ST and ST-X 4x2 dual cab manual grades, this engine can
return fuel economy of 6.3L/100km on the official combined
cycle – not bad for a vehicle that has a GVM of 2,910kg and tare
mass of around 1,800-1,900kg, although for sheer grunt the
twin-turbo is unable to match the 550Nm (from a 3.0 V6) that
was a feature of the previous model.
A single-turbo version of the YS23 is also available,
delivering 120kW/403Nm and similar economy, while at the
entry level an upgraded 2.5L ‘QR25DE’ four-cylinder petrol
engine continues, now with 122kW/238Nm and returning
9.7L/100km on the DX 4x2 manual.
Payload ranges from 880-1,112kg, depending on the variant.
Still with a fully boxed ladder frame chassis, the NP300
brings a number of other significant advancements for Nissan,
from its “cutting edge” and more aerodynamic design to smart
technologies and extra safety features, and claims of improved
handling and ride comfort. On the latter, a new coil-sprung
five-link rear suspension for dual cab pick-up models is now in
service.
In safety terms, seven airbags are fitted standard in the
dual cab (including driver’s knee airbag), along with electronic
stability and traction control, a limited-slip diff and ABS brakes
with EBD and brake assist.
Daytime running lights are also fitted, although LED
headlights and a rear-view camera are among the equipment
reserved for the higher ST and ST-X grades.
There are many other detail points to note throughout
the range, so careful study of the specification sheets is
recommended. But all dual cabs have air conditioning (with
rear air vents), cruise control, a trip computer, electric
windows, three 12V power outlets and a six-speaker CD/radio
unit with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and USB/iPod
connectivity.
Nissan Australia
www.nissan.com.auNISSAN NAVARA