An updated 2012 Nissan Navara ute has landed locally, boosting equipment, safety and convenience levels in a bid to become Australia's most popular workhorse ute.

The high output V6 turbodiesel engine in the D40 range has been expanded from one to two models, giving buyers more choice with the class-leading 170kW/550Nm engine. The V6 diesel-engined Dual Cab ST-X 4X4 Navara is new to the range, priced from $56,990 and comes with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, alloy sports bar, fog lights, and CD player with USB connection.

Next in line is the range-topping 2012 model-year Nissan Navara ST-X 550 4X4, which adds several luxury features including leather trim, satellite-navigation with hard drive, BOSE stereo system and reversing camera. It is priced $2000 lower than the 2011 model at $62,990.

Dan Thompson, outgoing CEO of Nissan Australia, stated that the Navara has the Toyota HiLux squarely in its sights, and its goal is to topple the Toyota from the number one spot in the competitive Australian ute market.

"Despite the recent arrival of several newcomers in this highly competitive segment, Navara has comfortably maintained its popularity and market position," Thompson commented in a company PR release,

"Navara is one of Nissan Australia's cornerstone products aimed at giving us number one importer status," added Thompson.

"With the new Navara ST-X V6 turb-diesel, the enhanced D40 Dual Cab 4X4 and keener pricing, we have new and sharper tools to maintain this momentum."

One of the new tools Thompson talks about is electronic stability control (VDC in Nissan speak), now standard across the Navara D40 range. Meantime, the top-selling Navara, the D40 ST Dual Cab 4x4, has been enhanced with the inclusion of a beefier 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine (140kW/450Nm), 17-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, and five-channel Utili-Track load restraint system.

Meanwhile 2012 Nissan Navara RX Single Cab models get bucket seats instead of a bench, carpeted floors in lieu of vinyl and rubber mats are now standard.

Stay tuned for our first drive of the updated 2012 Nissan Navara.

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