Nissan's next-generation Navara ute will be offered with seven airbags, SUV-style five-link rear coil suspension and a host of other passenger-friendly features when it arrives in Australia in early 2015.
The all-new D23 Navara will also come with two new high-tech diesel engines and a hefty 3.5-tonne towing capacity, as well as new technology including a seven-inch touch-screen and rear-view camera on some models.
However, top-shelf versions of the popular Navara workhorse, which was Australia's second biggest selling ute last year behind Toyota's HiLux but currently languishes at fifth, will no longer be fitted with the grunty V6 diesel that allowed Nissan to claim ‘Australia’s most powerful tradie’ bragging rights.
Instead, two more efficient 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engines will debut in the new Navara: a 118kW/403Nm four-cylinder unit with single turbocharger and higher-output 140kW/450Nm twin-turbo version.
Also used in Renault’s Master van, Nissan says the newly developed YS23 engine has the same power and torque as the current 2.5-litre Navara but promises improved drivability, with peak torque arriving at a lower 1500rpm.
Both new downsized diesel engines are also more efficient than the outgoing 2.5, with the low-output 2.3 claimed to reduce fuel consumption by 11 per cent and the high-output twin-turbo version said to use 19 per cent less fuel.
Thailand and other markets with less stringent emissions rules will still get updated versions of the current YD25 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine.
Meantime, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 118kW/231Nm will be offered in Australia in 4x2 models.
Although Nissan has dropped the current Navara's Renault-sourced 170kW/550Nm 3.0-litre V6, it says it is considering the introduction of a more powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in the future to replace it.
As it stands, the departure of the Navara V6 means the 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel in Holden's Colorado will deliver the most torque (500Nm), followed by the 470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel engine in the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50.
The Navara is currently the heaviest vehicle in its class, but the new ute is 70kg lighter thanks to weight reductions in the body and suspension. Nissan also claims improved aerodynamics with a 0.37Cd drag coefficient.
The seven-speed automatic transmission from the outgoing Navara ST-X 550 replaces the five-speed auto across the range, and there’s also a six-speed manual ‘box.
Set to deliver a smoother ride, Nissan says the five-link rear suspension will be available on selected models, providing the same one-tonne payload as other variants offered with a more traditional leaf-sprung rear-end.
To be built at a new Nissan plant in Thailand, the new Navara replaces the 17-year-old D22 and decade-old D40 Navara utes, and will be available in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, in single-, extra- (king-) and dual-cab configuration with cab-chassis or pick-up bodies.
While the Navara’s ladder frame chassis is largely unchanged, all-new sheet-metal and a redesigned interior serve to give the new Navara a “sporting, agile and dynamic appearance”.
Exterior highlights on some models include LED projector headlights with daytime running lights, chromed side mirrors with LED repeater lamps, a Mitsubishi Triton-like sliding rear window and an Aussie ute-first sunroof.
In dual-cab form, the D23 Navara is 44mm shorter (at 5255mm) and has a 50mm shorter wheelbase (3150mm), for a sharper turning circle.
Interior dimensions are similar but cabin presentation and comfort has gone up a notch with higher quality plastics, an SUV-like sweeping dash with prominent centre stack including seven-inch touch-screen with sat-nav and rear-view camera on some models.
Keyless entry, push-start ignition, acoustic reversing sensors, Bluetooth and USB audio/phone connectivity, and dual-zone climate-control are also available on certain models, while there are ‘spinal support’ front seats and contoured outboard rear seating on dual-cab variants.
Off-road ability on 4x4 models is enhanced thanks to more ground clearance (218mm), sharper approach (31 degrees) and departure (25.6 degrees) angles and a 450mm wading depth.
Active safety systems on 4WD models include hill descent control, hill start assist, vehicle dynamic control and an electronic locking rear diff.
With dual front, front-side and front/rear curtain airbags fitted along with a driver’s knee airbag, the new Navara should also net a five-star safety rating for the first time.
Unlike most of its rivals the current Navara has a four-star ANCAP rating, leaving it off the shopping lists of major fleet buyers that require the maximum safety score.
Nissan is also promising a 3.5-tonne towing capacity -- up from the current three tones -- which puts it on par with rivals including the Colorado, Ranger, BT-50 and Isuzu D-MAX.
Stayed tuned for our first drive of the new Navara ute, which was launched to international media in Thailand this week.