2010 Nissan Navara
No less than 16 models are offered in single, dual cab and King cab in 2x4 and 4x4 variants.
At the entry level is the Navara D22 single cab chassis and the dual cab ST-R. Equipped with a new 2.5-litre turbo-diesel, that produces 98kW at 3600rpm and a handy 304Nm at 2000rpm; they are offered with rear leaf suspension.
Stepping up to the Navara D40, they are also powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel with the same comprehensive choice of cab chassis, single and dual cab variants. The single cab RX CC 4x4 retains the same 106kW/356Nm engine output, whereas the 4x4 King Cab variants gain the new 2.5-litre 126kW/403Nm output diesel.
Much of the action in the light commercial utility market however, is with the higher spec models and it's here that Nissan took a blowtorch to their Navara range!
ST-X Dual Cab
The Series 4 'work and play' utility lineup gained a new top of the range ST-X dual cab and a new turbo-diesel powerplant.
Available with an upgraded 140kW/450Nm four cylinder 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, improved exterior and interior design, luxury equipment such as dual zone climate control plus a full complement of active and passive safety features including ESP stability control, the Navara ST-X provides a compelling option for dual cab customers.
Now producing 140kW of power (up from 126kW) and a beefy 450Nm of torque (up from 403Nm), the common rail engine was tuned by Nissan's R&D team. The changes include a new direct injection system, which operates at 2000 bar, up from 1800 bar. This increase in pressure means the fuel spray is atomised to an even finer degree, resulting in more complete combustion.
A new cylinder head with parallel ports increases the swirl efficiency of the combustion process, smoothing the intake and exhaust flow, while a new variable nozzle turbo (VNT) with electric control replaces the previous hydraulic system, generating quicker responses.
These improvements not only raise power, but also lower fuel consumption and emissions. The latter are also reduced thanks to the fitment of a by-pass valve in the Exhaust Gas Recycling cooling system. The by-pass valve allows the EGR system to warm up more quickly from a cold start, cutting emissions of hydrocarbons and soot still further.
The overall result is a useful 11 percent rise in power and torque to keep the engine at the top of the class. Power rises to 140kW and torque increases by a pounding 47Nm to 450Nm.
Over the combined fuel cycle test 6-speed manual versions use just 8.5-litres of diesel per 100km, a substantial 1.3-litres (or 13 percent) less fuel than before. The 5-speed automatic ST-X Dual Cab saves even more fuel at 9.0 litres/100km versus 10.5 litres/100km of the previous model - a 14 percent saving.
Additionally, CO2 emissions are cut substantially by 40g/km to 224g/km.
Refinement is enhanced by the use of flexible tubing at the turbocharger outlet. A small bellows-type joint helps to absorb excess vibration, promoting smoother engine performance whether idling or under acceleration.
The 198kW V6 4.0-litre petrol engine currently offered in the ST-X continues unchanged.
Good looks
The ST-X Dual Cab gained new front end styling that included a new bonnet, revised grille and a new bumper assembly, which add 80mm to the overall length. The bumper is more rounded and lends a more sporting touch to the visual first impression. It is fitted with new six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.
As well as visual improvements, the changes to the design also contribute to a reduction in the coefficient of drag (Cd) from 0.38 to 0.37, boosting fuel economy and contributing to cabin refinement.
The colour range is enlarged with the addition of two new colours: Electric Blue and Flame Red.
Interior changes
Interior cabin improvements include new switchgear, revised door trims, new seat fabric, and the addition of chrome highlights and revised dials.
Switchgear changes include a new, easier to use, all-wheel drive command control switch while the steering wheel controls for the phone and audio are now illuminated. Chrome finishers have been added to the automatic transmission surround and to the instrument binnacle.
A new centre-floor console and C-cluster design creates a very stylish and contemporary interior. The new ST-X also gains dual zone climate control plus power folding mirrors, Bluetooth hands free phone connectivity, auxiliary input for MP3 devices and a drive computer. Illuminated steering wheel controls for the phone and audio complete the interior changes.
Safety is well covered with a full complement of airbags fitted to the new Series 4 Navara ST-X as standard, including driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags.
Active safety is catered for with Nissan's Electronic Stability Program now fitted as standard on ST-X diesel models.
The turbo-diesel powered Navara ST-X has a six-speed manual gearbox as well as ESP and Brake Assist, EBD, 17-inch alloys (vs. 15-inch), height-adjustable headlight control, folding electrically adjustable mirrors, 6 speakers, three-point rear seatbelts for all seats, switch operated AWD mode selection, 4-channel Utili-track load restraint system, 60/40 split folding rear seats and dual zone climate control.
The Series 4 Nissan Navara ST-X is available in four variants: ST-X petrol manual and Auto, and ST-X diesel manual and auto.
Pricing:
Nissan Navara ST-X Petrol 6-speed Manual - $47,990
Nissan Navara ST-X Petrol 5-speed Auto - $50,240
Nissan Navara ST-X Diesel Manual - $50,990
Nissan Navara ST-X Diesel Auto - $53,240
Enter the Navara ST-X 550 V6 diesel
If the revised ST-X models weren't enough to put a smile on potential Navara buyers, the recently introduced Navara ST-X 550 certainly will.
The top of the range ST-X550 features a 3.0-litre, 170kW/550Nm turbo-diesel engine and a seven-speed auto transmission.
Peak torque of 550Nm is achieved from as low as 1700 rpm and is available all the way to 2500 rpm, while a hefty 500Nm is available from a mere 1500 rpm. Idle speed is an exceptionally low 650 rpm, with none of the vibrations and noise usually associated with a diesel.
The result is strong low-end performance with comfortably refined delivery and exemplary throttle response. In addition, the engine helps provide strong towing performance, the Navara capable of towing a 3000kg braked trailer.
Along with the new powerplant and transmission, other additional equipment includes a tub liner, black sports bar with LED high level brake light, a hard tonneau cover complete with remote central locking, smoked bonnet protector, front fog lights, headlamp washers, privacy glass, roof rails and V6 badges.
The Nissan Navara ST-X 550 retails for $60,990.
