Big updates for Nissan Navara announced

The new Nissan Navara, due on New Zealand shores at the beginning of 2021, promises more rugged boldness and excitement, with a host of new upgrades to both its design and onboard technology.  

The Navara is renowned for its tough looks, robust capabilities; reliability and versatility, making it one of the most respected and anticipated models across the brand’s line-up in many regions. 

Since its introduction in 1985, the Navara nameplate has conquered extreme locations from the dunes of the Sahara Desert and the rugged mountains of New Zealand to the mining regions of Chile in South America, located at 4,000 meters above sea level.  

The ute’s tough body-on-frame construction allows it to tackle difficult on- and off-road conditions, giving drivers greater freedom to go anywhere with confidence. 

The updated Navara now comes with a more extroverted and athletic design, a quieter and more comfortable interior, as well as an already renowned suspension tune that enhances the Navara’s on- and off-road dynamic driving performance.  

The new ute also features an increased payload capacity, with the Navara one-tonner now delivering payload capacity up to 1.2-tonnes. Juxtaposing the ute’s tough character is a significant upgrade in equipment supported by a suite of advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies. These upgrades prioritise convenience and safety for customer peace of mind, without compromising the vehicle’s excellent driving performance, 3,500kg braked towing capability, durability, and overall reliability. 

Further elevating the ute’s rugged character is the introduction of the PRO-4X grade – a first for the Navara nameplate.  

The range-topping PRO-4X grade will offer an even more impressive, eye-catching style to appeal to extreme adventure lovers who crave an escape from the daily routine. 

Equipped with the latest advanced technologies, the new Navara features a recognisable look, but one that is now more imposing in nature with a high command structure, new ‘interlocking’ frame grille and new high-tech, squared C-shaped LED projector headlamps. 

Further highlighting the ute’s imposing rugged stance and tough image is the model name proudly embossed on top of the front grille and across the full width of the rear tailgate. The font of the model name was also updated to create a stronger look. 

Thanks to the new front styling, the new Navara is unique while providing an overall impression that is distinctly Nissan, even from a distance. At the back, signature LED tail lamps provide an impressive appearance. This increased brightness creates another layer of safety for customers driving at night and low visibility scenarios.  

For added convenience, the ute is equipped with a new rear bumper with integrated step for ease of access and use. New sidestep finishers also contribute to better aerodynamic performance, decreasing wind noise and improving fuel efficiency.

Inside, the new Navara features improved quietness, thanks to increased amounts of sound deadening insulation, further reducing on-road noise for both driver and occupants. Additionally, the ute’s cabin is now more driver-oriented, with a new Nissan steering wheel and improved styling of the instrument panel highlighting the eight-inch navigation screen and a seven-inch higher resolution TFT screen. 

The rear seats are now even more comfortable for passengers, with upgrades to the seat cushions and back shapes. For added convenience, passengers in the back can also now utilise a new rear armrest with built-in cup holders.  

The newly introduced PRO-4X grade comes with its own distinctive, athletic look with a black Nissan emblem, a black front bumper and black grille, door handles, roof racks and running boards accented by 17-inch black wheels and all terrain tyres. The PRO-4X takes the design up another notch with lively, red accents, a tint inspired by the colour of magma, contrasted with the dark grille, wheels, and mirror caps.  

The new model returns with best-in-class technology through Nissan Intelligent Mobility, making it the most advanced Navara ever.  

These technologies create a 360-degree safety shield for the vehicle, helping protect the driver and passengers from potential risks and delivering peace of mind. The integration of these technologies provides superior levels of comfort, safety, and convenience, enabling customers to feel confident in using their vehicle for both work and play.  

Among these systems is Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, which monitors two vehicles ahead as well as the vehicle directly in front to reduce the risk of multi-car accidents. Intelligent Emergency Braking, which is designed to brake to avoid collisions, reduces the stress of driving in traffic or on busy streets. During long road trips or after a hard day on the job, driving safety and convenience become more important than ever and have been enhanced through a number of features in the ute. These include Intelligent Driver Alertness, which prompts drivers to take breaks through visual and gives audible alerts when changes in driving style or steering behavior are detected. 

This is further supported by Lane Departure Warning, which warns drivers if they begin to stray outside of their lane without signalling, while Intelligent Lane Intervention works to bring the vehicle back to the centre of the lane if the movement continues. For an added boost of confidence, drivers can also count on Blind Spot Warning to help avoid running into other vehicles caught in their blind spot. 

Adding further to the new Navara’s safety is Intelligent Around View Monitor (Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection), which uses four mounted cameras to help drivers notice people and cars surrounding and approaching the vehicle. For the first time the system also features an off-road monitor, made to confirm surrounding obstacles at low speeds when in four-wheel drive, empowering enthusiasts to take on the toughest terrains with confidence. 

Finally, Rear Cross Traffic Alert reduces the stress that comes with limited visibility when backing out of a parking spot. 

The new Navara is now equipped with the Nissan Connect infotainment system, allowing drivers and passengers to seamlessly connect their smartphones to the ute and enable convenient features such as Bluetooth streaming audio, voice recognition, and satellite navigation. Further enhancing the convenience for both drivers and passengers, the Navara now has multiple USB ports throughout the vehicle to charge devices and ensure continued connectivity, even on longer journeys.  

The DNA of the Nissan Navara remains with carried-over powertrain options coupled with specially tuned suspension and new pick-up truck features that add usability and versatility.  

A strengthened rear axle and additional truck bed volume make the vehicle the ultimate worksite partner, ready to take on more challenges while still offering optimal room and comfort. An integrated step in the new rear bumper makes bed access easier and reduces fatigue caused by repeated loading and unloading.  

Additionally, the bed is equipped with a flap-type, tie-down hook to secure both large and small objects, making it easier for loading and unloading without interference.  

For light commercial customers, one of the most essential qualities is payload, and Nissan’s engineers worked hard to increase it, delivering an improved payload of up to 1.2-tonnes dependent on grade. Working with the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC) and ABS brakes, this system enables drivers to be more confident when towing large payloads and driving through muddy terrain with less acceleration and brake operation. Meanwhile, the new Trailer Sway Control system helps the vehicle to maintain stability on the road when towing a trailer. 

The new Nissan Navara will be available in eight exterior colours, with two new colours (Forged Copper and Stealth Grey, developed for the PRO-4X grade) with cloth or leather interior options available.