CANBERRA: Nissan in Australia conducted a virtual unveiling of the latest Navara pickup truck that promises enhanced safety, comfort, handling prowess, durability, reliability and versatility.
The Navara will be assembled in Thailand (for the ASEAN and Australian market) and the Kingdom will be among the first in the world to receive the Japanese pickup truck.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor, the official distributor of Nissan in Malaysia, is expecting to make this pickup available sometime in the first half of 2021.
There will be eight colours for choice including two new colours developed for the PRO-4X grade only - Orange Brown and a new shade of grey.
The colours are available for all markets that will be paired by light grey, grey and black fabric or a leather interior - depending on market availability for the cabin.
Although there's no mention of the Navara's powertrain options, it is confirmed that there will be a six-speed manual transmission available with four driving modes while Thailand will be receiving a more powerful twin-turbo 4x4 engine option.
Although the Japanese carmaker did state that its new Navara will possess an improved suspension system for on and off-road duties with added comfort and handling elements, Australia has confirmed to receive this.
Externally, the Navara will sport a new "interlock" grille with the model name embossed on the top of the front grille and across the full width of the flatbed's door at the rear with a new "stronger" font.
It will also come fitted with new C-shaped quad-LED projector headlamps at the front and LED tail lamps with bright chrome detail in between for the rear - flanking the new rear bumper step.
The new side step finishers are said to aid in aerodynamic performance by decreasing wind noise, thus contributing to better fuel economy.
Inside, the cabin is said to have improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels with added insulation materials together with laminated windshield and front windows.
Along with an updated steering wheel, drivers get to stare into the newly styled instrument cluster as well as an 8.0-inch navigation touchscreen or a 7.0-inch higher resolution TFT screen.
Rear-seated passengers will benefit from upgraded cushions and back shape that comes with an armrest with built-in cup holders.
Budding owners opting for the PRO-4X grade can expect to receive blacked-out elements which include the Nissan emblem, front bumper, grille, door handles, roof racks, running boards and the 17-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tyres.
Also included is the signature orange-red colour accents, inspired by the colour of magma, and can be found on the Nissan wordmark on the black emblem as well as the interior and exterior of this pickup.
For safety, the Nissan Intelligent Mobility's suite of advance driver aids is available to further bolster safety levels. Although it would most likely be found in a range-topping variant once the Navara reaches our shores.
Such systems will include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Intervention Blind Spot Warning, Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Entertainment will come from the Nissan Connect infotainment system that offers smartphone connectivity and features Bluetooth streaming audio, voice recognition and navigation as well as multiple USB ports - including the more capable Type-C connection.
Other forms of conveniences include automatic wipers, speed-sensing door locks when passing the 25kph mark and auto-folding mirrors when locking or unlocking this pickup.
Certain improvements for the Navara includes a strengthened rear axle, and an additional truck bed volume (depending on region) as well as the new integrated step in the new rear bumper to access the flatbed section.
The flatbed is equipped with a flap-type tie-down hook to allow owners to transport objects more securely.
When in four-wheel-drive mode (4WD), the Navara activates its Active Brake Limited Slip Differential system (ABLS) to better manage power delivery and wheel braking between the front and rear axles as well as between the left and right wheels depending on traction and speed.
The ABLS system works in tandem with the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC) and anti-lock braking system to provide owners with added confidence especially while transporting heavy payloads or traversing through questionable terrain.
A Trailer Sway Control system has also been added to help increase on-road stability with a trailer hooked up.
Initial production of the new Navara will start in Thailand and Frontier in Mexico with production commencing in Rosslyn, Pretoria, South Africa at a later time.
