Nissan recently stepped into the hairy-chested premium ute ring, up against the likes of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, HSV SportsCat, Mazda Boss and Toyota Rogue, Dodge Ram and HSV Silverado – with the Navara N-Trek Warrior.
Unlike these pickup prize fighters, the Nissan truck is offering something different – input from Aussie automotive product development and engineering consultancy Premcar – to take on the toughest conditions demanded by owners in the premium dual cab 4×4 ute market.
Enhancements in wheel, tyre and suspension come up with better ground clearance and improved ride and handling, while wider stance, redesigned front end, plus new Cooper all-terrain rubber, complete a range of rugged visual cues.
A carryover from the basic N-Trek black standard features, the Warrior includes fender flares, alloy sports bar, headlamp bezels, side steps, rear vision mirror caps with dark orange accent, rear bumper, front grille, door handles and roof rails.
Partial leather accented seats carry dark orange fabric inserts and dark orange stitching throughout, as does the centre console, front door armrests and steering wheel. Front seats are heated.
The Navara N-Trek Warrior comes in two versions powered by Nissan’s 2.3-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo engine, mated with either a six-speed manual, or seven-speed automatic transmission.
The test vehicle was the latter, which would set back the buyer $65,490, plus on-road costs. The manual Warrior comes in at $62,990, plus ORC.
STYLING
The White Diamond Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior test vehicle never stopped announcing its presence with decals everywhere. The decal package includes a hoopless, body-coloured steel bulbar with integrated 470mm LED light bar and a Navara decal taking pride of place across the tailgate.
Dark orange accented fog lamp bezel has an integrated ‘bark buster’ and 3 mm stainless steel provides front underbody protection.
Special design 17-inch black alloy wheels have been downsized from N-Trek 18-inch alloys to accommodate the larger, off-road tyres.
INTERIOR
Occupants will never be left wondering what they are riding in, the word ‘Warrior’ is plastered all over the place, from the embroidered front headrests to the orange accented floor mats. Some plastic components are specific to N-Trek Warrior
INFOTAINMENT
Occupants have the benefit of a smart key, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the driver gets help slotting the big bugger (nearly five-and-half metres long) into car park spots with a 360-degree cameras.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The 2.3-litre twin turbo four-cylinder diesel engine delivers 140 kW and 450 Nm, putting power to ground through a seven-speed automatic transmission in the case of the test vehicle.
SAFETY
Though it’s equipped with seven airbags, the big Nissan Warrior would not rate a five-star rating today, because of the lack of active safety features such as autonomous emergency braking and active cruise control.
However, all Navaras have standard vehicle dynamic control, brake limited slip differential, anti-skid brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and brake assist.
DRIVING
The high revving engine produces enough power to handle various loads but with its high-pitched note fails to walk the beat of the robust sporty ute. Wide tyres add road noise to the hum and a turning circle of 12.7 metres makes It hard work in tight carparks.
Nissan puts fuel consumption at 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle, which was held up by the test car turning in 10.6 l/100km and 6.4 l/100km respectively.
A 40 mm increase in ride height comes courtesy of off-road capable springs and dampers, delivering 15 mm more, coupled with Cooper Discoverer AT3 All-Terrain tyres increasing by a further 25 mm.
Ground clearance is a huge 268 mm, with improved approach angle of 35 degrees and widened track of 1600 mm. A matching full-size spare wheel and tyre tuck in under the tray.
This set-up required some smart thinking, resulting in the towbar cross-member being engineered for this, as well as increased ride height. The Warrior retains the standard Navara’s 3.5-tonne towing capacity and a payload of 724 kg.
SUMMING UP
Who would have thought dual-cab utes would have become the best-selling vehicles in Australia? With this in mind, Nissan has a Warrior that could rattle a few of the enemy.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior manual $62,990
Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior automatic $65,490
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Nissan dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Nissan N-Trek Warrior 2.3-litre intercooled twin-turbo diesel, common-rail direct injection, seven-speed automatic, four-door dual cab)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.298 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders
Maximum Power: 140 kW @ 3750 rpm
Maximum Torque: 450 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.0 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 186 g/km
DRIVELINE: Seven-speed automatic, dual range 4×4 with electronic 4WD selection
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 5385 mm
Wheelbase: 3150 mm
Width: 1920 mm
Height: 1895 mm
Turning Circle: 12.7 metres
Kerb Mass: 2186 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Drum
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
