It’s bad enough trying to keep track of Chinese brands and models, let alone who is sharing what between Japanese companies such as Nissan and Mitsubishi.
Nissan provided the X-Trail as the basis for the current Mitsubishi Outlander and with the release of the new Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi has returned the favour by providing its Triton utility as the basis for the vehicle.
It’s not the first time Nissan has gone “sharesies” but this time there’s no mistaking that the Navara for what it is.
To give this some perspective, it’s all a reflection of the fact that the two brands are part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and have been for a long time, although it rarely gets a mention.
New Navara arrives in showrooms in a couple of weeks as the nameplate marks its 40th anniversary, having first been delivered locally in December, 1986.
The big challenge for Nissan will be to differentiate the two vehicles in the eyes of buying public, not always an easy thing to do — however price always helps to smooth the way.
And, ahead of its arrival next month, Nissan has revealed full pricing and specifications for the fifth generation, D27 Navara.
Navara will be available in four grades, but only the one style — as a dual cab 4×4 ute — priced from $53,348 plus on-roads for the entry SL — about $58,902 driveaway (if you’re in Sydney).
Apparently, that’s what Nissan buyers want and that’s what Nissan plans to give them.
The other main point of difference is that Navara’s suspension has been tuned specifically for Australian conditions by Premcar, which Nissan has worked with previously.
This is complemented by a design that balances rugged heritage with modern sophistication, along with high levels of equipment, advanced technology and safety features that elevate the Navara into a new era, the company says.
To sweeten the deal, Nissan is offering up to $2500 worth of fitted genuine accessories and a $2500 loyalty bonus.
“Australian ute buyers have long trusted the Navara name, and the all-new model delivers on that trust with meaningful improvements across the board,” Nissan’s Andrew Humberstone said.
So far so good, but the starting price is way more than Mitsubishi’s dual cab, steel-wheeled 4×4 GLX at $46,490 driveaway — which takes the edge off the deal.
But it must be all part of the plan — the Alliance plan. In Nissan’s favour, the Triton provides a solid starting point.
All Navaras are powered by a 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel that generates 150kW of power and 470Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed auto.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.7L/100km, depending on grade.
Braked towing capacity is 3500kg.
The new Navara range comprises four grades; SL, ST, ST-X and PRO-4X — all available as dual cab 4×4 pick-ups with automatic transmission.
The lineup has been rationalised, Nissan says, based on customer preferences, with over 90 per cent of outgoing D23 Navara buyers selecting this body style and transmission combination.
Each grade is comprehensively equipped to ensure they deliver value for money.
Entry-level Navara SL scores an electronic rear diff lock, LED head and tail lights, 7.0-inch driver info panel, 9.0-inch centre touchscreen with DAB+ digital radio and wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, and tailgate assist for easier cargo access.
SL rides on 17-inch steel wheels with 265/65R17 All-terrain tyres and comes equipped with an ‘Easy Select’ 4WD system with dual-range transfer case, allowing drivers to select between 2H, 4H, and 4L modes to suit conditions.
All safety features are available across the lineup, with ANCAP 5-star rating underpinned by eight airbags and an impressive suite of advanced driver assist systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning with Emergency Lane Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The seats of the SL are trimmed in cloth, with silver stitching.
Priced from $56,765, ST builds on these specs with the addition of 17-inch alloys, LED fog lights, heated exterior mirrors with integrated indicators and power-folding function, leather-accented steering wheel with silver inserts, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Interior refinement is enhanced with carpet floor covering rather than vinyl.
There is USB charging and privacy glass for the rear compartment.
ST-X is priced from $63,177, with the introduction of Super 4WD, featuring a Torsen limited-slip centre diff and seven selectable terrain modes (Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock).
Hill Descent Control provides confident progress on steep descents.
There’s also 18-inch alloys, body-coloured front bumper lower lip, silver-painted grille inserts and side steps.
ST-X also features a tubliner for cargo protection, sports bar, and tailgate assist.
Power-folding exterior mirrors with chrome finish and integrated indicators enhance the look.
Leather-accented seats with power adjustment for the driver, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, push-button engine start with intelligent key, and a wireless smartphone charger deliver a refined cabin experience.
Top of the tree (for now) PRO-4X is priced from $68,418, with a unique front grille surround with lava red orange insert, 17-inch matt black alloy wheels fitted with 265/65R17 all-terrain tyres, wheel arch moulding with lava red orange accents, black roof rails, and a ‘NAVARA’ tailgate badge finished in black with red accenting.
Inside, the cabin is distinguished by dark colour air conditioning finisher, leather-accented seats with orange stitching and suede bolster, leather-accented steering wheel with orange stitch, and ‘PRO-4X’ logo embossed on the front seat backs.
Black painted inner door handles and lava red orange accents throughout the front console and door trim create a cohesive premium sports aesthetic.
Exclusive to the PRO-4X grade, a towbar comes as standard, reflecting the lifestyle-focused positioning of this flagship variant.
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