The new Navara’s ruggedly tough exterior styling with its high tech, C-shaped quad LED projector headlamps appears strongly influenced by the Nissan Titan model sold in the US and is packaged with an extensive number of advanced technologies to enhance safety, comfort and performance on the road and off it.
The 2021 Navara is offered in varying levels of specifications across a comprehensive range of models of pick-up utes and cab-chassis in single cab, king cab and dual cab formats, with choices of 4X2 and 4X4 drive with manual or automatic transmissions across selected variants.
The new model is equipped with Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which includes systems such as collision warning, intelligent emergency braking, blind spot warning and intervention, and what Nissan calls Intelligent Driver Alertness which prompts drivers to take breaks when changes in driving style or steering behaviour are detected.
The smart(er) steering wheel operates a new hydraulic assisted rack and pinion which necessitates systems such as the lane departure warning and intelligent lane intervention using the brakes to redirect the ute back between the lines.
Adding to the Navara’s safety is its ‘Intelligent Around View Monitor’, which uses four mounted cameras to help drivers notice people and cars surrounding and approaching the vehicle.
This enables easier manoeuvring when performing tasks such as parallel parking and positioning of the vehicle during trailer hitching.
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 which adds to the drivers’ confidence when tackling tough terrain.
Rear cross traffic alert reduces the stress that comes with limited visibility when backing out of a parking spot.
On the pick-up models the new rear bumper has an integrated step for ease of access and the tub sides are slightly higher to maintain the line of the front guards.
The pickup bed retains the innovative adjustable tie rails from the previous model. The payload capacity has been increased to 1,095kg on the six speed manual models and 1,105kg on Navaras fitted with the seven speed automatic transmission.
Braked towing capacity is 3,500kg, which is the maximum allowed using a 50mm tow ball.
Inside, the new Navara features a significantly improved quietness, thanks to the increased amounts of sound deadening insulation.
The new instrument panel is highlighted by the eight inch navigation screen and a seven inch high resolution TFT screen.
The rear seats have upgraded cushions and back shapes and for added convenience, passengers in the back can also now utilize the new rear armrest with built-in cup holders to store beverages or smartphones.
To meet the increasing needs of connected lifestyles, the Navara is now equipped with the new Nissan Connect infotainment system which allows for seamless connect of smartphones and enables convenient features such as Bluetooth streaming audio, voice recognition, and satellite navigation.
Multiple USB ports are located throughout the vehicle to charge devices and ensure continued connectivity including a Type C USB socket in the console, which can support the charging of multiple devices.
Other electronic features include rain-sensing wipers with wiping speed adjustment, speed-sensing door locks and auto-folding mirrors for smarter parking and serving as an easily visible reminder of when the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
When in four-wheel drive mode, the 4X4 Navara activates its Active Brake Limited Slip Differential system (ABLS), which manages power delivery and wheel braking between the front and rear axles and between the left and right of the vehicle, depending on traction and speed.
Integrating with the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC) and ABS brakes, this system enables drivers to be more confident and feel secure when towing large payloads and driving through muddy terrain with less acceleration and brake operation.
The new Trailer Sway Control system helps the vehicle to maintain stability on the road when towing a trailer.
Suspension has coil springs on all corners with double wishbones at the front and a five-link arrangement at the rear.
The twin turbo 2.3 litre intercooled diesel engine provides 140kw of power at 3750rpm and 450Nm of maximum torque across the 1500-2500rpm range.
Standard equipment on the entry level SL models includes an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen, 7.0-inch driver display, and powered windows and door mirrors.
Safety is boosted significantly thanks to autonomous emergency braking (AEB), reversing camera, hill-start assist, automatic headlights, cruise control, seven airbags and trailer sway control fitted at no extra cost.
Stepping up to the ST grade delivers satellite navigation, digital radio, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-accented steering wheel and shifter, polished sports bar and LED headlights.
ST variants also gain rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view monitor, lane departure warning, automatic wipers, blind-spot monitoring and high-beam assist.
ST-X models have all that and more including a tub liner and polished sports bar. A new model in the Navara line up for 2021 is the Pro-4X which is a burger with the lot including leather accent seats and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Navara has a proven drivetrain, which for 2021 is combined with contemporary styling and a plethora of intelligent innovations.