Next Car Pty Ltd 
Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Journal

Home | News | Road Tests



Nissan updates the Navara

Nissan Navara (copyright image)

Home > News > Nissan

26th March, 2010

At work or play, Nissan’s new top-of-the-range Series 4 Navara ST-X Dual Cab utility offers a combination of mountainous torque, 'muscular' good looks and a trove of additional equipment.

On or off-road, Nissan claim the new Navara ST-X is the one to beat.

Now available with an upgraded 140 kW/450 Nm 2.5 litre turbo-diesel engine, improved exterior and interior design, luxury equipment such as dual zone climate control plus a full complement of active and passive safety features including ESP (electronic stability programme), the Nissan Navara ST-X provides a good option for dual cab customers.

Diesel upgrade

Dual Cab ute buyers seeking unrivalled torque pulling-power need look no further than the new Series 4 Nissan Navara ST-X Dual Cab with its improved 2.5 litre four-cylinder diesel engine which now boasts more power and torque, lower emissions and major fuel savings.

Now producing an 'athletic' 140 kW of power (up from 126 kW) and a 'beefy' 450 Nm of torque (up from 403 Nm), it beats its rivals into submission.

The already punchy common rail engine has been tuned by Nissan’s R&D team. The significant output increases will bring a smile to every Navara ST-X driver’s face, not just because the increases in output are combined with decreases in input; specifically, requiring less fuel to get the job done with even more ease, but because exhaust emissions are also reduced and refinement levels are increased.

The changes include a new direct injection system, which operates at 2,000 bar, up from 1,800 bar. This increase in pressure means the fuel spray is atomised to an even finer degree, resulting in more complete combustion.

A new cylinder head with parallel ports increases the swirl efficiency of the combustion process, smoothing the intake and exhaust flow, while a new variable nozzle turbo (VNT) with electric control replacing the previous hydraulic system, and generating quicker responses, has also been adopted.

These improvements not only raise power, but also lower fuel consumption and emissions. The latter are also reduced thanks to the fitment of a by-pass valve in the Exhaust Gas Recycling cooling system. The by-pass valve allows the EGR system to warm up more quickly from a cold start, cutting emissions of hydrocarbons and soot still further.

The overall result is a useful 11 per cent rise in power and torque to keep the engine at the top of the class. Power rises to 140 kW and torque increases by a pounding 47 Nm to 450 Nm.

Over the combined fuel cycle test 6-speed manual versions use just 8.5 litres of diesel per 100 km, a substantial 1.3 litres less fuel (or 13 per cent less than before). The 5-speed automatic ST-X Dual Cab saves even more fuel at 9.0 litres/100 kms versus 10.5 litres/100 kms of the previous model – a 4 per cent saving.

Additionally, CO2 emissions are cut substantially by 40 g/km to 224 g/km.

Refinement is enhanced by the use of flexible tubing at the turbocharger outlet. A small bellows-type joint helps to absorb excess vibration, promoting smoother engine performance whether idling or under acceleration.

The 198 kW V6 4.0-litre petrol engine currently offered in the ST-X continues unchanged.

Exterior changes

The new-look ST-X Dual Cab gains reprofiled front-end styling for 2010.

Changes at the front include a new bonnet, revised grille and a new bumper assembly, which add 80mm to the overall length. The bumper is more rounded and lends a more sporting touch to the visual first impression.

New six-spoke 17 inch alloy wheels give the side view more power.

As well as visual improvements, the changes to the design also contribute to a reduction in the coefficient of drag (Cd) from 0.38 to 0.37 boosting fuel economy and contributing to cabin refinement.

The colour range is enhanced with the addition of two new colours: Electric Blue and Flame Red.

Interior changes

The many detailed changes inside the cabin of the Series 4 Nissan Navara ST-X have enhanced its quality and appearance. These include new switchgear, revised door trims, new seat fabric, and the addition of chrome highlights and revised dials.

CINNAMON COLOUREDS FARMSTAY (copyright image)
Self-Catering Holiday
Accommodation in
Denmark, WA
..... more

Typical of the attention to detail that has helped enhance quality are the door trims which have been changed to improve both the look and feel of the interior and boost practicality. The armrests and door pads are nicer to touch thanks to the increased thickness and density of the foam used, but their shape has also been altered to make them more comfortable as well.

Practical touches mean the door pockets can now happily hold a typical large-scale Australian map book and a one litre drink bottle.

Switchgear changes include a new, easier to use, all-wheel drive command control switch while the steering wheel controls for the phone and audio are now illuminated.

Chrome finishers have been added to the automatic transmission surround and to the instrument binnacle.

A new centre-floor console and C-cluster design provides a very stylish and contemporary interior. The new ST-X also gains dual zone climate control plus power folding mirrors, Bluetooth hands free phone connectivity, auxiliary input for MP3 devices and a drive computer. Illuminated steering wheel controls for the phone and audio complete the interior changes.

Safety is well covered with a full complement of airbags fitted to the new Series 4 Navara ST-X as standard, including driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags.

Active safety is catered for with Nissan’s Electronic Stability Programme now fitted as standard on ST-X diesel models.

Competitive market

The new high-power turbo-diesel powered Series 4 Navara ST-X has plenty of advantages over its closest rival, not least of which is a $2,700 price advantage.

It also has 14 kW more power and a massive 107 Nm more torque, and can tow a full 3,000 kg (750 kg more).

The turbo-diesel powered Navara ST-X has a six-speed manual gearbox (one more than its rival) as well as ESP and Brake Assist, EBD, 17 inch alloys (vs. 15 inch), height-adjustable headlight control, folding electrically-adjustable mirrors, 6 speakers (not 4), three-point rear seatbelts for all seats, switch operated AWD mode selection, 4-channel Utili-track load restraint system, 60/40 split folding rear seats and dual zone climate control.

Active head restraints are another critical safety feature fitted to the new Nissan Navara ST-X.

Pricing*

The new Series 4 Nissan Navara ST-X is available in four variants: ST-X petrol manual and Auto, and ST-X diesel manual and auto.
Nissan Navara ST-X Petrol 6-speed Manual - $47,990*
Nissan Navara ST-X Petrol 5-speed Auto - $50,240*
Nissan Navara ST-X Diesel Manual - $50,990*
Nissan Navara ST-X Diesel Auto - $53,240*

NOTE: * Prices exclude dealer delivery fees and the various state/territory statutory charges.

Quotes

“With class-leading diesel power and torque, improved fuel economy, lower emissions, more safety equipment, better quality and a refreshed visual appeal, the new Navara is well-positioned to attract even more customers to its ranks,” says Dan Thompson, CEO of Nissan Australia.

“It offers performance and equipment advantages over its closest rivals that the market will find hard to ignore, particularly versions equipped with the new high-output turbo-diesel engine,” Thompson said.


ROAD RAMBLINGS 
CLICK FOR DETAILS

Hear Chris Goodsell
Talk Motoring On
Radio & Internet
..... more


More Nissan News ..... here

Top of page

Next Car Pty Ltd 
Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Journal

About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive

©   2010   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.