The current D23 Navara, released in 2015, has been Nissan Australia’s most popular model finding homes with more than 27,000 customers.
The latest and mildly updated Series II has now been launched and, according to Nissan Australia executives, it delivers Navara buyers more of what customer feedback indicates they want. The company has also used this update as an opportunity to ditch the NP300 name and badging introduced with D23 Navara. Instead of ‘NP300 Navara’, it will revert to the traditional ‘Navara’ name only.
Dual Cab pick-up models deliver more refined ride and handling, plus improved off-road capability courtesy of revisions to their five-link coil spring suspension. Lateral stability when carrying a load in the tray or towing is also increased. Changes include revised stiffer front and rear shock absorbers, firmer rear coil springs and revised rebound dampers.
These suspension changes don’t apply to those Navara models fitted with rear leaf springs i.e. all Single Cab, all King Cab and Dual Cab Cab-chassis.
ST-X Dual Cabs (4×4 and 4×2) no longer have a sunroof as standard. Nissan now offer it as an optional item at $1000 extra.
On ST Dual Cab models, satellite navigation becomes a standard inclusion. In response to buyer preferences, the entry level RX grade in Dual Cab Cab-chassis configuration now offers an auto transmission option rather than remaining ‘manual only’. And reflecting its tool of trade status, interior carpets have been replaced with more practical vinyl matting.
A new work-horse grade, the SL (pictured), joins the Dual Cab 4×4 ranks sitting between the RX and the ST variants. It provides buyers with the features of the RX grade, but uses the YS23DDTT 140kW/450Nm twin-turbo 2.3-litre diesel instead of the lower output single-turbo unit used in the RX. Other ‘extras’ include wider 16” tyres and wheels, vinyl floor matting, LED headlamps and DRLs, and a rear-view camera.