Nissan has, since 2002, led the growth in the double cab luxury pickup market with its Hardbody range of vehicles that redefined this market and successfully catered to customers' requirements for a hard-working pickup with the style and comfort of a passenger car.
Now Nissan has shifted the goal posts in the leisure double cab pickup market once more with the introduction of a brand new range of vehicles that raise the bar to new heights. This range is in addition to the current Hardbody range that will remain available.
Enter the Nissan Navara, a new breed of luxury leisure vehicle that combines an authoritative presence, bold yet stylish looks and all the comfort, luxury and safety features and benefits you would expect from a top-of-the-range SUV (including ample room for five adults) with class-leading performance, towing capacity and a confidence-inspiring off-road pedigree.
This fully imported vehicle will be available from November 2005 in two-wheel drive configuration with manual transmission and in four-wheel drive double cab configuration early in 2006. Navara will complement the existing locally-manufactured Hardbody range and brings real passenger car and SUV levels of refinement to the double cab pickup market, a market that Nissan has dominated in numerous overseas markets and locally in recent years.
Navara is bigger, bolder, more powerful, more fuel efficient, roomier and better equipped than a double cab pickup has ever been before. Cruise control is standard on all models, a first for a double cab range in South Africa. There's Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
Class-leading power and torque comes from the new 4,0-litre version of Nissan's award-winning VQ Series six-cylinder petrol engine (found in Nissan's new Pathfinder) and the high output version of the completely new 2,5-litre YD series four-cylinder turbo diesel engine.
The V6 petrol engine delivers 198kW of power and 385Nm of torque in both 4x2 and 4x4 versions. The new 4.0-litre version includes advanced design features such as Electronic Throttle Control with secondary mapping in 4LO (4x4 models), Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, micro finished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler and lightweight aluminium block.
The diesel engine comes in two power versions, High (4x4) and Mid (4x2). High delivers 128kW of power and 403Nm of torque, while Mid offers 106kW and 356Nm. The diesel features second-generation common-rail technology for lower emissions, a variable nozzle turbocharger (high output engine only) with intercooler for more power and lower emissions, and a new balancer system for greater refinement.
Six-speed manual transmission is offered for the first time in the one-ton category of the market, on both petrol and diesel engines. Combined with the high output engines and a low 0.41 Cd coefficient of drag, the new Nissan Navara also delivers sterling performance at the fuel pump. The diesel 4x2 model boasts impressive fuel consumption of 8.4 l/100 km, while the petrol 4x2 variant comes in at 12.7 l/100 km as measured in varied European driving conditions and speeds.
Five-speed automatic transmission will be available in early 2006. The transmissions utilize a unique gear set chosen specifically for use in high torque situations. The automatic transmission features an advanced torque converter design for improved fuel economy and an advanced power train management program for improved shift quality.
Widest, tallest and with the biggest load area in its class, Navara has an increased wheelbase which allows for a bigger, roomier cab without sacrificing load space. Navara's bold exterior includes signature Nissan 4x4 themes including a chromed radiator grille, short front and rear overhangs, and large geometric flared wheel arches which are part of the pressed steel side panels.
The short front and rear overhang improves manoeuvrability, while the wide stance, high ground clearance of 235 mm and big 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels fitted with big 255/65 R17 on-road/off-road tyres give the vehicle attitude and convey strength and durability.
Large rear doors provide easy access to the more spacious rear seating and cargo area. A large and substantial chromed rear step bumper provides protection from accidental damage.
An innovative, aerodynamically efficient roof rack (another signature Nissan design) can support up to 100 kg and has rails that extend beyond the rear of the cab and a fully adjustable centre crossbar that can be used to support long loads and prevent the load from bumping against the cab.
Sturdy, aesthetically pleasing oval side steps provide easy entry to and exit from the cab (which also has interior grab handles on both sides) and facilitate access to the roof rack. There are also custom-made mudflaps front and rear and a front valence extension to the bumper to protect the bodywork from flying stones. The inside of the wheel arches is treated with a black rubberised coating for stone protection and moulded black plastic protection prevents stones entering the engine compartment.
Window and windscreen glass area is generous and allows for improved visibility, while UV reducing tinted glass reduces heat and improves cabin cooling efficiency. Navara is the only vehicle in its class with a heated rear window and its full-width full-depth size offers the best rearward visibility. Large, chromed and aerodynamically shaped rearview mirrors are remotely controlled from inside the cab.
Perhaps the most innovative feature of Navara is the Utili-track cargo load system and reinforced loadbox construction. The cargo area has a large quick-release handle on the tailgate and features five channels (two in the floor and one each along the top inside edges and cab-end of the loadbox) that will accept a variety of accessories, including racks, dividers and trays that enable any shape or size of load to be transported securely. Fixed hooks and sliding cleats allow for cargo to be tied down with ropes or ratchet straps. The load box provides best in class load space, thanks in part to a design which reduces the intrusion of rear wheel housing to a minimum.
Open a front door and climb into the cab with the aid of one of the extra large grab handles (front and rear) and you will think you've entered a top-of-the-range passenger car. Interior colour coding is a tasteful combination of black, charcoal and grey with discreet use of brushed aluminium and chrome.
The seats are covered in grey cloth with mesh inserts and in front are adjustable for rake, height and lumbar support.
The six-speaker high-output sound system is as found on the Pathfinder, with six-CD front loader with RDS and custom-made in-dash Nissan radio. There is air conditioning, two power outlets for portable fridge or spotlight (one in dash and one in centre armrest compartment), headlamp leveller control, sunvisor extensions, and interior lights front and rear (with rear positioned above the bench seat).
There are contoured door-mounted armrests front and rear with built-in electric window controls, child locks on the rear doors, Isofix child seat monitoring point, fully adjustable and removable headrests front, and a digital compass incorporated into the interior rear-view mirror (on 4x4 models only).
Cruise control is mounted on the three-spoke, leather-covered steering wheel, and the front passenger seat folds forward to provide a flat work surface or room for long items.
Great attention has been paid to the practical side of Navara's cabin, with all possible areas made available for storage. As well as a sunglasses holder, assorted cup and bottle holders, a large double-deck glove box and a smaller box in the centre of the dashboard, there's a six-litre box in the centre console with coin, card and pen trays.
The rear bench seat is contoured to accommodate three adults and is split 60/40, with a fold-up squab to give a flat cargo area behind the front seats if required. Knee-room, head-room and shoulder-room are what you would expect in an SUV, not a double cab pickup.
While this is a vehicle that will delight and cosset its owner on the open road, it is built tough to take on the most strenuous demands off-road.
Navara has a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame with welded cross members and is made from high-tensile steel in load-bearing areas. This results in improved structural integrity as well as better ride quality and load-bearing capability. The cab is attached to the frame using rubber mounts, which are individually tuned so that they absorb a wide range of noise and vibration frequencies.
Potential buyers will have something to look forward to with the four-wheel drive and automatic derivatives becoming available early in 2006. Navara's four-wheel drive system has both high and low ratio modes, the crawl ratio being the best-in-class and providing outstanding levels of traction over slippery surfaces, especially on tricky hill descents. In extreme conditions, the limited slip rear differential transfers power to the wheel that has traction. Its progressive rate of slippage enhances on and off-road performance and reduces drive train component stress. And its automatic operation means that it acts as a passive safety feature, providing traction under slippery conditions.
The high tech four-wheel-drive system uses Nissan's proven part-time 4WD system, which provides drive to the rear wheels under normal conditions or a 50/50 torque split to all four wheels when 4WD mode is engaged. Both high and low ratio modes are electronically controlled for greater ease of use, which means there is no additional lever for selecting drive. The rotary type switch on the dash is easy to operate and allows the choice of two-wheel-drive, 4LO or 4HI four-wheel-drive.
In 4LO the throttle is 'desensitised' so that it doesn't overreact to driver input. The benefit is improved control during low-speed manoeuvres, either off-road or towing.
Driving technology includes variable-assist power rack and pinion steering, independent double-wishbone front suspension with coil-over shock absorbers (provides better ride and handling and precise steering). The solid rear axle combined with variable rate leaf springs enhances weight-bearing capacity and off-road capability and provides superior management of cargo loads and towing.
In 4x4 configuration, Navara can tow a class-leading three tons and two tons in 4x2 mode.
Safety is a top priority with Nissan and Navara has all the latest safety features. In addition to ABS, EBD and BA, there are three-point seat belts for all five occupants with pre-tensioners and load limiters for the front seats. Dual front airbags come standard on all models.
Zone body construction incorporates front and rear crushable zones and a reinforced occupant zone to offer passengers greater protection. High-strength side-impact door beams are strategically placed for further protection.
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