The Nissan Navara have been given facelifts and we have the details. Likely to reach our shore by the 4th quarter this year, the Navara has been a popular seller here and has the class-leading powerplant, generating 174ps at 4000rpm in its current trim.
The revised models have been given a new look front and rear to differentiate them from their predecessors. Changes at the front include a new bonnet, revised grille and a new bumper assembly. Adding 80mm to the length, the bumper is more rounded and lends a more sporting touch to the Navara.
Most of the changes inside the cabin have been designed to boost quality and include new switchgear, revised door trims, new seat fabric, the addition of chrome highlights and revised dials. 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 its practicality. The armrests and door pads are more tactile to the touch and their shape has also been altered to make them more comfortable in use.
As well as improving fit and finish, the material used has also been enhanced. Practical touches mean the storage bins can now happily hold an A3 map book as well as a one-litre bottle. The rear door storage bins are now large enough to hold a standard Nissan First Aid kit.
Active safety is improved with the availability of Nissan's Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) on Navara which uses sensors to monitor the engine's ECU, wheel speed, steering angle, plus longitudinal and lateral G and yaw rates to anticipate and control wheel slippage.
The new piece of equipment is a rear view camera, optional on the Navara, offering improved visibility when parking especially when the bed is loaded or a hard top fitted.
Big news on the engine front is the 2.5-litre turbodiesel that underwent re-engineering for some extra beef. Power has been upped to 140kW (190 PS / 188 hp) and torque is now 450Nm (332 lb-ft). It delivers an average of 8.5l/100km while C02 emissions are rated at 224 g/km.
Subtle retuning has seen a useful 11 per cent rise in both power and torque figures to keep the engine at the top of the class. Power rises by 19 PS to 140 kW (190 PS) while torque increases by a healthy 47 Nm to 450 Nm.
Let’s wait till the arrival of the Mother Trucker which will surely excite the pick-up enthusiasts.