New Nissan Navara on sale now with Australian-tuned suspension for each grade
The fifth-generation Navara arrives in Australian dealers today with more power, better efficiency, and three distinct suspension calibrations developed locally by Melbourne engineering firm Premcar.
Shane Riley
Nissan has put the new Navara on sale across Australia today, March 17. It's the fifth generation of a nameplate that's been in the market for 40 years, and this time around Nissan is leaning hard on local engineering credentials.
Every variant gets a 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel producing 150kW and 470Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic. That's 10kW and 20Nm up on the outgoing D23, with fuel consumption dropping 0.2L/100km to 7.7L/100km combined.
Key specs:
- Engine: 2.4L bi-turbo diesel
- Power/torque: 150kW / 470Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Fuel consumption: 7.7L/100km (combined)
- Towing capacity: 3,500kg braked
- Ground clearance: 228mm (+8mm vs D23)
- Payload: 1,000kg+ (SL, ST, ST-X)
Four grades are on offer, all Dual Cab 4x4: SL, ST, ST-X and PRO-4X. Pricing hasn't been confirmed in the available material, so check at TheBeep.com.au
The headline engineering story is the suspension. Rather than one tune for all, Nissan and Premcar developed three separate calibrations. The SL and ST are set up for working loads and loaded trays. The ST-X is tuned around a two-occupant daily baseline, then validated loaded and towing. The PRO-4X runs all-terrain tyres and prioritises articulation and off-road compliance without sacrificing on-road composure.
A feature uncommon in this segment is the fitment of internal rebound springs inside the front dampers. The short version: it lets engineers reduce damping force without losing roll control, resulting in a more comfortable and more connected ride at the same time. Premcar's CEO Bernie Quinn put it plainly, saying it lets you get a better compromise between comfort and steering response than would otherwise be possible.
Electronic power steering arrives on the Navara for the first time, adjusting effort automatically between low-speed manoeuvring and highway cruising.
SL and ST get Easy 4WD with 2H, 4H and 4L. Step up to the ST-X or PRO-4X and you get Super 4WD with a Torsen limited-slip centre differential and seven terrain modes including Sand, Mud and Rock.
With 18,500km of local validation behind it, this is one ute that's been properly put through its paces on Australian roads before hitting dealers.
