Nissan Navara D40

Nissan’s popular Navara range received a welcome boost late last year with the introduction of the D40 Navara.

The D40 is bigger and more powerful than the existing D22 but there is more to the new vehicles than that.

Features and technology top the list of reasons why this dual cab ute is hard to get and sold second only to the perennial HiLux in the 4X4 ute market in May this year.

The story starts with the engines. The choice is either a 4lt petrol V6 or a four-cylinder 2.5lt turbo diesel. The diesel is a thoroughly modern engine with double overhead camshafts, 16 valves and second-generation common rail injection. Power is quoted as 128kW at 4000rpm and torque is an impressive 403Nm at a low 2000rpm.

The petrol engine is a similarly modern unit with power output of 198kW at 5600rpm and torque of 385Nm at 4000rpm.

Either powerplant offers plenty of grunt for towing and the manufacturer’s recommended maximum trailer weight is 3000kg with towball download of 150kg at GVM or 300kg unladen.

Navara’s gearboxes offer a choice of either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The manual is basically a close-ratio five-speeder with fifth being a direct 1:1 ratio and sixth a tall overdrive (0.769 for the petrol and 0.827 for the diesel). Similarly, the auto has a 1:1 fourth and an overdrive fifth.

Both gearboxes drive through a two-speed transfer case with selectable four-wheel drive. Low ratio is 2.625:1, which is one of the best in its class and very handy for those steep ramps when hauling out.

Selection of four-wheel drive and high or low ratio is via a rotary switch on the centre console and confirmed by a dashboard mode indicator.

The D40 Navara comes in two specification levels, the RX and the sporty ST-X. The RX is pretty basic and aimed more at the utilitarian market, whereas the ST-X offers most of the comforts of a family sedan.

Inside the ST-X you get power windows and mirrors, air-conditioning, six-stack CD player, cruise control, adjustable steering column, adjustable driver’s seat and lumbar support, an overhead console and more.

Outside you get alloy wheels and 255/70R16 tyres, colour-coded bumpers, side steps and a chrome rear-step bumper. In the tray there is an innovative and handy track system that incorporates five rails, each of which have self-locking cleats that can be adjusted and used as fixing points for tie-downs or a range of accessories to suit your cargo. Very neat.

The Navara borrows a lot from Nissan’s Pathfinder including the sturdy ladder-frame chassis and independent front suspension.

The rear, however, has the old rigid axle and overslung leaf springs, which is favoured in load-carrying vehicles such as utes.

Back inside, the D40 Navara has grown up a bit, too. There is more room in the rear for passengers and cargo. The rear passengers get more head, shoulder and knee room.

Up front, there is more storage space with two glove boxes, a centre console and overhead console in the ST-X.

The Navara is an easy ute to drive. Economy is great in the diesel and not too bad for a truck this size in the petrol. Expect to get around 10lt/100kms from the diesel and 14-15lt/100kms from the petrol.

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