Nissan Navara joins 3.5-tonne towing club
All-new Nissan Navara ute arrives early-2015 with 3.5 tonne towing capacity for max trailerboat rigsOwners of big boats will have another heavy-duty, tow vehicle option when the all-new Nissan Navara goes on sale in Australia early next year.
Nissan says the D23 series Navara, which replaces the 17-year-old D22 and decade-old D40 Navara utes, will boast a 3.5 tonne towing capacity, up from the current three tonnes.
The increased capability will make the Navara a towing match for dual-cab ute rivals including the Colorado, Ranger, BT-50 and Isuzu D-MAX.
Substantially upgraded with all new sheet-metal and redesigned interior, the new Navara one-tonner also comes with a class leading seven airbags, and is available with SUV-style five-link rear coil suspension for a smoother ride.
The range-topping 550Nm 3.0-litre V6 and 2.5-litre four-cylinder engines have been dropped for the Australian market in favour of new, more efficient 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engines: a 118kW/403Nm four-cylinder unit with single turbocharger and higher-output 140kW/450Nm twin-turbo version.
These are matched to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed auto transmission.
Currently the heaviest vehicle in its class, the new ute is 70kg lighter and more aerodynamic with a 0.37Cd drag coefficient.
Exterior highlights on some models include LED projector headlights with daytime running lights, chromed side mirrors with LED repeater lamps, electric sliding rear window and sunroof.
Cabin presentation has also gone up a notch with higher quality plastics, new sweeping dash with prominent centre stack containing seven-inch touch-screen with sat-nav and rear-view camera on some models.
Other features available include keyless entry, push-start ignition, reversing sensors, Bluetooth and USB audio and phone connectivity, and dual-zone climate-control, along with more comfortable ‘spinal support’ front seats and contoured outboard rear seating on dual-cab variants.
Off-road ability on 4x4 models is also enhanced thanks to more ground clearance (218mm), sharper approach (31 degrees) and departure (25.6 degrees) angles and a 450mm wading depth, backed up by active safety systems including hill descent control, hill start assist, vehicle dynamic control and an electronic locking rear diff.
For our 'first drive' impressions of the new Navara ute, click here.
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