Navara 'classic' to return

Nissan is to take the unusual step of reintroducing a superseded model.

The brand's workhorse, the Navara D22, which was removed from sale earlier this year thanks to emissions rule changes, will return to the company's line-up in 2008.

Nissan had anticipated a more competitive Patrol cab-chassis range would fill the gap, but reckoned without the continuing demand for a smaller model and 4x2 variants.

Sales of the Patrol cab-chassis range have increased by 35 per cent since the smaller D22 was withdrawn, but Nissan has brought back the D22 Navara anyway.

Nissan spokesman Ross Booth observed that the latest Toyota HiLux and Navara D40 had established a new class above the smaller one tonne light commercials. He noted that the Mitsubishi Triton and Holden Rodeo were attempting to straddle both market niches while the Mazda BT50/Ford Ranger were consolidating their position in the smaller size.

Booth said that without a smaller Navara contender, Nissan's loss of sales in this segment could no longer be ignored, despite the runaway success of the larger D40 Navara. Nissan will soon address this from two directions: increase the number of D40 models and bring back a heavily revised D22 range.

Boasting a new Euro IV-compliant 2.5-litre turbo diesel powerplant, the new D22 range will comprise three models: 4x2 and 4x4 single cabs and -- the range's most popular recreational model -- the 4x4 dual-cab ST-R.

All D22 models will share the new turbo diesel and production of the vehicles kicks off in January.

Meantime, the ute that replaced the D22, the D40 Navara will get a boost via the arrival of new variants -- specifically both single and 'king' cab models with suicide rear doors similar to the Mazda/Ford twins. The new models arrive mid-2008.

Existing D40 Navara and related Pathfinder models have just received a minor upgrade. Relocating the side repeater lights from the front guards to the external mirrors is the main distinguishing feature on both models.

The Patrol cab-chassis range also faces a major overhaul with the heavily revised 3.0-litre four cylinder turbo diesel recently fitted to the wagon now shared by all cab-chassis models (more here). The new three vehicle range includes softer riding coil spring models in DX and ST trim while a heavy duty leaf spring version comes as a DX only.

When all of the new variations are in place, Nissan will have the most comprehensive light truck range on the Australian market with three distinct levels.

No pricing or specification details for the new D40 and D22 variants have been released at this time.

 » Get the best price on a new Nissan Navara

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