New Nissan Navara here next month

Nissan Australia has announced local pricing and details of its new NP300 Navara, with dual-cab pick-up iterations to go sale from May followed by the remainder of the 27-strong range in the third quarter of this year.

The next-generation range spans four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive variants in a choice of pick-up or cab/chassis formats. Single-cab, king-cab and dual-cab cabins are available, along with a choice of three engines (twin-turbo-diesel, turbo-diesel and petrol) with either manual or automatic transmissions.

When the full range is on sale customers will be able to choose from 16 four-wheel drive models (three single-cabs, six king-cabs and seven dual-cabs) and 11 two-wheel drive models (two single-cabs, one king-cab and eight dual-cabs).

Four trim grades are on offer, from the entry-level DX to the RX, ST and range-topping ST-X.

Pricing for the dual-cabs starts from $26,490 plus on-roads (4x2 DX manual petrol) and tops out at $54,490 plus on-roads (4x4 ST-X automatic diesel); pricing for the remaining models will be announced closer to their local release.

Nissan says the top-spec 2.3-litre twin-turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine available in ST and ST-X grades produces a claimed 140kW and 450Nm, while all diesel engine variants boast a 3500 kilogram braked towing capacity, rivalling Ford's Ranger, Holden's Colorado and Isuzu's D-MAX.

The Renault-sourced twin-turbo produces a claimed 100Nm less than the departing 3.0-litre V6, but should provide numerous benefits in terms of response, economy, and overall refinement – over both the V6 and the older 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.

The new Navara's maximum payload, meanwhile, ranges from 880 to 1112kg.

A six-speed manual is complemented by a seven-speed 'double overdrive' automatic transmission, the latter available for a $2500 premium.

Dual-cab pick-up variants also benefit from a five-link, coil-sprung rear suspension set-up, which provides a smoother ride compared to the old leaf-spring arrangement while still preserving a full one-tonne payload.

Range highlights include Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) across all trim grades and seven airbags, in addition to a host of other passive and active safety gear.

The new model is yet to be assessed by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). With its predecessor achieving a four-star rating when last assessed in 2012, Nissan will undoubtedly be looking to match the five-star rating attained by an increasing number of LCV rivals.

RX, ST and ST-X king-cab and dual-cab models receive a rear power sliding window, while the ST and ST-X also receive new LED headlights.

The base-model DX get niceties including auto headlights, cruise control, front step lamps, four-speaker audio system and Bluetooth hands-free telephony, while the top-of-the-range ST-X scores keyless entry and pushbutton starting, leather-accented seating, seat heating, dual-zone climate control, a 7.0-inch touch-screen with sat-nav, sunroof, 18-inch alloys, reversing camera and tub liner, among others.

The new NP300 Navara arrives not before time, replacing the 10-year-old D40 and 17-year-old D22, but it is also launching into a veritable viper's nest of fresh competition.

Mitsubishi's new Triton also goes on sale next month, while Ford's updated Ranger (and twin-under-the-skin BT-50) should arrive in the third quarter of the year, followed not long after by Toyota's new HiLux.

The new Navara impressed at its international launch last July but it won't be in for an easy ride. Look for a full motoring.com.au road test in coming weeks.

NISSAN NP300 NAVARA DUAL-CAB PRICING (MLP, plus on-roads)