New Nissan Navara unveiled

Australia has co-hosted the global unveiling of the model year 2021 update of the D23 Nissan Navara pick-up.

The covers came off the new flagship PRO-4X dual-cab model at Nissan Australia’s new headquarters in the Melbourne suburb of Mulgrave at the same time Navara was also being launched in South Africa, Mexico and Thailand, where Australian examples are built.

Featuring a tougher look reminiscent of the full-size Nissan Titan pick-up, the fifth iteration of the D23 since it arrived in Australia in 2015 will go on sale in early 2021, rather than late this year as originally expected.

Pricing and specification will be unveiled closer to launch.

While the new Nissan Navara PRO-4X was the star of the show, in Australia it will sit below the locally-produced Navara Warrior, which is now confirmed as continuing with this update.

“Showcasing the latest Navara from our new Mulgrave HQ today further highlights the importance of this model for Nissan in Australia,” said Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester.

“However, perhaps more importantly, it also demonstrates Australia’s importance in Nissan’s global strategy for ute products.

“I very much look forward to seeing the new Navara take to the road in early 2021, with Australians some of the first to get behind the wheel of this exceptional product worldwide.”

Importantly, the MY21 Nissan Navara will feature significant driver assist system upgrades including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that bring it into line with an increasing number of rivals.

However, mechanical updates are pretty much limited to a suspension retune, a new steering rack and strengthening the rear axle to boost some payloads.

That means the 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, seven-speed auto and 4x4 system popular at the top end of the Navara line-up stays unchanged.

Dual-cab models also retain the coil-spring five-link rear-end that has been uprated several times since launch.

An array of single-cab and cab/chassis models is also set to continue.

While Nissan is pitching the Navara facelift as another step in its NEXT rebuild plan, the reality is it faces an uphill battle against a plethora of rivals which have been completely overhauled or significantly updated in 2020.

They include the Toyota HiLux, Mazda BT-50 and its non-identical technical twin the Isuzu D-MAX, and the budget-priced GWM Ute that launches before the end of 2020 and is shaping up to be the most competitive Chinese ute yet.

The top-selling Ford Ranger has also received attention in 2020.

The MY21 Nissan Navara’s new AEB system includes the ability to monitor two vehicles ahead to avoid multi-car collisions.

There’s also intelligent driver alert, lane departure and blind spot warning, active steering assist to centre the Navara in its lane, rear cross traffic alert and trailer sway control.

Four cameras provide a complete view of the vehicle’s surroundings, aiding parking, trailer hitching and – for the first time – off-roading.

Rain-sensing wipers with speed adjustment are another new feature.

“We packaged the new model with a full set of advanced technologies to ensure enhanced dynamic performance on- and off-road, as well as safety and comfort, ushering in a new age of toughness, tech and peace of mind,” said Nissan’s global chief operating officer, Ashwani Gupta, in a press statement.

“For our customers it means confidence, driving pleasure, practicality and pride of ownership.”

The exterior of the Navara now features what Nissan calls a high command structure, including an interlocking frame grille and squared C-shape quad LED projector headlights.

Thicker and more vertical in shape, the grille is exclusive to the Nissan pick-up family and debuted with the latest version of the North American-built Titan.

In the PRO-4X it gets the black pack treatment, as does the bumper, door handles, roof racks, side steps and wheels. Orange-red accents also feature inside and outside the vehicle.

“While pick-up customers want their new car to look fresh and impressive, they do not let us sacrifice functionality in the name of style,” explained Nissan’s senior design director for pick-ups and frame SUVs, Ken Lee.

“Equipped with the latest advanced technologies the new model features a very recognisable, iconic look.”

Nissan’s even toughened the font used for the Navara name and stamped it across the grille and tailgate.

The Navara also has a new rear bumper step for ease of access, while new side step finishers are more aerodynamic – which aids fuel efficiency – and quieter too.

Nissan has added extra sound deadening material and laminated the windshield and front windows to make the cabin a more peaceful place to ride.

Nissan says the dash layout is now more convenient and driver-oriented, highlighting the new steering wheel and re-styling of the instrument panel.

The Navara comes with the latest Nissan Connect infotainment system and additional USB ports.

Other interior highlights are new rear seats and a fold-down armrest with built-in cup-holders.

An accessorised Navara was also featured in the press material but no announcements were made.

When 4x4 and 4x2 sales are combined, the Navara is currently sixth in the ute segment to the end of September 2020, according to VFACTS.

In 2019 sales dipped more than 30 per cent year-on-year, the most severe drop of any of the leading ute brands. Navara sales are also well down in this year’s COVID-impacted market.