Nissan Navara range expands

The ranks of the Nissans Navara 4x4 dual-cab ute line-up are set to swell, with the Navara ST Black Edition and Navara SL Silverline hitting Australian dealerships from October 1.

The new pick-up variants follow in the wheel tracks of the sell-out Navara ST-X N-SPORT Black Edition launched in August 2017, but this time around the production run for both models will be nearly doubled, at 900 examples each.

Available only in a 4x4 dual-cab pick-up format, both new models package a range of cosmetic enhancements at no additional cost – up to around $10,000 worth, says Nissan, in the case of the Navara ST Black Edition – with the accessories added to the standard vehicles either by Nissan Australia or at Nissan dealers.

Lying just below Nissan's flagship Navara ST-X, the ST Black Edition features a range of blacked-out components, including a nudge bar with LED light bar, front grille, fog light surrounds, mirror caps, wheel-arch flares, 18-inch alloy wheels (up from 16-inch alloys), sports bar and distinctive Black Edition decals.

A soft tonneau cover and protective tub liner is also part of the Black Edition bonanza, along with a smoked bonnet protector, dealer-fitted all-terrain tyres (replacing the standard highway tyres) and, inside the cab, a mobile phone holder.

The Navara ST Black Edition is available in five colour schemes. Standard hues span Polar White, Cosmic Black or Burning Red, while Brilliant Silver or Slate Grey are premium paint options (add $550).

Nissan's 4x4 Navara ST Black Edition is priced at $48,690 drive-away with a six-speed manual transmission, and $51,190 drive-away for the auto.

Small business owners with an ABN, which account for a third of all light commercial vehicle sales, will pay $46,990 (manual) and $49,490 (auto) drive-away.

The Navara SL, which sits below the ST but above the RX in the Navara hierarchy, has also been singled out for special treatment, with the Navara SL Silverline boasting 16-inch alloy wheels (replacing standard steel wheels), a polished alloy sports bar, 'Silverline' tailgate badging and a mobile phone holder.

The Navara SL Silverline is available in the same range of colours as the ST Black Edition, minus the Slate Grey option. It is priced at $39,490 drive-away (manual) and $42,090 drive-away (auto). For ABN holders, the prices are $37,990 drive-away (manual) and $40,490 drive-away (auto).

Mechanically these special-editions remain unchanged; power is provided by the same 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel, good for a claimed 140kW and 450Nm, while a seven-speed automatic transmission attracts a $2500 premium over the six-speed manual.

Also unchanged is the suspension in these D40 Series 3-based models, with both the ST Black Edition and SL Silverline receiving the locally developed tune and dual-rate springs rolled out among other updates last February, in response to concerns the previous setup was too soft for towing or hauling heavy loads.

The local development work is said to have addressed the issue present not only in the initial D40, which took over from the previous-generation D23 in 2015, but also a subsequent suspension recalibration rolled out March 2017.

Read the 2018 Nissan Navara ST Black Edition 2018 Review

The cabin interiors of each limited-edition model are also untouched, save for the addition of the mobile phone holder.

Both come with a dual-range transfer case and an electronic locking rear differential, plus a 3500kg braked towing limit. Other features include colour touch-screen multimedia displays (7.0-inch for the ST, 5.0-inch for the SL), reversing camera, privacy glass, LED headlight and daytime running lights, Bluetooth connectivity and electronic cruise control.

The Navara ST Black Edition also comes with integrated satellite-navigation and a leather-accented steering wheel.

For auto brands, releasing a limited-run model loaded with extras is a time-honoured method of creating extra interest and extra sales, especially in lieu of a model update. However, it's a popular strategy for the simple fact that, when executed correctly, it works.

In Nissan Australia's case, this latest introduction also follows on from the recent release of a trio of N-SPORT models: the X-TRAIL N-SPORT, Pathfinder N-SPORT, and 370Z N-SPORT.

The brand also created a stir in the dual-cab ute world last week when, in Hannover, Germany, it revealed its Navara N-Guard – a more off-road-ready sports model, albeit still sporting the same 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine.

Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester said the introduction of the Navara ST Black Edition and Navara SL Silverline was based on customer feedback indicating a desire to accessorise mid-spec trim grades.

"The Navara ST-X N-SPORT model was popular, and the recent X-TRAIL, Pathfinder and 370Z N-SPORT editions have helped build our brand presence and increase vehicle enquiry," he said.

"Nissan is open to the introduction of more special editions and will always strive to give buyers what they want."

Silverline will have a recommended retail drive away price of $39,490 for 6MT and $42,090 for automatic models. Silverline will have a recommended ABN drive away price of $37,990 for 6MT models and $40,490 for automatic models.