Nissan officially unveils new Navara

Nissan has formally revealed the latest generation of its Navara light commercial vehicle, which is being marketed as the NP300 Navara.

In vehicle identification terms the new Navara is the D23 series, and is anticipated to be built in Thailand for the local market. We will see the new model range introduced here early in 2015, and Aussie specs will be revealed closer to the local launch.

"Since we built our first pick-up in 1933, over 14 million customers around the globe have come to depend on a Nissan pick-up to transport their families, work-mates and cargo, sometimes in the toughest of circumstances," said Andy Palmer, Nissan's Chief Planning Officer, quoted in a press release issued today.

"Nissan pick-ups are often the lifeblood of their communities, and they need a broader range of abilities than almost any other vehicle. Engineering a good one isn't easy, but with the NP300 Navara, we've added to our accumulated 80 years of pick-up know-how, more comfort, convenience and SUV-inspired features, in-order to build a great one.

"The All-New Nissan NP300 Navara sets new benchmarks for performance, toughness, versatility and running costs; all the qualities that are critical for pickup users."

Styling has been a significant focus of the new Navara's development project team, and that's about all that Nissan is prepared to mention at this stage. The new model comes with LED daytime running lights, chrome mouldings and indicators mounted in the door mirrors. Interior stylists have opted for a panoramic dash for improved ergonomic design, which is also enhanced through better cabin access and a larger field of vision, Nissan claims.

While the manufacturer is revealing little about the technical specification, that in itself suggests many components will be carried over from the current D40 model, although the company admits that the new Navara's turning circle will be tighter. Safety features such as stability control and Active Brake Limited Slip will remain available in the new model. And the company claims the new Navara will be more durable and provide higher levels of comfort, while meeting the productivity needs of fleet operators.

"We are confident that the all-new Nissan NP300 Navara will go straight to the top of pick-up buyers' shopping lists in all of the markets where we will sell it. Its combination of striking looks, efficient performance, robustness and durability will allow owners to work and play harder – enriching their daily lives. The NP300 Navara continues the legacy of Nissan's long pickup history and, like all Nissan models, it will deliver excitement through innovation," said Palmer.