The Nissan Navara - has been given a mid-term boost with a number of significant enhancements designed to keep it at the top of its class with more luxurious equipment and an even more distinguishable appearance.
The Navara range already represents some of the toughest and most versatile bakkies on the market today, with a comprehensive lineup spanning from the rugged new King Cab model - for those in need of some extra cabin space behind the front seats, to the versatile XE/SE midrange Double Cabs, right up to a comprehensively specced double-cab leisure bakkie in the form of the new 2010 Navara LE. The luxurious LE is the focus of the specification enhancements added in this revision, which further separates the Navara from other segment contenders - creating a bakkie which stands on its own as a fully-fledged luxury SUV, albeit one with the most versatile load areas possible!
Among the changes to the range-topping Navara LE are significant power delivery and economy improvements to the class-leading 2.5-litre dCi diesel; greater levels of passive safety; enhanced interior quality and a number of styling changes to keep Navara at the leading edge of the luxury 4X4 segment.
Says Johan Kleynhans, Director of Sales, Marketing & Aftersales at Nissan SA; “The refreshed Nissan Navara LE is now really cementing its place in the market as a luxurious SUV and more than merely a bakkie. The Navara was already the most powerful 1-ton pick-up on the market – but now we have re-set the bar at a completely different level with our revised 2.5 diesel engine pushing out 450Nm and 140kW”.
The 2.5 dCi four cylinder turbo-diesel engine has been significantly improved to cement its position as the most advanced engine in the 1-ton pick-up market, with enhancements to both overall refinement and all aspects of its performance.
Although the previous generation’s power and torque delivery was already class-leading in this size of diesel engine, subtle retuning has yielded an 11 per cent rise in both power and torque figures keeping it at the top of the class. Power output rises to 140 kW while torque increases by a healthy 47 Nm to 450 Nm, in the 4X4 LE models. The 4x2 models receive a similar upgrade, now producing 403Nm and 128kW.
As well as delivering performance gains, the changes have seen marked improvements in fuel economy emerge and reduced the overall amount of emissions produced. Over the combined cycle manual versions use just 8.5l/100kms – a significant improvement of 1.3 l/100kms.
The 4-liter petrol V6 continues to deliver a class-best 198kW of power – making the Navara range the undisputed performance leaders in this segment, boasting the most powerful diesel and petrol engines on the market.
The revised models have been given a new look front and rear to differentiate them from their predecessors. Changes at the front include a new bonnet, revised grille and a new bumper assembly. These changes have also added 80mm to the length of the new Navara.
While clearly retaining the trademark look of an up-market leisure bakkie with genuine all-condition capabilities, the revised Navara styling now also suggests more sportiness as well as being a cleaner and more modern overall design. Navara enthusiasts will appreciate that the distinctive styling of these vehicles remains similar to its popular predecessors, just subtly smoothing the lines for a more aggressive exterior aesthetic.
All of the changes inside the cabin of the new range-topping Navara LE have been designed to boost quality and create an even more luxurious cabin ambience, and include newly-designed switchgear, revised door trims, new seat fabric, the addition of chrome highlights add an even more up-market feel to the console.
Typical of the attention to detail that has helped enhance quality are the door trims which have been changed to improve both the look and feel of the interior and its practicality. The armrests and door pads are more tactile and their shape has been altered to make them more comfortable to use.
As well as improving fit and finish, the material used has also been enhanced. Practical touches mean the storage bins can now happily hold an A3 map book as well as a one-litre bottle. The rear door storage bins are now large enough to hold a standard Nissan First Aid kit.
Switchgear changes include a new, easier to use, all-wheel drive command control switch while the steering wheel controls for the phone and audio system are now available. Chrome finishers have been added to the automatic transmission surround and to the instrument binnacle. There's also a new storage box in the centre console with a damped lid for easy storage of cell-phones and iPods.
The extensive specification revisions to the Navara LE also include new side as well as curtain airbags to ensure that occupants are unharmed in the event of a collision, while a lockable tailgate keeps covered loads safe and secure when driving through town or stopping off at a shopping centre.
This range-topping new Navara LE is positioned at the pinnacle of Nissan’s 1-ton pickup range, with the existing entry-level XE and mid-spec SE models continuing to provide for more rational customers needs and deliver a great overall value-proposition.
Both the XE and SE models were added in 2009 to deliver great value without compromising on the unique brand strengths of the iconic Navara range – arresting looks, the prestigious Navara brand, and the sheer toughness of the ultimate 1-tonner available today. The revised new LE offering ups the ante at the luxurious top end of the lineup, and the latest additions elevate its status further still, positioning it in the same luxurious category as a full-blown SUV without sacrificing the strength and versatility of this 1-ton legend.
The 2010 Navara LE has received all the equipment and styling updates necessary to confirm its position at the top of an impressive lineup of Navaras – and indeed as South Africa’s premier double-cab. It’s now more prestigious and desirable than ever, not to mention more powerful, more luxurious, sporting a more refined look and even safer than ever. It is the best of a class-leading breed, and redefines the demands of the leisure bakkie buyer with SUV-like comfort and technology, while extending its performance lead in the diesel engine category by going beyond the already class-leading characteristics of the popular 2.5-litre dCi motor still offered in XE and SE trim.
Garvie concludes; “With our XE and SE specification levels continuing to provide great value, the Navara LE was free to extend further than ever up the ladder of luxury and power, and that is exactly what we are doing with this refresh. We believe that there is not a more luxurious – and there’s certainly no more powerful – a 1-ton bakkie available today, placing the new Navara LE even more firmly in a prestigious class all of its own!”
Launched at the Geneva Motor Show, the improved new-look Navara LE models are due on sale in South Africa in May 2010.
STORY FROM NISSAN
Hai this car luks da same to me
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