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First details on new Nissan Navara ute


Nissan Navara to get 3.5 tonne towing, one-tonne payload and multi-link rear suspension.
 
The all-new Nissan Navara will finally match the rest of the competition with a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and a one-tonne payload when it goes on sale in the first three months of 2015.
 
It is also likely to get a five-star ANCAP safety rating thanks to the fitment of seven airbags (including one for the driver's knee), and an all-new chassis and body structure, putting it back on the eligibility lists for the many government departments, mining companies and big business fleets that insist on top safety scores for work vehicles.
 
Meanwhile the first all-new Nissan Navara in 10 years promises car-like driving characteristics, with a multi-link rear suspension system on selected dual-cab models, and a leaf-spring rear end on the workhorses in the range.
 
Other technology highlights: hill descent control, hill hold assist (for inclines) and an integrated rear-view camera and a touchscreen navigation system on selected models.
 
The highly regarded 550Nm twin turbo V6 turbo diesel sourced from Renault has been dropped from the new line-up due to emissions requirements.

Two new 2.3-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engines have replaced the previous 2.5-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engines.
 
The outputs are almost the same as before, despite being smaller in capacity -- a 118kW/403Nm version and a 140kW/450Nm version. 
 
Fuel consumption figures are yet to be published but the company claims there are fuel savings of up to 20 per cent.
 
Nissan is also working on a larger capacity four-cylinder turbo diesel to replace the 550Nm V6, but it will be added to the line-up later. 

Both engines are now backed by either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission, with shift-on-the-fly up to 100km/h on 4WD models. However, the 4WD still will not operate on tarmac as do some Mitsubishi Triton and Volkswagen Amarok utes.

Nissan says the weight of the new Navara's body and chassis have been trimmed by a total of 70kg, bringing the vehicle's mass to between 1905kg and 1960kg for the dual cab models.

There will be three body styles and tray sizes: single cab, extra cab and dual cab.

The new model is slightly shorter in overall length (5255mm versus the old model's 5296mm) marginally wider (1850mm versus 1848mm) and has a shorter wheelbase (3150mm versus 3200mm), apparently designed to improve manoeuvrability. 

Nevertheless, the cabin is a lot more comfortable, with more room in every direction, bigger storage cubbies, a sensor key on top models, and air-conditioning vents on the back of the centre console on selected dual cab versions, to keep rear seat passengers cool.

Most of the information in this story is based on official material distributed by Nissan at the global media preview of the new Navara in Thailand overnight. 

Some of the information -- such as towing capacity, payload and the likely ANCAP safety score -- has been gleaned from speaking with Nissan experts.

Australian media are in Thailand today and tomorrow getting to grips with the first all-new Navara in 10 years. Check back within the next 24 hours for our first drive impressions.

 
Nissan Navara: what's official so far
-- Made in a brand-new Nissan factory in Thailand (previously Navara was made in Spain, and a Thai factory shared with Mitsubishi)
-- Six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmissions
-- Hill descent control on selected models
-- Hill hold on selected models
-- Seven-inch touchscreen navigation and rear view camera on selected models
-- Seven airbags (including one for the driver's knee)
-- Three body styles: single cab, extra cab, dual cab
-- Rear air-conditioning vents on selected dual cab models
-- Sensor key on top models
-- Multi-link rear suspension on high-grade dual cab models
-- Choice of two 2.3-litre turbo diesel engines with very similar outputs as before: 118kW/403Nm, 140kW/450Nm
-- Length/width/height/wheelbase: 5255/1850/1820/3150mm (dual cab 4WD)
-- Approach angle is 31 degrees, departure angle is 25.6 degrees (ramp over angle TBC)
-- Wade depth: 600mm
-- Turning circle: 12.4 metres (dual cab 4WD)
 
Nissan Navara: what's not official but likely
-- 3.5-tonne towing capacity on selected models
-- 1.0-tonne payload on selected models
-- Five-star ANCAP rating (offset frontal crash test score likely to exceed 12.5/16, the minimum to be eligible for a five-star rating)
-- On sale first three months of 2015

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