Nissan Navara N-SPORT Black Edition 2018 review

It says something about the fundamentals of the Navara's ladder-frame chassis and body architecture when Mercedes Benz chooses it as the basis of its first 4x4 dual cab ute - the X-Class. It also underpins Renault's Alaskan dual cab, and with the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi technical alliance, could well serve a similar role under the next Triton.

The Navara rides on a 3150mm wheelbase, which is 70mm shorter than the 'big foot' Ford Ranger, and 65mm longer than the Hilux, with an overall length of 5255mm and 12.4 metre turning circle.

Mark Oastler It comes with black wheel arch flares.

There's double-wishbone/coil spring front suspension and a five-link live rear axle which, like the new Merc, opts for more car-like coils rather than leaf springs. Even so, it adheres to its truck heritage by sticking with rear drum brakes.

Off-road credentials include an excellent lateral tilt angle of up to 50 degrees plus a 32.4 degrees approach angle, 26.7 degrees departure angle and 23.8 degrees ramp-over angle. Wading depth is a competitive 700mm along with its 228mm of ground clearance.

Mark Oastler It has 18-inch black alloy wheels with 255/60R18 tyres (which are also black).

There's a pleasant whiff of leather each time you open the doors, which reveal big grab handles on the A- and B-pillars for easy cabin entry.

Driver and front passenger comfort is pretty good overall and rear passengers at least get adequate head room and well-placed arm rests. On longer trips, though, taller adults may find the rear seat cushion height too low, as the resulting high knee position tends to concentrate more upper body weight on the lower spine. There's seating for three adults, but realistically, only for short journeys.

The Navara N-SPORT Black Edition is limited to 500 units and only available on the top-of-the-range ST-X dual cab 4x4 in a choice of four colours including 'Cosmic Black', 'Slate Grey', 'Brilliant Silver' and 'Diamond White'.

Its assortment of black factory accessories (the black theme is really 'in' right now) includes a black sports bar, black nudge bar with LED light bar, gloss black honeycomb grille, smoky chrome (aka black) fog lamp finishes, black soft tonneau cover, black wheel arch flares, 18-inch black alloy wheels with 255/60R18 tyres (which are also black) and a full-size alloy spare. The finishing touches are unique N-SPORT badges and Black Edition body decals.

Mark Oastler Driver and front passenger comfort is pretty good overall.

Pricing starts at $54,490 with the six-speed manual and $56,990 with the seven-speed auto, which in both cases is a $2500 premium over the standard models.

Even the auto variant, which is now the most expensive Navara in the range, compares favourably with premium dual cab rivals including the VW Amarok V6 Ultimate auto ($67,990), Ranger Wildtrak auto ($61,790), Toyota Hilux TRD auto ($61,540) and Holden Colorado Z71 auto ($57,190).

Mark Oastler There's a pleasant whiff of leather each time you open the doors.

The Navara's Series 2 suspension upgrade in 2016 resulted in more disciplined suspension control and firmer, more reassuring handling, without compromising its relatively supple ride quality.

However the power-assisted steering still has a rather heavy and lifeless feel that remains linear regardless of road speed. It's inferior to the latest variable-ratio systems in rivals like the Ranger and Amarok, so a similar upgrade would improve the driving experience.

Instant response from its torquey twin-turbo engine and smooth-shifting auto, combined with a relatively light kerb weight, results in brisk acceleration from standing starts and in low-to-mid speeds common in city and suburban driving. The front disc/rear drum arrangement provides strong and consistent braking.

Mark Oastler It has a black nudge bar with LED light bar, gloss black honeycomb grille.

It's also a comfortable and relaxed highway cruiser thanks in no small part to the intelligent seven-speed auto, which keeps the engine within its 1500-2500rpm peak torque zone at full lock-up, with only 1800rpm at 100km/h and 2000rpm at 110km/h.

Engine, wind and tyre noise at these speeds are impressively low, with conversations taking place at normal levels.

We did not do a GVM test this time, as we tested an ST-X Series 2 with a near-maximum payload earlier this year and found the S2 rear coil springs were still not stiff enough to adequately support it.

The coils compressed 120mm - more than double that of rival leaf-springs. It was, in effect, like driving around on the rear bump stops, with a pronounced nose-up-tail-down stance. So if you need to regularly carry big payloads, there are other utes with leaf-spring rear-ends better suited.

Nissan offers a three year/100,000km warranty with an extended warranty option. Plus, there's a three year 24 Hour Roadside Assistance Program.

Servicing is scheduled every 12 months or 20,000km whichever comes first, and capped price servicing applies to first six scheduled services up to 120,000km with costs varying between $547.00 (minimum) and $738.00 (maximum) per service.