Nissan Unveils the INCREDIBLE New Navara with Online Presentation

Does Automologist MAC approve of the new Navara? Read on to find out…

80 years of doing it “better, tougher and smarter”…fighting talk if ever I heard it. Pictured above is the Nissan Navara PRO-4X.

Regular readers of Automology know that I rarely attend new vehicle launches. I let the younger guys and girls go – they seem to enjoy them more and don’t mind mingling with the other hacks (like me) as they drool over whatever it is that is launched. However, I got notice from our good friends over at South East Asia Nissan HQ in Thailand of the impending launch of the new Navara via an online link and I thought let’s give it a whirl, seeing as I didn’t have to mingle to attend, that is.

Nissan is currently in the middle of a complete overhaul of their range and plans to launch twelve new models over 18 months, which is a really tall order for any company, particularly when there are so many restrictions on travel. The plan is entitled the Nissan NEXT transformation plan and the updated Navara is confirmation of Nissan’s commitment to the global pick-up market, particularly in ASEAN and Australia.

With the vehicle slated for production in Thailand, Nissan claims that the all-new Navara will be a class leader when it comes to the level of technology and sophistication crammed into the “most advanced Navara yet”. It would appear at first glance that this new vehicle is designed to be the tool for a weekend warrior and not a serious work vehicle. But don’t be fooled, the Navara is still a workhorse, just now a much more comfortable one.

During the launch, Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s CEO said, “We packaged the new model with a full set of advanced technologies to ensure enhanced dynamic performance on- and off-road, as well as safety and comfort, ushering in a new age of toughness, tech, and peace of mind. For our customers, it means confidence, driving pleasure, practicality and pride of ownership.” And who am I to disagree?

The Navara has been around since 1985 and is still one of the top-selling pick-ups out there and has proven to be pretty much unbreakable, so we can expect pretty much the same with this one. The new Navara has improved things like rear axle strength and ride height to add to the ruggedness, but also things like a larger pick-up bed, so giving it a claimed class-leading payload capacity. And all whilst still offering all the creature comforts you desire.

Probably the proudest boast is the addition of the ‘intelligent’ systems that will definitely make it class-leading in the future. In fact, there are seven important intelligent systems like the Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Breaking, Driver Alertness, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Intervention, Blind Spot Warning and Around View Monitor. Most of these can be found in higher-end luxury vehicles already, but to get them in what is essentially a work vehicle, well, that is something.

Who’s a good looking boy then….?

There are so many other technical features added. I particularly like the idea of the trailer sway control system. But for me, one of the key features is its looks, and here I think the design team has really hit the ball out of the park. Now, the old Navara wasn’t an ugly ducking by any means, but I still preferred the Ford Ranger. Now, though, the bold new front to the Navara is every bit the match for the Ford and the new LED quad projector headlights (similar to those on the Porsche family) give it an air of sophistication not usually associated with what is essentially a work vehicle. The side profile is all business and at the rear, the signature taillights look great and the addition of a step in the rear bumper will aid ease of access.

Nice butt……..!

Strangely, not much time was spent on the inside and I say strangely as that really is where the new owner will spend most of their time with the vehicle and the one area that I tend to dwell on when it comes to launches. But here is the thing: the last Navara was pretty good inside, so my expectations of the new one, when I do finally get to see one it, are high.

In these days of COVID-19 and reduced trade show attendance and inability to fly journalists around the world, it is inevitable that companies will use the World Wide Web to get their messages out there. Online doesn’t give you a really good feel for the vehicle but for now, I am suitably impressed and can’t wait until I can get my hands on one for the weekend (hint hint). My advice to anyone thinking of getting a pick-up is to wait until the New Navara is in the showroom and then give it a serious once-over.

Also available in other colours.

Here is the video: