BOLD IS BEAUTIFUL

LIKE NISSAN'S MIGHTY AMERICAN TITAN, THIS YEAR'S NAVARA UTE RANGE HITS THE ROAD WITH A BIGGER, BOLDER LOOK.

- MATT RAUDONIKIS

NISSAN Australia has sought to give its Navara range of mid-size utes a boost in sales, with a 2021 update centred on a bolder new look. The front end takes styling cues from its big brother in the USA, the Nissan Titan full-size pick-up, to give the previously stylish Navara a muscled-up look. Think of it as going to the gym for pick-up trucks.

The bigger radiator grille is backed by a taller bonnet line, and this added height is taken through to the back of the truck with a taller cargo tub.

Nissan has taken the tougher look a step further with the introduction of a new PRO-4X model that is now the top-spec in the extensive Navara range. The Navara PRO-4X is only available as a 4x4 double-cab ute and starts at $59,790 with the six-speed manual gearbox or $61,290 with the seven-speed automatic. We have the Navara PRO-4X with the auto here for review.

POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE

NISSAN has carried over its powertrains for the 2021 Navara update, which means the 2.3-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine in either a single- or bi-turbo induction configuration, depending on the model specification. The PRO-4X gets the bi-turbo engine that makes 140kW and 450Nm, which are middle-of-the-road figures for cars in this class.

Despite the modest numbers the 2.3 gets along sprightly, with linear power delivery through the range of throttle applications working well with the seven-speed auto to keep things moving along. The engine is smooth and responsive when asked for more and it does so with a minimum of engine noise.