THIS Navara platform has been around for seven years now, receiving various updates along the way. Suspension was one area which required a few goes to get right, however the wait seems to be worth it . We now have a dual-cab 4x4 from Nissan that rides well on- and offroad, has a solid traction-control system and a more modern appearance. But is that enough? Well, we took off for the week, living and camping out of this new Navara, to see if it was up to task.
While it’s a familiar package, with the same seven-speed automatic gearbox and 2.3L twin-turbo motor, exterior and interior revisions have certainly done favours to the vehicle overall. There’s nothing much to gripe about that couldn’t be fixed with a visit to your local 4x4 shop. There are also some really handy additions such as a sharp-looking steering wheel, which means you now don’t accidentally press the horn when turning like the previous generation. That was always an unwelcome surprise.
There’s also an increase in payload-carrying ability, thanks to a new massively stout rear-axle housing. This thing is huge, but thanks to the flat (or shaved, if you’re in the biz) lower differential housing, we didn’t have any issues getting hung up on rocks. This is a nod to the heritage of Nissan building bulletproof 4x4 drivetrains in the GQ and GU Patrol; it’s nice to see a beefed-up Navara.
This story is from the August 2021 edition of 4x4 Magazine Australia.
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This story is from the August 2021 edition of 4x4 Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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TRAVEL BULLETIN
ALL THE LATEST 4X4 NEWS AND EVENTS. Now is the time to get out and about to enjoy this great land and support the communities. Experienced adventurer Ron Moon has listed a few upcoming highlights, as well as essential track info. As always, check with event organisers before locking in your plans.
MICK GRAHAM
OLD MORISSET MENTAL HOME, NSW CENTRAL COAST
REAR VIEW
4X4 AUSTRALIA LOOKS BACK AT THE CHANGES IN THE INDUSTRY, THE RISE IN . OUTBACK TOURING, THE EVOLUTIONARY SOPHISTICATION OF 4X4S, AND MORE
READERS RIGS
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FIRST-CLASS TRAVEL
A HOLIDAY TRIP WITH THE FORD RANGER PLATINUM RAISED A FEW EYEBROWS WHEN COMPARING IT TO OUR RANGER SPORT
ENGINE CHECK
THE ULTRAGAUGE PROVIDES YOUR VEHICLE'S VITAL STATS AND WARNINGS IN A TAILORABLE PACKAGE
RAZR RUBBER
AFTER A 50,000KM TRIP THROUGH WESTERN AUSTRALIA, THESE MAXXIS RAZR ATS HAVE PROVIDED RELIABLE PERFORMANCE ON AND OFF THE ROAD
PORTABLE POWER
FOR THOSE WHO DON'T WANT TO FIT A DEDICATED DUAL-BATTERY SYSTEM TO THEIR VEHICLE, THE PORTABLE BLUETTI AC200L POWER STATION COULD BE JUST THE TICKET
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EVERYONE KNOWS HOW DODGY LANDCRUISER HANDBRAKES CAN BE. TERRAIN TAMER HAS THE FIX …
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THE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVING MIGHT NOT MATCH THE NEARBY HIGH COUNTRY, BUT THANKS TO ITS GOLD MINING HISTORY THERE IS PLENTY TO SEE AND DO AROUND THE WIDER CASTLEMAINE AREA AND YOU MAY EVEN STRIKE IT RICH!