Mid-model-cycle upgrades appear flavour of the month at the moment as Ford, Toyota and now Nissan are wont to prove.

Nissan NZ teamed up with its Australian counterparts in early November, in fact, to announce the details of its new-look Navara, despite production models not set to go on sale until early in the New Year. 

Key to the new range is an all-new ‘hero’ model, the Pro-4X. Though no pricing details were released at the virtual launch conducted via a YouTube link on Thursday November 05, the Pro-4X looks and is specced like a Wildtrak version of Ford’s Ranger so we can expect a similar price tag.

Nissan execs who spoke during the virtual launch also made much of the inclusion across the range of an array of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features and safety systems, making it the most advanced Navara yet. 

“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,” said Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s Chief Operating  Officer.   

 Few concrete details were released at the official launch though an interesting end result is a major increase in payload – now up to 1200kgs – with no reduction in braked towing capacity, which remains at 3500kg.

Obviously, there’s also a FNL (Fresh New Look) to mark the latest upgrade, though Nissan execs reckon buyers will also appreciate, a quieter and more comfortable interior, as well as further work on its unique coil-sprung suspension package.

With the new nose cut and grill come all-new, high-tech C-shaped quad LED projector headlamps, with each of the four distinctive projector units having their own intricate bezel shape. At the back, the taillights are also LED and a new rear bumper includes an integrated step for ease of access and use.  

Inside, the new Navara is quieter, thanks to the increased amounts of sound deadening insulation, and there’s a new steering wheel, new instrument panel and new-look eight-inch navigation screen and seven-inch, higher resolution, TFT screen.  

The rear seats feature upgrades to the seat cushions and back shapes, while a new rear armrest has built-in cup holders to store beverages or smartphones. 

The new PRO-4X grade gets its own look with a black Nissan emblem, a black front bumper and black grille, door handles, roof racks and running boards accented by 17-inch black wheels and all terrain tyre.

The new Nissan Navara will be available in eight exterior colours, with two new colours (Forged Copper and Stealth Grey, developed for the PRO-4X grade) with cloth or leather interior options available.

What Nissan considers ‘best-in-class’ technology is packaged up into its Nissan Intelligent Mobility system which includes:

1) Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, which monitors two vehicles ahead as well as the vehicle directly in front to reduce the risk of multi-car accidents. 

2) Intelligent Emergency Braking, which is designed to brake to avoid collisions, reduces the stress of driving in traffic or on busy streets. 

3) Intelligent Driver Alertness, which prompts drivers to take breaks through visual and gives audible alerts when changes in driving style or steering behaviour are detected.

4) Lane Departure Warning, which warns drivers if they begin to stray outside of their lane without signalling

5) Intelligent Lane Intervention works to bring the vehicle back to the centre of the lane if the movement continues. 

6) Blind Spot Warning to help avoid running into other vehicles caught in their blind spot, with blind spot intervention assisting when absolutely necessary. 

New Navara also gets:

7) Nissan’s latest Intelligent Around View Monitor (Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection), which uses four mounted cameras to help drivers notice people and cars surrounding and approaching the vehicle. 

For the first time the system also features an off-road monitor, made to confirm surrounding obstacles at low speeds when in four-wheel drive. 

Finally:

8) Rear Cross Traffic Alert which monitors the rear of the vehicle and warns the driver if another vehicle or object is approaching from either side.

Nissan has also packaged up its various connectivity tech under the Nissan Connect banner allowing Navara buyers to seamlessly connect their smartphone to enable Bluetooth streaming audio, voice recognition, and satellite navigation.   

They will also be able to make use of multiple USB ports throughout the vehicle and a generation USB Port (Type C) in the console, which can support the charging of multiple devices.

Dynamically, buyers here will welcome the inclusion of Nissan’s Active Brake Limited Slip Differential system (ABLS), which – when in 4WD – manages power delivery and wheel braking between the front and rear axles and between the left and right of the vehicle, depending on traction and speed.  

Working with the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC) and ABS brakes, this system enables drivers to be more confident and feel secure when towing large payloads and driving through muddy terrain with less acceleration and brake operation. 

New Navara also gets the latest version of Nissan’s Trailer Sway Control system to help  the vehicle to maintain stability on the road when towing.

Unchanged, meanwhile is the 2.3 litre intercooled twin turbo-diesel engine which continues to produce 140kW of peak power @ 3750 & 450Nm of peak torque between 1500-2500rpm.