ON THE JOB
TWELVE months ago we put the seven most popular dual-cab
4x4s – with automatic transmissions – to a maxxed-out tow and
load test. Those utes so specified were asked to tow their claimed
3500kg rating, while those with slightly lower tow ratings (Hilux
and Triton) were tested with a 2800kg trailer. Following the tow
tests, all the utes were then tested with 800kg in their trays.
That weight in the tray, plus driver, observer, towbar, etc. meant
a combined payload not far short of 1000kg, so at or near a
maximum payload for these utes. For both the tow and the load
test, the utes were driven over the same hilly, winding and bumpy
road course.
The payload and tow tests were conducted separately, but there
was a very strong correlation in the way each ute performed in
the separate tests. If a particular ute did well carrying the 800kg
in its tub, it also generally did well in the tow test.
Taking into account how the powertrain and the chassis of each
ute performed in the tow and load tests, and the theoretical max
of what each can carry and tow, we rated the seven utes this way:
1ST – FORD RANGER With the big five-cylinder engine, long
wheelbase, extra weight and class-leading GVM and GCM, the
Ranger looks the goods on paper and delivered on its promise.
EQUAL 2ND – MAZDA BT-50 It has the same core strengths
as its ‘twin’ Ranger, but it lacks the detail improvements that
made the MY16+ Ranger a better vehicle.
EQUAL 2ND – HOLDEN COLORADO Plenty of punch from the
2.8-litre diesel, even if it needs more revs than the Ranger or
Mazda. A very smart gearbox, and the chassis works well.
4TH – TOYOTA HILUX Primarily held back by the conservative
tow rating of the automatic, and it had the lowest payload at
test. The chassis is well up to the job, but it needed more grunt
from its 2.8-litre diesel to match the best here.
EQUAL 5TH – ISUZU D-MAX Has a worthy chassis, but the
engine struggled with either 3500kg or at maximum payload.
Since that time, the D-Max’s engine has been upgraded and
now offers considerably more torque over a wider spread, so it
should tow with more authority.
EQUAL 5TH – MITSUBISHI TRITON Its engine is willing
and able, but the chassis is compromised due to its shorter
wheelbase and long rear overhang.
7TH – NISSAN NAVARA The engine may have plenty of punch,
but the chassis fell well short of towing 3500kg or carrying
maximum payload. Since that test the Navara Series II brings
revised suspension ... hence this retest.NISSAN NAVARA II ST
(DUAL CAB 4X4 AUTO)
ENGINE 2.3-litre 4-cyl bi-turbodiesel
MAX POWER 140kW at 3750rpm
MAX TORQUE 450Nm at 1500 to 2500rpm
GEARBOX Seven-speed automatic
4X4 SYSTEM Dual-range part-time
CRAWL RATIO 44.6:1
CONSTRUCTION Separate chassis
FRONT SUSPENSION Independent/coil springs
REAR SUSPENSION Live axle/coil springs
KERB WEIGHT 1925kg
GVM 2910kg
PAYLOAD 985kg
TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg
TOWBALL DOWNLOAD 300kg
GCM 5910kg
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 80 litres
ADR FUEL CLAIM 7.0L/100kmNISSAN NAVARA II PRICES*
SL $43,990
ST $46,990
ST-X $51,990
*4x4 dual-cab pick-up coil-sprung manual transmission.The revised Navara still
drives with a nose-up
attitude under load.40 http://www.4X4australia.com.auPAYLOAD TEST MY17 NISSAN NAVARA II