122 caravanworld.com.au
comfortableinteriorpackage.
Out back in the tray, the existing Utili-track
load restraint system has been enhanced with
four additional tie-down hooks located lower
within the tub, plus a factory chrome rollbar
with hi-mount stop light. Our test model
also came equipped with a soft tonneau that
finishes the ‘look’ nicely.POWER TO THE PEOPLE
Despite the upgrades elsewhere, Nissan has
chosen to leave the Navara’s YS23DDTT diesel
alone. The popular 2.3L intercooled twin
turbodiesel comes with a choice of a six-speed
manual or a seven-speed automatic.
The intercooled turbodiesel is used widely
used across the ute segment, but where
Nissan breaks from the pack is in the use of
twin sequential turbos, where most rivals
prefer a simpler single turbo arrangement.
The result is an engine that pumps out a
solid 140kW of power at 3750rpm and 450Nm
of torque at 1500-2500rpm. On the road,
this equates to surprisingly brisk throttle
response and almost complete absence of
turbo lag. Put your foot down at the lights and
there’s the briefest of pauses before revs build
and the Navara surges forward, its impressive
seven-speed auto seamlessly slurring up
through the ratios.backmapholdersaswellasoverheadgrab
handles either side.
There’s good storage up front as well, with
large cup holders in the centre console, pop-
out cup holders on both sides of the dash,
a recessed area on top of the dash, and a
smallish centre console bin.
This ST-X also came fitted with the optional
$1500 leather-accented seats and door trims.
The seats feature a perforated leather-like
material, with the front pews heated and
boasting eight-way power adjustment on the
driver’s side.
You sit nice and high but the seats initially
feel a little over-padded and, in conjunction
with a high hip-point and legs-forward
driving position, it feels a bit like you’re sitting
on an orange crate. However, after only a
short time at the wheel you adjust and I soon
found the seats and driving position to be
decently comfortable.
A dash-mounted rotary dial allows a
selection of 2WD, 4WD high and 4WD low,
while other traction aids include an electronic
rear differential lock and hill descent control.
There are two 12V plugs in the cab and
another in the tray, plus a USB plug for
powering phones and other devices.
The cabin roof is lined in a light-grey
soft-finish flock lining that completes theCLOCKWISE FROM BELOW Side mirror; changes to the ST-X aim to improve safety; access to tray; Utili-track load restraint enhanced with tie-down hooks