2012 Nissan Navara Review
The 2012 Navara ST-X 550 4X4 is now equipped with leather trim; satellite-navigation and hard drive; Bose audio and reversing camera. It is priced $2,000 lower at $62,990 (as a result of increased supply).
The top-selling Navara D40 ST Dual Cab 4X4 has also been upgraded with a more powerful 2.5-litre four-cylinder 450Nm/140kW diesel engine, standard 17-in alloy wheels, 5-Channel Utili Track and receives six airbags.
Both V6-engined models and the D40 ST Dual Cab have a braked-trailer towing rating of 3,000kg.
All 2012 D40 four and six cylinder diesel Navara models are now equipped with Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and three-point seat belts for all passengers.
A key change to the D40 range is the increased availability of Nissan's class-leading 550Nm/170kW V6 turbo-diesel engine in more models at adjusted prices. Previously only available in top-luxury ST-X 550 specification, the D40 range has been expanded to two models with the arrival of the new V6-engined Dual Cab ST-X 4X4 Navara priced from $56,990 RRP.
Standard equipment on the ST-X now includes 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, CD player with USB connectivity, alloy sports bar, fog lights, rear under seat storage and second row privacy glass.
The range toping ST-X 550 adds to this specification with the addition of leather trim, front heated seats, premium Bose audio system with hard drive, satellite navigation, reversing camera and black sports bar.
The most popular Navara model, the 2012 4WD ST Dual Cab 4x4 is now equipped with a more powerful 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, 5 channel Utili Track, six airbags, 60/40 split fold rear seats, dual zone air conditioning, choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed auto transmission with manual mode and CD player.
The D40 Dual Cab 4X4 Navara has received an ANCAP 4-star rating, underscoring the increased active and passive safety measures for 2012.
The Navara RX Single Cab moves from bench to bucket seats and gets a carpeted instead of vinyl floor, with standard rubber mats.
2012 Navara 4x4 model range:
Single Cab RX CC 4x4 2.5L diesel, manual $34,860
King Cab RX CC 4x4 2.5L diesel, manual $39,900
King Cab ST-X CC 4x4 2.5L diesel, manual $42,910
King Cab ST-X PU 4x4 2.5L diesel, manual $44,610
Dual Cab RX PU 4x4 2.5L diesel, manual $30,600
Dual Cab RX CC 4x2 2.5L diesel, manual $41,300
Dual Cab RX CC 4x4 2.5L diesel, manual $39,600
Dual Cab ST PU 4x4 2.5L diesel, manual $46,800
Dual Cab ST-X PU 4x4 3.0L diesel, auto $56,990
Dual Cab ST-X 550 4x4 3.0L diesel auto $62,990
With exception of entry level Single Cab RX CC all other 2.5L models can be upgraded to auto transmission for $2,250.
Uprated 2WD Navara
Following the expansion of the 2012 D40 range Nissan have announced a new 2WD ST Dual Cab Diesel model as well as specification upgrades across the entry-level Navara RX range.
The arrival of the 2WD ST Dual Cab from early April will further enhance Nissan's penetration of the 2WD Dual Cab Diesel segment, which has been growing three percent year-on-year.
Built in Spain, the 2WD ST Dual Cab Series 6 Navara will have more power, torque, comfort, convenience and style than the 2WD RX model.
With its 2.5 litre YDk3 turbo diesel producing 120kW/403Nm, it gains 14kW and 47Nm over the 2WD Dual Cab RX Diesel, yet it delivers significantly reduced fuel consumption of 8.3l/100km MT compared with the RX MT model's 9.1l/100km MT.
Upgraded standard equipment over the RX model includes 17-inch alloy wheels (versus 16-inch steel), rear child restraint anchorages, six airbags (front, side & curtain), Dual Zone Climate Control A/C, 60/40 split fold rear seats and side steps.
This is in addition to the 2WD Navara's existing high specification, which includes remote central locking, power windows, cruise control and a 2,000kg braked towing capacity.
Enhancements to the Thailand-built Series 7 Navara RX Range will also be introduced from April this year.
Series 7 models will feature durable and practical vinyl floor covering for 2012, while body-coloured electric door wing mirrors are now standard across the range.
Nissan's Senior Model Line Manager Commercial Vehicles, Matt Baily said Navara's multi-sourcing ability - with models sourced from both Spain and Thailand - was a major strength.
"The new 2WD ST Dual Cab provides even more opportunity for Navara to dominate in the growing Australian PU vehicle segment."
The Navara 2WD ST, with manual transmission, is priced at $36,100 and automatic transmission option adds $2,250.
2012 Patrol wagon safety upgrade
For many work sites a 4WD wagon is just the vehicle to get the job done. As the wait for the new wagon continues, Nissan has added a number of safety upgrades to its existing Y61 Patrol wagon. One popular decision will be the reduction in price by $700 for the workhorse DX model.
Vehicle safety has been enhanced with the fitting of Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) on all series 8 Patrol Wagons. The system can be de-activated via a console switch for specific conditions, for example deep sand.
Meanwhile traction in difficult terrain has been optimised with the addition of a Rear Diff Lock, which is activated by an in-cabin switch.
Nissan's Senior Model Line Manager - SUV, Michael Hill said with the Series 8 changes the 2012 Patrol continued to represent outstanding value in the marketplace.
"The Patrol remains one of Australia's most capable, and affordable, 4WD's ideally suited to off road work and recreation," he said.
"Its proven, live axle suspension gives it high off road durability and places it high on the list of off-road enthusiasts".
The current Y61 Patrol will continue on sale beyond 2012 after Nissan's new, high-tech, independent suspension Y62 Patrol goes on sale.
Pricing for he Patrol wagon starts at $53,490 for the DX manual rising to $73,490 for the top of the range Ti Automatic.