Nissan PH Launching Refreshed Navara on March 21 and Here's What You Can Expect

Get ready for the next chapter in the pickup wars. The term coined during the market introduction of the then-all-new 2015 Navara set the tone for carmakers to come up with ever-better value pickup trucks. And now, just mere days after the Philippine market introduction of the all-new Isuzu D-MAX and Ford’s teasing of the Ranger FX4 Max, Nissan is doing the same with its revamped 2021 Navara.

Launched globally last November in Thailand, teasers for its major revamp (Big Minor Change or BMC in Nissan parlance), it will officially launch on Sunday, March 21, 2021. The carmaker has yet to reveal any official details, but you can check out the first teaser below. Peering into our crystal ball, here is what we think you can expect with the 2021 Navara.

The 2021 Navara will feature a new rugged exterior design featuring an interlocking frame grille—a design feature found exclusively in Nissan’s pickup truck family (and one that’s also found in the North American market Titan). Together with the new grille, it will also receive C-shaped daytime running lights, and quad LED projector headlights. At the back, the LED taillights will feature a bright chrome detail along with a new tailgate emblazoned with the words, “NAVARA” and a new rear bumper step. A tailgate assist helps lighten the opening and closing of the tailgate.

For the first time, Nissan Philippines will offer the PRO-4X grade. The PRO-4X grade will have its own athletic look, with a black emblem, orange-accented front bumper, black grille, door handles, roof racks and running boards, capped off by 17-inch black wheels and all-terrain tires. Other variants will adopt either 17- or 18-inch wheels; the latter having a dual-tone design.

The 2021 Navara is expected to continue using its unique combination of front independent double wishbones and rear multi-link coil springs. For this update though, engineers adopted dual-rate coil springs for improved road handling, vehicle stability, and ride comfort as well as a strengthened rear axle for increased payload capacity. The steering rack has also been changed for better low speed maneuverability, and improved steering response across the speed range.

For four-wheel drive models, the Navara is said to adopt an Active Brake Limited Slip Differential system (ABLS). This 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. The Navara will also come with a Trailer Sway Assist system (TSA) that helps the vehicle maintain stability on the road when towing a trailer.

Under the hood, Nissan Philippines is said to continue with the tried-and-tested 2.5-liter YD25DDTi 4-cylinder diesel engine for this update. It comes in two levels of output—a 163 horsepower / 403 Nm for the low and mid-trim variants, and 190 horsepower and 450 Nm for higher trim variants. The gearbox remains either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. While the powertrain remains unchanged, work has been done to significantly decrease vibration and improve noise isolation. Furthermore, it uses an acoustic laminated front windshield and front windows for better noise isolation.

Inside, the 2021 Navara will have its trademark Zero Gravity seat design, but with a new design for better long distance touring comfort. The rear occupants will especially benefit from increased thigh support and a curved backrest along with an armrest with built-in cup holders. Also new for this update is the three-spoke steering wheel.

The driver is treated to a 7-inch high-resolution multi-information TFT display called Advanced Drive Assist Display or ADAD, while everyone else will enjoy the 8-inch Advance Audio Touchscreen infotainment system. Powered by Nissan Connect, it has standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB ports—both Type A and Type C offer charging flexibility. Other convenience features, depending on variant, is expected to include automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and dual zone climate control with rear vents.

This high-res center screen also serves as the display for the Nissan Intelligent Around View Monitor which gives the driver a 360-degree view around the vehicle for easier maneuvering. The system incorporates Intelligent Moving Object Detection which alerts the driver of moving objects around the vehicle as well as an Off-Road Monitor which helps the driver confirm surrounding obstacles at low speeds when the 4LO is engaged.

As the launch date nears, expect more official information to come trickling in. In the mean time, do you think we got things right? Well, you have stay tuned for more updates on the 2021 Navara.

Source: Car Guides PH