- The new Navara will compete with the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, launching later this year.
- The next-gen pickup truck boasts a boxier design, enhanced tech, and a more comfortable interior.
- Chinese prototypes hint at multiple powertrains, including diesel, hybrid and electric options.
Nissan’s current-generation D23 Navara mid-size pickup truck, which serves duty everywhere else except the USA, is now over 10 years old – yep, it sure is no spring chicken.
Fortunately, recently spied prototypes undergoing testing in China indicate an all-new model isn’t far off from making a debut. Yet questions remain whether this is the same upcoming Mitsubishi Triton-based truck sold in global markets or if Nissan will introduce a distinct variant tailored specifically for its Chinese lineup.
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Keen to know more? Read on as we take an illustrated preview of the Chinese market version and explore all we know about it to date.
Boxy Design
Unlike its predecessor, the new Navara sports a boxy design combining rugged capabilities and modern touches. The front fascia has a large honeycomb grille with chrome trim connecting the stacked LED headlamps, a clamshell hood, and a rugged front bumper.
The side profile features a floating roof aesthetic, and the rear window trim dips down over the sheet metal (oddly giving the impression of someone’s arm out the window). At the back, the truck borrows styling cues from the new Triton, with a conventional bed, stamped tailgate and LED tail lamps.
A Smarter Outlook
Inside, the Navara will up its cabin game with improved space and technology. Expect the usual array of large infotainment screens, providing a modern and connected feel.
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Key features will include road departure warning, adaptive cruise control, a 360° panoramic imaging system with transparency mode, a tank-turn function, and various driving modes such as sand, mud, and automatic.
Under The Skin
The Chinese market Navara will be built on a wider, more comfortable platform internally known as P20. Yet, it’s unclear if this is the same one that serves duty under the new Mitsubishi Triton/L200 as part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
The truck will offer various powertrain options to cater to diverse market needs. It will likely to share the same 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine used in the Triton, producing 201 hp (150kW) and 470Nm of torque.
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Additionally, Nissan plans to introduce plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions of the one-ton pickup, future-proofing it in a landscape of ever-tightening emissions regulations.
Rivals and Reveal
The mid-size truck competes with rivals such as Ford’s Ranger, Great Wall Cannon, LDV T60, JAC T9, Mitsubishi Triton, Kia Tasman, BYD Shark, Isuzu D-Max, Toyota Hilux and an upcoming offering from Chery.
Expect an official launch later this year, with clarification of its prospects for global consumption to become apparent in the coming months.
Tell us what you think of Nissan’s Chinese market truck in the comments below.
