Nissan loads up Navara

NISSAN has launched a special-edition Navara 4x4 Dual Cab to maintain Navara’s momentum against the market-leading Toyota HiLux, while also acting as an antidote to any sales hangover from last month’s tax-break-inspired rush for business workhorses.

The Navara Titanium Edition – based on the ST-X Dual Cab diesel – gets a range of extra features, including floor mats, Bluetooth, fog-lights, ‘Utili-Track’ load system, integrated tubliner, chrome sports bar and side steps, for a $540 premium over the standard $47,860 ST-X manual price (plus dealer delivery and statutory charges).

Nissan has also dressed the special model with a number of titanium-coloured accents and fittings, including 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, grille, rear step bumper, door mirrors with integrated indicators and door handles.

The Navara is the second model range to gain a ‘titanium’ moniker this month, with Ford releasing the Mondeo Titanium premium hatch in its revised mid-size line-up.

Nissan Navara 4x4 sales were up 35 per cent in June as the strong-selling Nissan enjoyed a lift from the end-of-financial-year run on the showrooms, taking a 21 per cent share of the segment and squeezing the lead of the HiLux 4x4 (26.8 per cent).

In first-half sales, the second-placed Navara 4x4 ran line-ball with its 2008 volumes, garnering 8822 sales to June 30, while the HiLux 4x4 was down 11.8 per cent (11,196 units).

Overall, the 4x4 ute segment declined 5.3 per cent, despite a healthy boost in June when sales jumped 18.1 per cent compared with the same month last year.

In the 4x2 ute market, the Navara is but a bit player these days, with a 3.2 per cent share and 1062 units year-to-date for a lowly seventh place, compared with the dominant Toyota HiLux 4x2’s 23.7 per cent and 7917 units.

However, the Navara has fought back with 8.4 per cent sales growth this year, while most other major 4x2 ute players are in the sales red, including the HiLux (down 16 per cent).

Manufacturers are wary of the potential for a drop in sales this month due to the pull-forward of sales caused by the federal government’s tax incentive that prompted many business vehicle buyers to get in for their automotive chop before the end of the fiscal year.

The value-added Nissan Navara Titanium Edition is powered by the 126kW common-rail diesel engine, mated to a choice of six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.

Nissan says a little more than 1000 examples will be available in Australia, and of these, 360 will be available with special Charcoal embossed leather upholstery complete with contrasting titanium-coloured double-stitch detail for an extra $2300.

Titanium Edition buyers also get the option of a new exterior colour, Black Pepper, alongside Silver Lightning and Midnight Black.