EVER since the D23 Navara entered the market in 2015, Nissan Australia has repeatedly been asked the same question: When will a Ford Ranger Wildtrak – and later Raptor – competitor be introduced?

After four long years, we finally have the answer to the first part of that question: The N-Trek. Much like the Wildtrak, it charges a small premium for equipment and accessories upgrades that up the visual ante.

So, a new question begs: Is the N-Trek another case of style over substance, or is it the perfect precursor to Navara’s true performance and/or off-road flagship? We took it to the Sunshine Coast for a weekend away to find out.