NISSAN and its local manufacturing partner Premcar are set to reach a four-figure milestone this March as the popularity of its Navara PRO-4X Warrior utility continues to grow.
Nissan Australia says more than 750 examples of the tough ute have already rolled off its production line in Epping, Victoria, where the facility’s 35-strong team has “extensively re-engineered” the dual-cab ute to transform it into the “world’s toughest Navara”.
Tailor-made for Australian conditions, the PRO-4X Warrior – which is now in its second iteration – is the flagship of the local Navara range and features enhancements to its suspension, wheel and tyre package, ground clearance (up by 40mm to 260mm) and overall stance.
It is also kitted-out with a Safari-style winch-compatible bullbar with integrated light bar, full under-body protection, and a unique towbar.
The Navara PRO-4X is further differentiated by a bespoke decal pack, embroidered head restraint and model-specific fender flares.
“We’ve been hard at work on Warrior 2.0 from almost the moment we finished work on the first Warrior, first in the design and engineering space, and now on producing what we consider to be the world’s toughest Navara,” Premcar engineering director Bernie Quinn said.
“This is an extensively re-engineered vehicle that’s designed, engineered, and built by some of the world’s most talented automotive manufacturing experts, right here in Victoria.
“That’s not just a win for Nissan and Premcar, but for the automotive manufacturing industry. We have always had world-beating talent, and it’s so rewarding to watch them produce world-beating vehicles again,” he said.
Mr Quinn said dozens of engineers and manufacturing experts had spent years perfecting the overall Navara PRO-4X Warrior package.
He said that it takes over 10 hours to transform a standard PRO-4X to “Warrior grade”. The facility is capable of completing 10 vehicles per day, based on a five-day week.
“It’s a buzz for the whole team every time we see a Warrior out in the wild, whether it’s on the road or on a bush track or beach,” Mr Quinn added.
“We know how much hard work and expertise has gone into producing every single Warrior, and to see owners out enjoying the final product is the ultimate in job satisfaction.”
GoAuto News recently reviewed the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior in challenging conditions (link below). The capable four-wheel drive utility performed well in a range of scenarios, and especially off-road where its Monroe shock absorbers, improved clearance and geometry, and Cooper Discoverer All Terrain AT3 tyres proved their mettle.
All Navara PRO-4X Warrior utes benefit from a 100kg GVM upgrade (to 3250kg). Payload for manual models is listed at 961kg, with automatic models rated to 952kg – both figures are down slightly (-52kg) on that of the donor model.
Both iterations of the Navara PRO-4X Warrior receive a wider wheel track (up 30mm to 1600mm) and improved approach and departure angles (front: up 4.0 degrees to 36.0; rear: up 0.8 degrees to 19.8).
The PRO-4X Warrior is powered by the same 140kW/450Nm twin-turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that powers other Navara derivatives. It is priced from $67,490 (plus on-road costs) when fitted with a manual gearbox or $69,990 (plus ORCs) when optioned with the automatic transmission.