Nissan bolsters Navara with Outlaw and reborn D22 series

NISSAN Australia has bolstered its Navara one-tonne utility range with a limited edition ‘Outlaw’ version of the D40 dual cab, plus the return of the superseded D22 series.

While the 4x4 D40 twin-cab has been a strong contender against the market-leading Toyota HiLux, the new-generation light commercial has suffered on the sales charts without a single-cab, extended cab, 4x2 and other workhorse-oriented model variants.

That now looks set to change with the D22 emerging from retirement to sell alongside the D40, and the pre-release showing of a D40 ‘king cab’ at the Brisbane International Motor Show last week ahead of a mid-2008 market entrance with single-cab in tow.

Crucially, these two new D40 versions will be built in Thailand, with which Australia has a free-trade agreement. The D40 dual-cab will continue to be sourced from Spain.

On sale from this week and expected to account for between 600 and 800 sales per month, the Japanese-built D22 will run alongside the D40 for an indefinite period and offer single and dual-cab configurations, a base 4x2 model version, keen pricing and a detuned version of the D40’s 2.5-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine, which in this application is down from 126kW/403Nm to 98kW (at 3600rpm) and 304Nm (from 2000rpm).

Paired with a five-speed manual gearbox – no auto is available – this “YD25” engine replaces the previous 110kw/314Nm 3.0-litre unit, which was discontinued just over 12 months ago when it no longer complied with Australian emissions regulations.

The new engine/transmission combination delivers fuel consumption of 7.3L/100km for the 4x2 single-cab (according to ADR figures), while the 4x4 version achieves 9.1L/100km and the 4x4 ST-R dual-cab 9.2L/100km.

Pricing starts from $22,490 for the 4x2 single-cab DX, while the 4x4 DX single-cab starts from $30,690. The 4x4 ST-R dual-cab is priced from $38,490.

All models are fitted with power steering, air-conditioning, a CD stereo and 16-inch wheels, but the 4x2 DX looks much better value compared to the 4x4 DX with standard fitment of dual airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners and ABS brakes.

These are all omitted from the 4x4 version, which cannot be specified with ABS and offers the airbags and pretensioners as a $500 option. Nissan Australia claims that this lack of safety equipment is a direct result of dealer advice regarding customer preferences.

The dual-cab 4x4 ST-R carries the abovementioned safety features, along with alloy wheels, an alloy sports bar, side steps and front bucket seats. The D22 styling is identical to the previous model, with the addition of a bonnet scoop for the diesel engine. All models have independent double-wishbone front suspension, a leaf-spring solid rear axle and a limited-slip differential.

Meanwhile, the Outlaw version of the D40 dual-cab is priced from $47,990 – $2000 over the ST-X model variant but with a number of incentives, including 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome side steps, a chrome bonnet protector, alloy nudge bar, foglights and soft tonneau cover. A unique red or black paint scheme is also offered.

Inside, there is Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and an upgraded stereo with a six-stack CD, MP3 compatibility and an auxiliary audio jack. A six-speed manual is fitted standard, with a five-speed automatic available for an additional $2000.