Nissan Beefs Up Its Series 4 Navara ST-X Dual Cab with Improved Engine, Safety Features

Overview
At work or play, Nissan’s gutsy, new top-of-the-range Series 4 Navara ST-X Dual Cab utility offers an unbeatable combination of mountainous torque, muscular good looks and a trove of additional equipment.

On or off-road, the new Navara ST-X is the one to beat.

Now available with an upgraded 140kW/450Nm 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, improved exterior and interior design, luxury equipment such as dual zone climate control plus a full complement of active and passive safety features including ESP stability control, the Navara ST-X provides a class leading option for dual cab customers.

Diesel upgrade
Dual Cab ute buyers seeking unrivalled torque pulling-power need look no further than the new Series 4 Nissan Navara ST-X Dual Cab with its improved 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine which now boasts more power and torque, lower emissions and major fuel savings.

Now producing an athletic 140kW of power (up from 126kW) and a beefy 450Nm of torque (up from 403Nm), it beats its rivals into submission.

The already punchy common rail engine has been tuned by Nissan’s R&D team. The significant output increases will bring a smile to every Navara ST-X driver’s face, not just because the increases in output are combined with decreases in input; specifically, requiring less fuel to get the job done with even more ease, but because exhaust emissions are also reduced and refinement levels are increased.

The changes include a new direct injection system, which operates at 2000 bar, up from 1800 bar. This increase in pressure means the fuel spray is atomised to an even finer degree, resulting in more complete combustion.

A new cylinder head with parallel ports increases the swirl efficiency of the combustion process, smoothing the intake and exhaust flow, while a new variable nozzle turbo (VNT) with electric control replacing the previous hydraulic system, and generating quicker responses, has also been adopted.

These improvements not only raise power, but also lower fuel consumption and emissions. The latter are also reduced thanks to the fitment of a by-pass valve in the Exhaust Gas Recycling cooling system. The by-pass valve allows the EGR system to warm up more quickly from a cold start, cutting emissions of hydrocarbons and soot still further.

The overall result is a useful 11 percent rise in power and torque to keep the engine at the top of the class. Power rises to 140kW and torque increases by a pounding 47Nm to 450Nm.

Over the combined fuel cycle test 6-speed manual versions use just 8.5-litres of diesel per 100km, a substantial 1.3-litres less fuel (or 13 percent) less than before. The 5-speed automatic ST-X Dual Cab saves even more fuel at 9.0 litres/100kms versus 10.5 litres/100kms of the previous model – a14 percent saving.

Additionally, CO2 emissions are cut substantially by 40g/km to 224g/km.

Refinement is enhanced by the use of flexible tubing at the turbocharger outlet. A small bellows-type joint helps to absorb excess vibration, promoting smoother engine performance whether idling or under acceleration.

The 198kW V6 4.0-litre petrol engine currently offered in the ST-X continues unchanged.

Exterior changes
The new-look ST-X Dual Cab gains reprofiled front end styling for 2010.

Changes at the front include a new bonnet, revised grille and a new bumper assembly, which add 80mm to the overall length. The bumper is more rounded and lends a more sporting touch to the visual first-impression.

New six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels give the side view more power.

As well as visual improvements, the changes to the design also contribute to a reduction in the coefficient of drag (Cd) from 0.38 to 0.37 boosting fuel economy and contributing to cabin refinement.

The colour range is enhanced with the addition of two new colours: Electric Blue and Flame Red.

Interior changes
The many detailed changes inside the cabin of the Series 4 Navara ST-X have enhanced its quality and appearance. These include new switchgear, revised door trims, new seat fabric, and the addition of chrome highlights and revised dials.

Typical of the attention to detail that has helped enhance quality are the door trims which have been changed to improve both the look and feel of the interior and boost practicality. The armrests and door pads are nicer to touch thanks to the increased thickness and density of the foam used, but their shape has also been altered to make them more comfortable as well.

Practical touches mean the door pockets can now happily hold a typical large-scale Australian map book and a one-litre drink bottle.

Switchgear changes include a new, easier to use, all-wheel drive command control switch while the steering wheel controls for the phone and audio are now illuminated.

Chrome finishers have been added to the automatic transmission surround and to the instrument binnacle.

A new centre-floor console and C-cluster design creates a very stylish and contemporary interior. The new ST-X also gains dual zone climate control plus power folding mirrors, Bluetooth hands free phone connectivity, auxiliary input for MP3 devices and a drive computer. Illuminated steering wheel controls for the phone and audio complete the interior changes.

Safety is well covered with a full complement of airbags fitted to the new Series 4 Navara ST-X as standard, including driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags.

Active safety is catered for with Nissan’s Electronic Stability Program now fitted as standard on ST-X diesel models.

Competitive market
The new high-power turbo-diesel powered Series 4 Navara ST-X has plenty of advantages over its closest rival, not least of which is a $2,700 price advantage.

It also has 14kW more power and a massive 107Nm more torque, and can tow a full 3,000kg (750kg more).

The turbo-diesel powered Navara ST-X has a six-speed manual gearbox (one more than its rival) as well as ESP and Brake Assist, EBD, 17-inch alloys (vs. 15-inch), height-adjustable headlight control, folding electrically-adjustable mirrors, 6 speakers (not 4), three-point rear seatbelts for all seats, switch operated AWD mode selection, 4-channel Utili-track load restraint system, 60/40 split folding rear seats and dual zone climate control.

Active head restraints are another critical safety feature fitted to the new Navara ST-X.

Pricing May 2010
The new Series 4 Nissan Navara ST-X is available in four variants:
1- Nissan Navara ST-X Petrol 6-speed Manual - $47,990
2- Nissan Navara ST-X Petrol 5-speed Auto - $50,240
3- Nissan Navara ST-X Diesel Manual - $50,990
4- Nissan Navara ST-X Diesel Auto - $53,240

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