[toggle title_open=”Car specifications” title_closed=”Car specifications” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Price: $67,990
Engine: 3.0 litre V6 turbodiesel, 170kW/550Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Fuel economy: 9.3 litres/100km
Emissions: 243g/km (Euro5)
Equipment: USB port and audio streaming, wireless MP3, iPod menu control, phone book synch
Safety: Four-star ANCAP crash rating
Factory warranty: Three year/100,000km[/toggle]
Here’s a ute that you don’t seed … but one that’s awfully nice to have. what’s special about this version of the D40 Navara is its V9X V6 turbodiesel engine, acquired as a result of Nissan’s tie-up with Renault, that produces 550Nm of torque, a full 100Nm more than the STX-450. But the four cylinder -450 does everything well. The 550’s extra torque doesn’t bring a lot to the table, except a higher number. The truck’s still rated to tow 3000kg braked, still pulls like an ox team and despite the engine only carries an extra 57kg of load, at 833kg. It costs $8600 more, but only uses a smidge more fuel, probably thanks to its seven-speed gearbox, rather than the -450’s five speeds. It also can’t keep its weight down, listing at 2177kg, a 148kg penalty over the -450. The head would tell buyers to go for the -450, but the heart cries for the 550, despite its price premium. First off, there’s the boasting rights that comes with a V6, especially in a ute. Then there’s the quietness and smoothness of the engine, which was primarily designed for expensive cars; Navara 550’s the limousine of utes. Apart from discreet ‘550’ and V6 badges, the big torquer can be identified by privacy glass on the rear half of the cabin, and front fog lights. Inside, the driver gets seat height and lumbar adjustment and there’s useful rear under-seat storage. Other comforts include dual zone climate control air and cruise control, power windows and remote control keyless entry. Six airbags are included in the safety package.
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Good features
Torque, smoothness, image
Not so good
Quite expensive; the STX-450 sibling’s a better buy
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[box type=”tick” size=”large” style=”rounded”]Rating 8/10[/box]