Talking further on Nissan’s updated Navara range – an extensive range of 27 pickup and eight cab-chassis options and 10 4 x 2 and 25 4 x 4 alternatives. Two engines choices depending on model – 2.3-litre single and twin turbo diesel. Biggest update is to the dual-cab Navara range that account for 90 percent of the model’s sales. Introduced three years ago with the only five-link coil sprung rear suspension the dual cab Navara had a real tendency to squat in the rear under any major load. On top of that the steering ratio was slow and unwieldy. Nissan have now adopted a dual-rate coil spring arrangement which provides a supple ride unladen and a stronger squat free stance when carrying a major load – I drove several variants with 650 kilos in the tray and towed a loaded trailer and the Navara’s stance and better control from sharper ratio steering was most noticeable. A rear view camera is also now standard on all Nissan Navara pickup models. The Navara dual-cab ute is now markedly improved – it’s not easy setting up a ute that has in many respects a dual role today – a workhorse through the week and a recreational vehicle on the weekend – on one hand it has to offer a comfortable ride when unladen yet perform equally well with up to 800 kilos on board – in a dual cab the load is closer to the rear of the vehicle . The big seller – the 2.3-litre twin turbo diesel 4 x 4 Navara dual cab ST automatic – now $49,690, has risen $2,700. I’m David Berthon

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