Nissan’s popular Navara D22 workhorse range has been mechanically upgraded and will make its first appearance at this years Brisbane International Motor Show in February.

The new line-up includes both dual cab and single cab variants, and Nissan have dropped the previous Patrol based 3.0-litre turbo-diesel for a new YD25 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, matched to a five-speed manual transmission.

The new turbo diesel engine produces a maximum power output of 98kW at 3600rpm and 304Nm of torque from just 2000rpm and unlike the previous 3.0-litre is intercooled, however, both power and torque are down on the previous engines 110kW and 314Nm.

Being the same basic engine as the much more powerful YD25 2.5-litre (126kW and 401Nm) found in the D40 Navara, one can’t help but think that there will be a flourishing trade in power-ups for new D22 Navara owners.

The 16-valve, double overhead cam YD diesel features second-generation common rail technology for lower emissions and excellent economy, a variable nozzle turbocharger which delivers lower emissions as well as more power, and a new balancer system for greater refinement.

The common rail system fuel injection system used in the 2.5-litre diesel has a electronically-controlled high pressure fuel injection pump for greater efficiency. This helps provide more power, low emissions and lower levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Emissions are further improved by the adoption of an oxidation catalyst.

A new turbocharger with a variable nozzle turbine (VNT) sharpens the engine’s responses. The new diesel also features twin counter rotating balancer shafts within the engine to reduce vibrations and the use of a single, rather than double, chain camshaft drive help ensure high levels of refinement. The compression ratio is now 16.5 to 1.

Fuel efficiency looks like being this engines strong point with the 4×2 single cab returning a healthy 7.3L/100km, while the 4×4 single cab achieves a combined cycle of 9.1L/100km and the 4×4 dual cab ST-R just 9.2L/100km.

In addition to the four-wheel drive dual cab and single cab models, the Navara D22 will also be available as a two-wheel drive single cab for those customers who don’t require the additional off-road capability. The Navara D22 shape remains unchanged, except for a bonnet scoop to feed cool air to the overhead mounted intercooler.

On the single 4×2 variant, the equipment list reflects the customer’s needs with power steering, single in-dash CD player, air conditioning, dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes as standard.

The 4×4 line-up starts with a base single cab DX with standard power steering, air conditioning, single in-dash CD player and 16-inch steel wheels. Dual front airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners are available as a $500 option.

On top of the 4×4 DX single cab’s equipment, the dual cab ST-R adds standard dual front airbags with anti-lock brakes, an alloy sports bar, side steps, front bucket seats and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Pricing across the range is sharp, with the 4×2 single cab DX starting at just $22,490*, while the 4×4 single cab DX starts at $30,690*. The popular ST-R dual cab 4×4 is priced from $38,490*.

*All prices quoted are recommended retail pricing and do not include, metallic paint, dealer delivery and on-road costs.