2011 Nissan Navara And Pathfinder Updates Revealed, Australian Debut Unclear

NISSAN HAS ANNOUNCED a range of updates to its European-market 2011 Navara and Pathfinder models, including the addition of Renault Nissan's new 3.0 litre V6 diesel and revisions to the existing 2.5 litre diesel.

While local models will likely benefit from the upgraded 2.5 litre, an Australian debut for the new diesel V6 is unclear at this stage. A debut in the 2011 Nissan Patrol is likely, possibly appearing in the current model before then.

The brand-new 3.0 litre V6 turbodiesel engine, revealed early last year, develops 173kW and 550Nm of torque, online between 1750 and 2500rpm.

With the new V6 diesel under the bonnet, the Pathfinder's braked towing capacity raises to a hefty 3500kg, while the Navara will manage 3000kg.

For the smaller 2.5 litre turbodiesel, Nissan has massaged an 11 percent increase in both power and torque from the proven unit. The reworked diesel now develops 141kW and 450Nm (the current Australian-market Navara diesel offers 126kW and 403Nm of torque).

The 2.5 litre engine's fuel economy is improved, the manual version dropping 1.3 l/100km to 8.5 l/100km on the combined cycle.

A number of light cosmetic tweaks are present as well, including a subtly-revised bonnet, grille, new projector headlights, and lightly restyled bumpers, adding 80mm to the length of both models.

New switchgear is featured inside, along with updated door trims, upholstery, chrome highlights and restyled dials. 

ESP is available as an option (although Australian-delivered models will likely offer ESP as standard), along with a rear-view camera.

The updated Pathfinder and Navara are set to go on sale in Europe from April. Australian dates have yet to be confirmed. Watch this space.

Click here to read TMR's review of the Nissan Navara.