[music]
Let's not beat around the bush. When it comes to dual-cab 4 x 4 utes in Australia,
tough-looks sell, which explains this meaty-looking beast, the Nissan Navara Pro-4X.
If you wanna go out and see the Aussie countryside, then Nissan says,
"This is the version of Navara you need." Are they right? Let's go and find out.
[pause]
Essentially, the global replacement for the less sexy-sounding N-Trek, the Pro-4X rolls out as the
flagship of the new Navara range. Of course, we've already tested the 2021 Navara in ST-X
form and compared it against the segment-leading Ford Ranger. The reality is, the Pro-4X's primary
changes compared to an ST-X are cosmetic, and that includes this blacked-out version of the big grill
that's inspired by the full-sized Nissan Titan in the USA. In fact, there's a Pro-4X version of the
Titan as well. Bumpers, door handles, roof racks, side steps, sports bar and wheels all get the
black pack treatment too. Orange-red accents also feature inside and out. The one nod to increased
off-road ambition is the standard fitment of these Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tyres.
But in terms of the performance of the twin-turbo diesel engine, the dual-range 4 x 4 system, or the
suspension tune including those controversial rear coils, it's all the same as the ST-X.
Our test Pro-4X comes with the optional seven-speed auto, but you can also have it
with a six-speed manual. The Pro-4X is the only Navara to come with standard leather seat trim,
but you still have to pay extra for power assistance. Shared with other models is
this new digital screen that delivers key info more legibly than before. Some things remain
familiar and annoying. The steering wheel doesn't adjust high enough. The seat doesn't adjust low
enough, so you always feel like the steering wheel is too low for your driving position.
A key update for the 2021 Navara is an impressive range of driver assist systems. Included in that
lot are autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and rear-cross traffic alert. [chuckle]
The Navara is not the most spacious 4 x 4 dual-cab in the rear seat,
but for this generation, at least, they've added a fold-down armrest with a dual cup holder.
The seat base folds up if you need fit something in here when you're on a trip,
storage space, but unlike some of its rivals, the seat back does not fold down.
One important update across the Navara range is a strengthened rear axle and
larger rear drum brakes. That means this is one, one-ton ute
that really does live up to its name. The Pro-4X comes with a standard drop-in bed liner,
but we prefer spraying because there's no chance of rub marks or rust. Okay,
enough of the waffle. Let's go do what Nissan's been urging us to do, drive this thing off-road.
[pause]
When it comes to beach driving in the Pro-4X, a bit of a mixed bag. We're on a hard surface
right now, and it is really good. Nice and pliant ride, smoothly rolling along,
no drama at all. It's really a sand freeway, but we did get up into some soft stuff, some climbing,
and there were a couple of challenges. You've gotta make sure your tyre pressures are right.
That's universal of course, but also, this engine isn't the most powerful around. And you could feel
it starting to struggle in some of the deeper sand. Thankfully, the transmission works pretty
well, as does the 4 x 4 system. Also noticeable on the softer sand on the beach, that the car had
a bit of a tendency to weave following the ruts, not as stable as some other 4 x 4's we've driven.
[pause]
Well, that's the beach done with. Now let's hit the mountains.
We'll take the Pro-4X and see how it handles some shaley climbs, some steep descents,
and even some creek crossings. It's gonna be challenging, and hopefully, it's gonna be fun.
[pause]
What you need for off-roading is ground clearance and decent traction, and up to a point the Pro-4X
has got that. This is quite a challenging track, but there's no really steep ruts or
big ray centre sections where it could pancake, in other words, get stuck on its belly. So, given the
need to simply find traction to get up and over obstacles, or down them as we're about to go down,
it performs really well. The 4 x 4 system, low range, hill-descent control, locked diff,
it's got all the assets you need to cope with the challenges of this gravelly mountain track.
You just have to be aware of where the limitations are and not push it too far. Bear that in mind,
the Pro-4X will take you a long way off-road and deliver you to some epic spots. At this point,
a big shout out to those Yokohama tires too, excellent off-road and on-road, and quiet. And
when you return to more civilised places, you'll find the Pro-4X has some pretty strong attributes.
It is commendably quiet in the cabin and has good damper control to deliver a decent ride on all,
but the most intrusive of surfaces. Light steering also makes it easier to manoeuvre.
The engine is the weak spot. It just lacks a real zestful initial response. How we miss a V6. And
this is still a big vehicle for confined spaces, so those cameras and sensors are appreciated.
But while it will spend a lot of time in suburbia, the Nissan Pro-4X does promise to be able to bring
you to stunning places like this. Look, it's not quite what it promises on the box, but it's still
a very competent off-roading 4 x 4. And hey, you know what else? It looks pretty tough doing it.
[pause]