Potential of trees, wood on display
The Forestry Hub returns to Fieldays for its third consecutive year, showcasing how trees and wood are transforming New Zealand.
The most obvious change to the updated Nissan Navara is the bold, almost American, styling.
However, its improved refinement levels made the biggest impression on us.
The previous model Navara was reasonably quiet and refined, but the changes made in the latest update of an old favourite have noticeably elevated the refinement levels. It was the one thing passengers commented on: how quiet it was inside, and not just ‘for a truck’ – NVH improvements, including acoustic glass in the windscreen, have really worked a treat.
Nissan has added insulation to the engine bay and bulkhead, improved cabin insulation to reduce both noise and vibration inside, and added 3-layer insulation in the dash and floor carpet (in the double cab models). It makes for a much more relaxed drive.
The suspension set-up with coil sprung rear was always a good riding package and, under the skin, the chassis is basically unchanged – so ride and handling remain good for the ute sector. Changes that have been made to the steel bits underneath include a strengthened rear axle, increased rear brake diameter (+25mm), and extra ventilation to the front disc brakes.
Payload is 1-tonne and braked towing remains 3,500kg.
The new front end is brash, taking design cues from its big American cousin, the V8 Titan, but it works well, giving the Navara a sturdier chin than it had. Forward of the A-pillar the sheet metal is all new, and the tray is also new – now higher-sided and deeper. It comes together nicely, giving the truck more presence on the road.
In ST-X grade, you still get the capable 2.3-litre intercooled, twin-turbo diesel, producing 140kW power and 450Nm torque in a very useable 1,500-2,500rpm rev range. On the road, it provides effortless progress and is better left to lug along in Normal mode than to rev its head of in Sport mode.
Similarly, the seven speed auto makes good decisions about how to deploy the prodigious torque and is best left to its own devices.
A tried and true drivetrain, now with four drive modes – Standard, Sport, Tow and Off-road – on 4WD models ST grade and above.
The other notable changes are to safety: all models get forward collision warning, intelligent emergency braking and driver alert. ST-X grade and above also get blind spot warning & intervention, lane departure warning & intervention, rear cross traffic alert and reverse parking sensors.
Inside all grades get a better 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, new 7-inch ‘drive-assist’ display between the main dials, a new steering wheel design and better seats with improved countering, including in the back.
The ST-X Auto double cab Rural News tested retails at $67,490. But the Navara range starts at $41,990 for the 2WD single cab, going up to $70,490 for the tricked-up PRO-4X Auto.
The real winner of this year’s FMG Young Farmer Region-off have been the regional communities.
As calving approaches, farmers need to get their teams ready for what lies ahead in the coming months.
Feeling sluggish this winter? Then try some seasonal fruit, renowned for lifting mood, energy and immunity levels just when we need it most.
The missing link in getting maximum weight gain in your calves may be as simple as keeping them warm, says the Christchurch manufacturer of a range of woollen covers for young livestock.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) and Massey University are joining forces to help raise awareness and funds to combat leptospirosis.
Auckland-based supplement and nutritional company New Image International is celebrating 40 years of business in their home country.
OPINION: In 2021 a group of prominent academics got ’cancelled’ for daring to oppose changes to the school curriculum that…
OPINION: On top of the rural banking inquiry, several as-yet-unnamed banks are facing a complaint to the Financial Markets Authority…