Nissan has unveiled the smarter, safer, and connected Navara with a host of new features designed to boost the appeal of the award-winning pick-up.

The latest Navara receives several key changes. These include a new six-speed manual gearbox, revised alloy wheel designs and the latest in-car connectivity. Multi-link rear suspension has now been added to the King Cab, making this feature standard on all models. At the same time critical utility vehicle features improve with an increase in braking performance, higher payload limit (dependent on model) and more torque available on the 163PS version.

Andrea Patti, LCV Category Manager at Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, said: “The multi-award winning Navara once again sets a new benchmark in the pick-up sector, combining the best of Nissan’s Crossover leadership with over 80 years’ experience in designing and manufacturing robust and cleverly engineered pick-ups.”

Unique in its segment the ‘King Cab’ now features the multi-link rear suspension system. With a revised set-up, the rear posture is raised by 25mm to give the pick-up an upright and more powerful looking stance, whilst continuing to deliver a more comfortable and dynamic ‘car-like’ driving feel. As a result, Navara’s payload also increases by up to 46kg.

The 163PS 2.3 dCi engine is now fitted with two turbo-chargers, similar to the higher powered 190PS version, to produce 425Nm of torque, up 22Nm from the previous version. Both outputs now conform to the forthcoming new Euro 6d-temp emission standard. Completing the powertrain improvements is an all-new six-speed manual gearbox that features longer gear ratios and a shorter shift pattern, providing a less frequent and slicker gear selection.

Safety has been improved with a reduced stopping distance along with a 40 per cent reduction in braking force. This has been accomplished by changing the rear drum brakes to discs and callipers along with larger front brake discs (plus 4mm) and an increase to the boosters size (plus one inch). Trailer Sway Assist is now incorporated into the whole range.

Exterior upgrades include new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs and new black bezel inlays to the LED headlamps.

Inside the cab, fitted as standard from N-Connecta grade, is Nissan’s latest generation Nissan Connect entertainment system featuring an eight-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay, to give owners the latest in-car connected technology. New features include smartphone integration, with customers able to locate the vehicle, lock/unlock the vehicle, check vehicle health (fuel and fluid levels) and send their destination to the vehicle’s navigation system ahead of departure.

The Nissan Navara is priced from £21,850 (excl. VAT, VED & FRD) for the 4WD King Chassis Cab Visia six-speed manual, rising to £31,125 (basic retail) for the range-topping 4WD Double Cab N-Guard seven-speed auto.