The toughest-ever factory Nissan Navara is taking shape in Melbourne.
Melbourne-based engineering firm Premcar has released the first pictures of the 2021 Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior ahead of an expected reveal later this year.
Like the first Navara Warrior, the 2021 PRO-4X Warrior will be a locally-developed Australian special with a tougher look and more capable suspension than the range-topping Navara.
“We’re excited to show everyone what we’ve come up with – a vehicle that builds on all the improvements delivered by the new Navara, and one that feels tailor-made for Australia,” said Mark Doody, principal Premcar engineer for body systems.
Nissan Australia has previously pointed to the 2021 Navara Warrior taking a step further than the previous-generation model.
Stephen Lester has previously told CarExpert the first-generation Warrior gave “confirmation” of demand for a tougher, more off-road capable Navara.
With a tougher design for 2021, he said the second-generation Warrior can build on the foundation laid by its predecessor.
“The impulses of the [Pro-4X] design already are going to give the Warrior that much better, I think, of a presence in the market,” he said.
“When we couple those with the things we’ve already gotten done, there are certainly some new opportunities there.”
The previous Navara N-Trek Warrior came with a hoopless steel bull bar, front underbody protection, an LED light bar, Cooper off-road tyres, and new springs and dampers.
The 2021 Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior will compete against the Australian-developed Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota HiLux Rugged X, as well as the left-of-centre Jeep Gladiator.
The project included months of testing in the outback and on private proving grounds and thermal test centres in Victoria.
Along with the tougher Navara, Nissan Australia has confirmed it’s working on a Patrol Warrior.
