All-New Nissan Navara – An improvement in every aspect

The Nissan Navara has long been a popular choice for consumers looking for an all-round pick-up with plenty of power, interior comfort and towing ability. There have been two long-running Nissan Navara generations so far. The outgoing model, which debuted in 2004, was bigger and more powerful than its predecessor and could be considered more of a midsize pickup. The outgoing Nissan Navara borrowed heavily from its SUV sibling, the Pathfinder, in terms of interior adornments. Hence, second generation model offered a blend of SUV comfort with the practical pick-up appeal. 

 

All-New Nissan Navara

It didn’t take long for rivals to adopt the Nissan Navara’s approach in pick-up construction. Nissan has just released an all-new model to better compete with rivals. Nissan has just released an all-new third generation model. The new-generation model will replace both the 10-year-old D40 Navara and the ancient D22 model, which first launched in 1997. The Nissan Navara is offered in a wide range of body types and powertrain options according to individual market demands as well as all-wheel drive and two-wheel drive types.

 

Tweaked front with LED

Design

The striking front of the all-new Nissan Navara is enhanced thanks to the boomerang shaped lighting signature created with LED daytime running lights.  Additional visual spice comes from chrome waist line mouldings and turn indicators mounted in the door mirrors. The view from the side is marked by the smooth silhouette thanks to the high beltline and blacked B-pillar, which lends the all-new Nissan Navara a unique character.

The distinct profile

The door section, with dynamic convex and concave surface, boldly expresses its energetic look along with the massively sculpted fenders. Nissan's signature ‘V-motion’ design theme flows from the grille, through the bonnet and on to the front fender. This gives the all-new Nissan Navara’s side a smooth and dynamic character line. The rear has also been tweaked to feature larger taillights, restyled bumper and a door release hatch with an integrated reverse camera.

 

Headlamp

Performance

The all-new Nissan Navara's powertrain have been developed for best in class fuel efficiency, impressive power output and acceleration. Models come equipped with improved versions of Nissan's 2.5-liter DOHC in-line 4-cylinder Diesel engine or 2.5-liter in-line 4-cylinder petrol engine. The new 2.5-liter DOHC in-line 4-cylinder Diesel engine features maximum power of 140kW (187 hp) and 120kW (160 hp) at 3600rpm, maximum torque of 450Nm and 403Nm at 2000rpm. Fuel economy has been improved by as much as 11% over the previous model. More engine options will be released later on. 

 

Integrated reverse camera

Paired with the power units is a seven-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmission. The seven-speed automatic provides for low fuel consumption (at slow speeds) as well as better acceleration and smooth shifting. The six-speed manual provides enhanced fuel efficiency from low to high gear. The six-speed transmission optimized shift stroke makes for quick and effortless gear changes. 

 

Alloys with striking patterns

Underneath, the all-new Nissan Navara's high-strength chassis and leaf suspension have been engineered to take the punishment of intense daily usage.  The reduced tuning circle allows for easier manoeuvrability in city driving. The shift-on-the-fly 4x4, which can be engaged while the pick-up is in motion, comes in handy when off-road. The VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) system helps improve 4x4 driving performance and safety, along with ABLS (Active Brake Limited Slip), HSA (Hill Start Assist) and HDC (Hill Descent Control).

 

SUV like centre console

Interior

The redesigned interior is heavily influenced by the latest range Nissan SUVs, just like in the outgoing model. The interior is spacious, comfortable and quiet, which is especially rewarding on long journeys. The designers have styled the dashboard to feature a gentle sweep from the centre panel to the door side with 3-dimensional sections.

Cockpit

Finely designed dials and a tactile steering wheel, as well as the use of an aluminium-like finish on the centre console as well as the finely crafted stitches on the seat, add to the improved refinement of all-new Nissan Navara interior. The dashboard incorporates multiple easy-to-read dials, plus a large centre console with a full array of intuitive features which, combine with steering wheel controls, enables easy and safe use while driving. A high-resolution colour TFT instrument display provides access to navigation, audio track and radio content. The screen also displays information from the rear reversing camera. 

 

Quiet, comfortable and spacious interior

 Verdict

Nissan claims that the all-new Navara is a culmination of 80-year legacy of pick-up building experience. Many might say that this is a big claim but looking at the all-new Nissan Navara it might be actually true. The refined performance, SUV like interior, appealing design and reduce fuel consumption give the all-new Nissan Navara the muscle it needs to take it rivals. There is no denying that the all-new Nissan Navara is a segment leader contender.

The rear look

All-New BMW X6 – Striking design, refined performance

BMW always likes to refer to the X6 as a SAV (Sports Activity Coupe). The BMW X6 shares numerous components with its more SUV like X5. However, the BMW X6 features a dramatically downward sloping roof line that evoking the timeless profiles of classic fastback coupes. Not surprisingly, style trumps utility here, as the X6 offers limited rear headroom and cargo volume. For the overtly style-conscious, these shortcomings will likely be of little consequence. 

 

All-New BMW X6

The X6 has a potent range of engines and handling abilities that we expect from BMW. As a utility vehicle, the X6 obviously falls short and tends to leave that aspect for its more sensible sibling, the X5. However, as a high-riding performance "coupe" with room for four adults, it continues to hold an unusual sort of appeal. To date there are more than 250,000 versions of the BMW X6 roaming across the world. Armed with an even more potent design presence and outstanding performance, the all-new BMW X6 continues to offer exclusive driving pleasure.

 

Coupe-like profile

Design

The design of the all-new X6 body combines the robust presence of a BMW X model with the hallmark sporting elegance of the brand's coupes to create an unmistakably athletic appearance. At the front end of the SUV the unique design of the BMW kidney grille. The arrangement of the twin circular headlights and front foglamps are the most prominent signature features of all-new BMW X6.

Large Bi-xenon headlights

The large headlight units reach in as far as the BMW kidney grille and extend outwards well into the side panels. Sweeping chrome inserts and the prominently three-dimensional design of the lights underline the character of the bi-xenon units. Optional Adaptive LED Headlights are also available.

 

Redesigned kidney grill

The side view of the all-new BMW X6 is likewise defined by eye-catching lines and sharply-drawn contours. Air deflectors, which are visible on the front wheel arches, reduce turbulence to increase the overall efficiency of the SUV. The coupe-style roofline gives the all-new BMW X6 its unique design character.

Rear L-shaped LED lights

At the rear, horizontal lines emphasise the width and solid stance of the all-new BMW X6. The three-dimensional LED light strips of the two-section, L-shaped rear lights, meanwhile, create a striking night-time look. As at the front of the car, a matt silver-coloured underbody protection element marks out the lower end of the body. All model variants of the new BMW X6 feature 19-inch light-alloy wheels as standard. Optional 19- and 20-inch light-alloys are available.

 

Larger boot

Performance

The all-new BMW X6 power plant line up consists of the latest-generation V8 developing 330 kW/450 hp for the BMW X6 xDrive50i, a 190 kW/258 hp six-cylinder in-line diesel engine for the BMW X6 xDrive30d and another straight-six diesel with three turbochargers and 280 kW/381 hp in the BMW X6 M50d. Later on the BMW X6 xDrive35i (225 kW/306 hp) and BMW X6 xDrive40d (230 kW/313 hp) will be added to the model range.

Aggressive front

Fuel consumption is lowered by 22 percent to a range between 9.7 – 6.0 litres/100 km. This is as a result of weight saving measures, enhanced aerodynamic tweaks and the eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission. The standard and permanently active intelligent all-wheel-drive system, BMW xDrive, optimises traction, directional stability and cornering dynamics, as the situation requires.

 

The air deflector and optional 20-inch rims

Interior

The high seating position typical of BMW X models and high-quality, beautifully finished materials create a great driving environment. The three-dimensional design and horizontal structure of the layered surfaces underline the broad sweep of the instrument panel, which features a high-quality surface with black decorative stitching as standard.

Cockpit

The freestanding 10.25-inch flat screen Control Display comes as part of the standard-fitted iDrive operating system. A sporty leather steering wheel, with multifunction buttons and shift paddles, a gearshift lever in sporty design and a rear seat bench, whose two outer seats have a distinct individual seat character, all mark out the distinctive style of the new BMW X6's interior. 

 

Rear entertainment package

Storage

The rear seat backrests can now be split/folded 40: 20: 40, allowing the capacity of the load compartment to be increased in stages from 580 to a maximum 1,525 litres. This is 75 litres of more boot space compared to the outgoing model. Numerous stowage compartments, plus door pockets also contribute to impressive levels of functionality in everyday and touring use.

Rear seats

Automatic tailgate operation is also included in the standard specification for the all-new BMW X6. The tailgate can now be both opened and closed via remote control and from the driver's seat at the touch of a button. Maximum convenience when loading and unloading items from the all-new BMW X6 is provided by the hands-free tailgate opening and closing functions. Sensors detect foot movements underneath the rear apron and send out signals which prompt the electric tailgate into action.

 

The sporty gear shift and iDrive control

Verdict

The all-new BMW X6 is much more refined and better looking than any of its previous models. The all-new BMW X6 continues with the unique features visible on all SAV coupes of the X family. Be warned, this is an SAV suitable for anyone looking for a luxurious, powerful and striking SUV with a coupe qualities. For practicality I ad rather you opt for the BMW X5 or start saving for the X7 SUV which will be launched soon. 

Redesigned rear

All-New BMW X4 – Appealing looks, great performance

BMW excels at answering questions no one asked. First it introduced the BMW X6, a large crossover with coupe like lines that baffled some people. BMW calls it a "sport activity vehicle," a quiet acknowledgement that the X6, unlike the more practical X3 and X5, sacrifices utility for style. The All-New BMW X4 will carry the same theme but in a smaller, more affordable package. Like its larger design inspiration, the All-New BMW X4 is more about high-riding style than utility. Does a market exist for a fashionable, limited-use crossover? BMW thinks so. The company's chairman says X models account for nearly a third of BMW brand sales.

 

All-New BMW X4

Striking design

The All-New BMW X4 displays a sporting character very much its own and takes dynamics to another new level. That much is clear when you view the new model head-on. The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the character lines in the front apron allow the All-New X4 - with its signature BMW twin headlights and front fog lamps (both optionally with LED technology) - to maximise its visual presence on the road. The roofline reaches its highest point above the driver and then swoops down smoothly to the trailing edge of the tailgate, mimicking the design language of a classical sporting coupe. 

 

Dramatically sloping roof similar to the X6

The signature swage line running along the flanks of BMW models is split into two on the X4. The first section rises dynamically from the front wheel arches to the rear door handles, while the second part draws the eye to the muscular sculpting of the rear wings. The rear end, complete with L-shaped LED lights in exclusive X4 design and diffuser-look styling, likewise highlights the outstanding dynamic ability of the All-New BMW X4 - even before it turns a wheel.

 

Headlights

Efficient performance

Drivers with sporting ambitions will be extremely well served by the X4 xDrive35i. Its 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine conjures up maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm. That's enough to power the X4 xDrive35i from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 247 km/h.

Rear L-shaped LED lights

Despite these show-stealing performance figures, the X4 xDrive35i keeps fuel consumption down to 8.3 litres/100 km. Even more purposeful is the 180 kW/245 hp turbocharged four-cylinder unit powering the BMW X4 xDrive28i, fuel consumption recorded at 7.4 l/100 km, teams up with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard to produce peak torque of 350 Nm and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.4 seconds.

Boot space

The 2.0-litre petrol engine in the BMW X4 xDrive20i, needs 7.3 litres of fuel to cover a distance of 100 kilometres. With eight-speed Steptronic transmission, the unit develops 135 kW/184 hp and serves up 270 Nm of torque. This allows the X4 xDrive20i to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. 

 

Aggressive front

Smooth ride

All X4 models have a sporty suspension set-up and come with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system xDrive with standard Performance Control. This ensures that power from the engine is also split between the rear wheels continuously and as required, which further improves traction, turn-in, and directional stability.

Inspired by the X6 and X3

The systems work together with the standard variable sport steering, allowing the All-New BMW X4 to deliver driving dynamics that surpass even those of the X3 in terms of sportiness. An xDrive status display in the Control Display uses three-dimensional graphics to keep the driver informed of the car's body roll and pitch. 

 

Sporty front seats

Striking interior

The interior of the new BMW X4 reveals a harmonious synthesis of sportiness and exclusivity. The All-New X4's body is mounted 36 millimetres closer to the road than that of the BMW X3. The driver and front passenger sit 20 millimetres lower and the rear passengers 28 millimetres lower, creating the feeling of a classical sports coupe. It is a sensation reinforced by the rear seat bench offers space for three passengers.

Enough room for three

Equally impressive is the load capacity available, which can be used in a wide variety of ways thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split rear seat bench. All BMW X4 variants are fitted with an iDrive Controller and central display. The premium quality and exclusivity of the interior are underlined by selected materials, subtle electroplated accents, and aluminium trim strips in the wood panelling. 

 

BMW X4 gearshift and iDrive control

Verdict

The All-New BMW X4 successively blends the hallmark features of the X family with the sporting elegance of a classical coupe, and introduces the unique Sports Activity Coupe concept to the premium mid-size segment.

Rear design

The All-New BMW X4 is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable luxury SUV with hallmarks of luxury, performance, and efficiency. The Sports Activity Coupe also hints at the next design approach its bigger sibling, the BMW X6, might have.