It’s no secret that the next-generation Nissan Navara will be based on the all-new Mitsubishi Triton. After all, it’s all part of the whole Alliance deal in a bid to reduce costs by maximizing platform sharing.
That said, there have been worries that the Navara will effectively be a rebadged Triton. We can’t blame anyone with those thoughts. Just take a look at the Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50.
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But the bosses over at Nissan would like to reassure its customers that the future Navara will be more than just a rebadged Triton. Speaking to Australian motoring publication Drive, Nissan Oceania managing director Andrew Humberstone said “We are making sure that it’s very much a Nissan. So we'll be making a number of changes to make sure that that's the case.”
Humberstone said that it will apply some of Nissan’s own technologies to the redesigned pickup. He added that they (Nissan) have something to offer in terms of space utilization. As to what it might be remains unknown.
It’s a given that the two will have the same frame under the body. Also, the future Navara will likely share the same hard points in terms of exterior design. The distinction might be seen through the body panels and interior. Could we see Patrol-like elements inside and out? Possibly, but given Nissan’s tone, the company is determined to make it significantly different from the Mitsubishi.
Leaf springs are touted to make a comeback in the Navara after executives called the move to coil springs a ‘mistake.’ That said, it could have different spring and damping rates to retain the relatively comfortable ride the Navara was known for into the next generation.
As for engines, there’s a good chance it will be plucked straight from the Triton. If so, the 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel in both single and twin-turbo guises will be under the hood of the Navara.
Where the Navara and Triton might differ is in their four-wheel drive systems. In this case, Nissan could either utilize a similar system to the redesigned Patrol, or it can ask Mitsubishi if they’re willing to share the Super Select 4WD-II hardware with them.
There are still a lot of questions in the air, but we will find out more once Nissan trickles down more official information in the future.
