GOING BEAST MODE

Victorian company gives popular dual-cab ute a hardcore makeover

Marketing gurus talking about “fishing where the fish are”. When it comes to schools of automotive fish, they don’t get any bigger in Australia than dual-cab utes.

But it seems having a basic showroom floor model doesn’t cut the mustard.

Australian companies are meeting the market. Walkinshaw, once responsible for HSVs, has enjoyed great success converting super-sized utes like the Ram 1500 and Chevy Silverado to right-hand drive. The Toyota Tundra is next in the conversion firing line.

Victoria-based Premcar takes the Nissan Navara and gives it the hardcore off-road treatment.

Initially only available as a top-spec Pro-4X, a less expensive barebones variant has now arrived.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: This was great for building my vertical leap activation muscles.

GRANT: The Navara Warrior SL does bolster the ground clearance by 40mm and it has a wide track – a greater distance between the wheels.

KEL: Compared to a standard Navara, it looks more muscular and tougher. Although once you’re inside it feels basic.

GRANT: Sharing the same specification as the base model SL, this is a ute for those who aren’t chasing anything fancy. It’s all about tackling the toughest of terrain, and it will set you back about $65,000 – about an extra $20k over the basic SL.

KEL: Wow, I didn’t expect that outlay. GRANT: You’d be surprised at what a lot of people spend on these utes to get the upgrades. This Warrior has 17-inch allterrain rubber perfect for off-roading, bullbar, bash plate to protect the engine, bigger suspension along with improved approach and departure angles to help avoid getting stuck when on steep terrain.

KEL: While all that adds up, I have become accustomed to creature comforts. There are a lot of vacant buttons through the cabin.

GRANT: All the best equipment is on the Pro4X, but that’s closer to $75,000 drive-away.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: There’s no doubt that it looks cool. GRANT: Dual-cab utes have been the top sellers in Australia for years, led by the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, and through Covid even the second-hand versions have retained high values. Lift kits, awnings and tray accessories seem to be a rite of passage for younger ute-driving men.

KEL: Rubber mats and the vinyl floor were testament to its intentions. That certainly makes it easier to keep clean.

GRANT: The interior wasn’t completely agricultural. An eight-inch touchscreen has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. KEL: Navaras also have good cabin functionality with unimpeded cupholder access and bottle holders in the doors.

GRANT: One of the big advantages for buyers is warranty coverage. Nissan covers all manufacturer components for the standard five years, and Premcar matches it, with dealers looking after

any claims.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: No sensors front or back made things challenging in car parks.

GRANT: Only a reversing camera is standard. It has the autonomous emergency braking which can apply the anchors if a collision is predicted. Absent are the likes of radar cruise control, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert – although some find this functionality annoying for off-roading and would constantly turn them off anyway.

KEL: I also had to turn the key, most vehicles have a push-button start now.

GRANT: Within the tray the tub liner is complimentary, but there are only four fixed tie-down points. The adjustable ones on side rails are a far better system for handling varying loads.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Having spent a lot of time in a Navara over recent years, I’ve never had an issue with the power. The Warrior felt the same, although better in the corners.

GRANT: Nothing changes mechanically. It’s the same turbo diesel engine without any output alterations. That improved steering feel comes courtesy of the wider track, while the suspension changes mean it can also carry more weight (gross vehicle mass improves 100kg).

KEL: While I know all the extras are designed for off-road, I actually found it was comfortable on the bitumen.

GRANT: Agreed, and for those counting the kilos the SL can actually carry more in the tray than the Pro-4X – 1026kg versus 952kg with the automatic transmission. Fuel consumption on our test saw an average of 9.8L/100km, which is two litres thirstier than the figure from Nissan.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Not for me, I’d sacrifice the off-road ability for more luxuries. I found the standard Navara fine for our needs, and even the rangetopping model without the Warrior upgrades is cheaper.

GRANT: There are plenty of buyers who don’t agree and would happily get rid of the tech gizmos in favour of rock-hopping prowess. I certainly like the look and feel of the Warrior, but I’d be tempted to spend the extra money to get the high-spec version to justify the investment.