CALL OF THE WILD
Rugged utes are a common sight in the suburbs but they really shine in the bush
Dual-cab utes sell on the promise of adventure, even if most spend the bulk of their time in the suburbs. So with overseas holidays off limits and more Australians exploring the great outdoors, we decided it was time to see what these work-and-play vehicles can do.
With that in mind we set off to Australia’s alpine region, with a bike in the back to explore those spectacular peaks.
We also packed a surfboard for the second phase in our ultimate ute adventure from the snow peaks to the surf.
Our weapon of choice was Nissan’s Navara Pro-4X, the latest of a growing breed of highend utes with more gear for tackling the rough stuff.
The Pro-4X’s tough front end oozes the visual muscle that’s crucial in the big bad world of dual-cab utes.
The bulging black wheel arches with red highlights house robust all-terrain tyres, while behind the cabin there’s a black sports bar with side sail planes to complete the look.
The $61,290 drive-away Pro-4X auto can be had in red, white, black or Stealth Grey, the latter adding $650 to the bill.
As with all Navaras, there’s a payload of at least one tonne.
Our load is relatively light, although requires serious strapping down for this adventure. The Pro-4X retains the best tiedowns in the business; fixed hoops and adjustable rails higher up.
The Pro-4X impresses on a long 450km freeway run.
The Navara has long been one of the more economical dual-cabs, its 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel sipping where some rivals slurp. The allterrain tyres have taken a toll on fuel use, but at 8.1 litres per 100km it’s respectable for a muscled-up off-roader that tows 3.5 tonnes.
The Navara doesn’t have a forward-facing radar, so it won’t automatically keep a safedistance from the car in front when you switch the cruise control on, but there’s a camera for auto braking emergency braking and blindspot warning.
The Pro-4X has above average road manners for a ute. The steering lacks feel, but the all-terrain rubber digs in with decent grip. And once we hit gravel the Yokohamas come into their own.
It’s reassuring to know they’re less likely to suffer a puncture as the road gets rougher and they do a good job of cushioning big hits. With a light-ish load on board, the unique coil spring rear-end makes for controlled progress over repeated bumps, all the while fending off sizeable potholes.
We didn’t quite reach the snowy peaks,
settling instead for glimpses of white in the distance as we turned and headed east towards the ocean, punishing the Navara with a winding, rocky descent.
As the sun faded away the new quad LED lights came into their own, lighting up slowmoving wombats that seem oblivious to 2.3 tonnes of truck.
By the next morning, the scenery had changed dramatically, a wispy orange glow hovering over the sea as we finally made it to the coastline.
For most, the trip would have ended in a crowded beachside carpark, but the Navara allowed us to broaden our horizons.
We headed off the beaten track in search of secluded bays that wouldn’t look out of place on a postcard.
The Navara’s four-wheel drive, extensive wheel articulation and locking rear differential made it easier to explore hidden fire trails that led directly to the sand, the surfer’s equivalent of pole position.
It’s easy to forget the allure of a four-wheeldrive when you’re negotiating peak-hour traffic and skinny city backstreets. But in their natural habitat, they’re hard to beat, delivering the flexibility to follow your impulses and escape the crowds.
The Pro-4X doesn’t rewrite the rules, but it is the most convincing Navara to date, with a tempting price compared with rival trucks.