15 June 2012
New car review: A new beast has been unleashed
Nissan has taken full advantage of their long standing alliance with the French motor company Renault, with the new addition to the STX family. The new STX-550 has been fitted with a steroid induced, six cylinder diesel engine. It has been fitted with the alliance groups Renault V9X engine, with chart topping power outputs of 170kW and 550Nm of torque. This gives the STX-550 bragging rights for being the most powerful ute in its class, with the closest rivals being 23kW/80Nm shy of the Nissan.
Although the Navara is starting to show its age, with the new model only being distinguished from the 450 by its discreet V6 and 550 badges, it still manages to fit in amongst the younger crowd on the market.
Leading the pack with some Euro advantage
Unlike the 2.5 litre turbo diesel model, this model uses a 3.0 litre turbo diesel V6 motor. Since its introduction in 2010, this highly refined engine has been used in top end Renault vehicles. This has given the new model one of the smoothest and quietest diesel engines currently fitted to a ute.
It has been fitted with a single geometry turbocharger, located in the centre of the engine’s “V”. Diesel is precisely injected into the cylinders by means of six injectors capable of pressures up to 1800 bar. This enables the fuel to be accurately injected up to five times during each combustion cycle and provides a quieter and smoother engine operation. The exhaust system has been fitted with a particle filter which captures and burns the soot before it can escape into the atmosphere, while meeting the Euro V emission standards. All this extra performance and weight comes at a small price, with a claimed fuel consumption of 9.3L/100km.
For the new model, Nissan have declined to use the same five speed automatic transmission found in the 450’s. Instead, they have used the stronger, smoother, seven speed automatic transmission with selectable 4WD high and low ratios that seamlessly transfer the extra torque to the wheels.
With so much low down torque available from 1750rpm, you will be forgiven in thinking it equates to an increased towing capability. Nissan have decided to play it safe and kept to the same conservative towing figure as the STX-450’s 3000kg for a braked trailer. While this figure should satisfy most tradesmen and boaties' requirements, there will be some buyers feeling a little let down and look towards Ford and Mazda’s models for the superior recommended towing weights. It’s not all that bad though, with 550Nm of torque on tap, it manages a load with less effort than the rest of the pack.
Making the best of an ageing model
Several new utes in the market place have been adopting car like interiors, and Nissan has kept up with the play for their latest model. Seating is comfortable and especially good for those long hauls, while the driver’s seat comes with height and lumber adjustments.
The loading area has kept its useful, movable anchorage points. This is a big plus point, making securing of loads a lot easier and the useful compartments located under the rear seats give some added, out of sight and secure storage space.
Active safety features are ABS, EBD, BA, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control. Passive safety features include six airbags with ISOFIX anchorage points on the rear outer seats. A four star ANCAP crash test rating has been achieved.
The 550 is fitted with wishbone and coil springs at the front suspension with a conventional leaf spring setup out back. It handles bumps in the road with ease, and the 17 inch alloy wheels are shod with 255/65/17 rubber.
It might not have the freshest looks in the marketplace, but it has a whole lot of muscle for a whole lot of ute. Its main rivals in this segment are the arguably more youthful looking Ford Ranger and Mazda’s BT50, along with Toyota’s Hilux and Mitsubishi’s Triton.
The STX-550 is available in one model only, a double cab wellside which retails for $67,990.