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2018 Black Edition Nissan Navara ST

Rob Fraser

Nissan Navara Black Edition Dual Cab Ute Overview

Nissan has had a successful history of running limited editions on their upper spec range Navara.

In 2017 Nissan ran a Navara ST-X N-SPORT variant, which sold out the 500 vehicles in a matter of weeks. However the feedback was that there was more scope for limited editions on lower spec models.

Fast forward to October 2018 and Nissan has launched its special edition range to include the Navara Dual Cab 4X4 SL-based “Silverline” and ST “Black Edition”.

This follows the recent upgrade in 2018 which brought more safety features and improved suspension, especially for towing.

A couple of weeks ago we tested the top of the range Navara ST-X 4WD Dual Cab Ute. We have recently tested the ST version and the review can be found here. Also have a look at our comparison article between an Isuzu D-Max LST and the Navara ST-X

Nissan Navara Black Edition Dual Cab Ute Exterior

The story here with the limited edition is all about the exterior additions. These vehicles are all about the look and fitted accessories.

With the accessories fitted as above the Navara ST Black Edition displays an aggressive look that is ready for adventure.

There seems to be two strong design influences in the Ute market. Firstly the big bold American Pick-Up style that the Colorado and Ranger follow. The second is the more subtle flowing style that the Isuzu and Mazda fall into.

The Navara maintains a look that is somewhere between the two style above. The front grill has a sweeping design that incorporates the headlights and flows through the side bonnet bulges. These define the bonnet and also, surprisingly assist with wheel placement off road.

The Nissan Navara Dual Cab 4X4 ST Black Edition is available in five contemporary colours, including Polar White, Brilliant Silver¹, Cosmic Black, Slate Grey¹ and Burning Red.

Nissan Navara Black Edition Dual Cab Ute Interior

Based on the Navara ST, the Black Edition is basically the same inside.

This means reasonably spacious and comfortable. The seats are a soft fabric style, with enough slide for taller drivers.

The steering wheel is a little thin for my liking and has no reach adjustment, but it does sit a little way from the dash, so that isn’t a major issue. It houses the obligatory controls for audio and Bluetooth system and cruise control etc.

The dash is large and easy to read with two large dials and a central MFD. The centre stack houses the 7 inch touch screen display for SatNav and other features. It is a little smaller than others but the graphics are good to read day or night.

The overall ergonomics are well designed, with soft touch pints for elbows on the door trims and central console bin.

There is plenty of handy storage with a large central bin, two large cup holders in the centre console, an additional Black Edition phone holder that sits in a cup holder, and bottle holders in the door, clever slide out cup holders in front of the air vents and large glove box.

So it’s a big tick for the front occupants. The rear seats are comfortable, but like all Utes, leg room is restricted. There is more than the Amarok though. However there are large air vents and USB ports in the rear for convenience.

Over bonnet visibility is great, with the ridges assisting as mentioned. The ‘A’ pillars are intrusive though as are the ‘B’ pillars, but the external rear view mirrors are large and practical. The surround camera also add a level of visibility and safety that most other Utes don’t have.

Nissan Navara Black Edition Dual Cab Ute Features

The Navara ST on which the Black Edition is based is the mod range model, but still well equipped. Standard features include:-

Nissan Navara Black Edition Dual Cab Ute Drivetrain and Engine

Navara ST Black Edition is powered by a 2.3L 4 Cyl Twin Turbo Diesel engine that produces power of 140kW @ 3,700rpm and Torque of 450Nm @ 1,500 – 2,500rpm. This is matched to a 7 speed sport automatic transmission.

The twin-turbo diesel engine comes with one low pressure and one high-pressure turbo charger. Set in a series, they work together to give you seamless power and torque delivery, offering the maximum 450Nm of torque from as low as 1500-2500rpm. So when you are stopped at traffic lights or towing a heavy load, on acceleration you can really feel that torque instantaneously

The Navara has a true dual range 4×4 transfer case with an electronic 4WD selection and electronic rear diff lock.

Nissan Navara Black Edition Dual Cab Ute What is it like to drive

Nissan kindly took us to the Margaret River region in WA for the launch. Over the three days we drove the Black Edition on the suburban roads, freeway, and back roads. We took in some graded and rough forest trails as well as beach front driving and an interesting track down to a remote beach just out of Dunsborough.

This is exactly the type of driving that most buyers of the Navara would undertake. The Navara took everything in its stride and performed effortlessly.

On road ride and handling for the ST Black Edition is amongst the best in class. It provides a smooth and compliant ride for its occupants, bettered by only the Amarok or Mercedes Benz X-Class. (Which is to be expected).

This is partly due to the front suspension being Independent double-wishbone with front stabiliser bar and rear suspension – 5-link with shock absorber.

On dirt roads, again the suspension soaks up the bumps and jarring more than most Utes. This is without a load on as well.

The 18 inch alloys with all terrain tyres were much quieter than expected, over a variety of surfaces and provide a greater degree of off road capability. Good choice Nissan.

The key here is that the Navara provides this ride without sacrificing the off road benefits. Objectively it may have a little less articulation than some Utes, but this doesn’t stop it from performing over 4WD tracks, fire trails etc.

The low delivery of available torque and the flat line delivery between 1500 and 2500rpm means that the Navara performs easily and effortlessly when both on and off road. While it looks slightly underpowered compared to some of the headline figures, in real world driving conditions it isn’t found wanting.

Nissan Navara Black Edition Dual Cab Ute Dimensions

Nissan Navara Black Edition Dual Cab Ute dimensions are exactly the same as other Navara’s and has an:-

*Includes occupants, fuel and fitted options/accessories. The weight of these must be deducted from the payload to determine load carrying   capacity. Front and rear axle loads must not be exceeded

**must be accounted for in the payload calculations

Nissan Navara Black Edition Dual Cab Ute Safety

Like most Utes these days the Nissan Navara ST Black Edition comes with a 5 Star ANCAP safety rating.

Key safety features include:-

Nissan Navara Black Edition Dual Cab Ute Fit for Purpose

4wd Dual Cab Utes are the hardest vehicles to comment on. They are required to perform a multitude of tasks, more so than any other vehicle.

As a Family vehicle that can go off road, tow family toys, transport gear in the back and keep the family safe and provide a smooth ride, the Navara ST Black Edition does some things better than other Utes and many the same.

However it looks good doing it with the accessories and decals.

The key element here is that it provides a very smooth and compliant ride on road without sacrificing many of the other attributes expected. In this way it is amongst the best all round Utes.

Nissan Navara Black Edition Dual Cab Ute Summary

Nissan has provided a good selection of accessories for the ST Black Edition. Many of what has been added would probably been added as an aftermarket accessory by buyers anyway.

It will appeal to buyers that want to upgrade their vehicle in both capability and looks. I would have liked to see a snorkel as well, but what is there is good.

Pricing is key for these type of limited editions. From October 1 there are 900 vehicles available. Navara Black Edition will have a recommended retail drive away price of $48,690 for 6MT models and $51,190 for automatic models.

Small Business buyers, who account for a third of all light commercial sales, can benefit from Nissan’s competitive small business (ABN) pricing:

Navara Black Edition will have a recommended ABN drive away price of $46,990 for 6MT models and $49,490 for automatic models.

If you are looking for a family 4WD Ute, then the Navara should absolutely be on your list.

Good:-

Not so good:-

Also look at

Model: Nissan Navara Black Edition Dual Cab Ute

*including statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery.

 Overall Rating: 87/100

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