Nissan’s new utility will avail in four auto double cab 4x4 forms; two for work, two for play.

ANNOUNCEMENT today of pricing for the latest Navara suggests Nissan is seeking to steer clear as best it can from the territory occupied by the vehicle it develops from.

Presenting as a dual cab automatic four-wheel-drive spanning $54,690 SL, $57,690 ST, $62,690 ST-X and $67,690 PRO-4X grades, the model starts and ends at higher prices than Mitsubishi asks for the Triton, the one-tonner entering its third year of sale that Nissan used as the basis of their own effort.

However, the new D27 Navaras are all cheaper than their outgoing D23 predecessors, which at full retail ran at $59,390, $63,990, $68,490 and $71,590.

Also, the new versions appear to be cheaper here than in Australia, where development took place.

How close the Navara and Triton truly are in respect to specification is not yet clear, as Nissan has not given a complete type-by-type breakdown.

Similarities and differences might well have to await arrival of Navara stock. It is on sale from next month.

The relevance of any comparison is also affected by Mitsubishi here presenting one less dual cab auto wellside variant than its Alliance partner.

According to the Mitsubishi Motors NZ website today, Triton in that four-door family-minded format sells for $50,740 as a GLX, $53,990 as a GLXR and $59,990 in its optimal VRX presentation.

The models share at least 90 percent compatibility, with the same drivetrain - involving a four-cylinder 2.4-litre biturbo diesel making 150kW and 470Nm and six-speed automatic - and the same four-wheel-drive systems, with top choices taking the advanced Super Select II setup Mitsubishi developed in-house.

The load and 3.5 tonne towing capabilities are lineball. Body sizes, deck dimensions, ground clearances likewise. Both tout five star ANCAP ratings.

The Navara SL has 17-inch steel wheels, a rear locking differential, a seven-inch infotainment display with wired Apple Carplay and Android Auto, cloth upholstery and the ‘easy select’ base 4wd.

A Triton GLX has the same wheel size, but sports an alloy type, has a nine-inch screen with wireless Apple Carplay and wired Android Auto, and also has cloth, plus the same 4wd.

The Navara ST adopts 17-inch alloy wheels and is the lowest-priced of the Navaras to take as standard suspension tuning developed by Premcar, an specialist based in Australia.

That can be fitted to the entry Navara, but as a cost-extra. The ST has a leather-accented steering wheel.

The ST-X and Pro-4X aim more at weekend warriors than weekday toilers, and are promoted as premium choices.

They have the optimal four-wheel-drive system, which Nissan labels Super 4WD system, featuring a Torsen limited-slip centre differential and seven selectable terrain modes. ST-X has 18-inch alloys, silver-painted grille inserts and side steps and the cabin upgrades to the nine-inch infotainment display and leather-accented seats.

PRO-4X runs unique matt black 17-inch alloy wheels, has arch mouldings with lava red accents, and a red-accented Navara tailgate badge. It also sports PRO-4X embossed seats, and lava red accents throughout the cabin.

Nissan does not say if the driver’s chair in the top level is power-operated, as occurs in the VRX, or if heated seats also come.

Nissan says it refined its lineup based on customer preferences, with over 90 per cent of outgoing D23 Navara buyers selecting this body style and transmission combination, commenting: “Each grade is comprehensively equipped to ensure they deliver value for money.”

Navara is backed up to five years or 150,000km warranty coverage and up to five years of 24-hour roadside assistance.

Mitsubishi delivers five years and 130,000km new vehicle warranty, 10 years or 160,000km powertrain cover and five years’ roadside assist.

The Navara arrives as the nameplate marks its 40th anniversary, having first been delivered locally in December 1986. Since then, more 70,000 Navaras have been sold here.