It looks like the production Nissan
Navara-based SUV has leaked online. Nissan may have global ambitions with the model,
perhaps as the next-gen Nissan Xterra. It has a slightly different design from
the Nissan Navara, for it’s a passenger vehicle. Its V-motion grille and more
contemporary headlamp design look inspired by those of the Nissan Pathfinder.
The lower grille looks bigger and has chrome garnish at the top. On the sides,
pronounced wheel arches and a high shoulder line lend a masculine look to the
SUV. At the rear, the Navara-based SUV will have
wraparound tail lamps.
The current Nissan Paladin is powered by the KA24
2.4-litre petrol engine that produces 150 PS and 208 Nm of torque. The
next-gen Nissan Paladin could have Nissan Navara’s QE25 2.5-litre petrol engine
that develops 184 PS and 251 Nm of torque. In other markets, where the
all-new Paladin could sell as the all-new Xterra, Nissan may offer the Navara’s
2.3-litre turbocharged, 2.3-litre twin-turbo and 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel
engines. Transmission choices may include 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and
7-speed automatic. Availability of a four-wheel drive system is a given.
The Nissan Navara-based SUV is said to arrive in
early 2018. It will compete with the likes of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Ford
Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Isuzu MU-X.
