Just a month after the latest Nissan Navara’s unveiling in June 2014, reports said that Nissan is readying an SUV based on it. In mid-2016, spy shots started emerging, providing proof for these speculative reports. In the latest, it looks like the production Nissan Navara-based SUV has leaked online.
The Nissan Navara-based SUV seen in the purportedly leaked image is the next-gen Nissan Paladin for China. As we are not entirely sure, we will just call it a render.
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, spy shots have shown that 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 110 kW (150 PS) and 208 Nm of torque. The next-gen Nissan Paladin could have Nissan Navara’s QR25 2.5-litre petrol engine that develops 135 kW (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.
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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.
[Image Source: Nissan-Arabia.com]
