Nissan has taken the wraps off its new V6-powered Frontier, which is again effectively the Navara’s American cousin.
Like the refreshed D23-generation Navara – which is set to go into production in South Africa soon – the Frontier will be offered in a new Pro-4X trim, which includes items such an electronic locking differential, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, underbody skid plates and a new off-road driving mode.
In the United States, the new Frontier features Nissan’s latest 3,8-litre V6 petrol engine, which generates peak outputs of 231 kW and 381 N.m. The six-cylinder unit is matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Nissan says it also “retuned” the bakkie’s hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering gear, with the ratio increased by 16 percent. The suspension setup’s new hydraulic cab mounts ostensibly reduce road vibration, while fresh urethane jounce bumpers provide improved damping. The company has furthermore fitted a larger front stabiliser bar, a new rear stabiliser bar and disc brakes all round.
The load bed can be finished with a factory-applied spray-on bedliner, while a tailgate assist feature is standard. The Frontier’s towing capacity is rated at up to 3 048 kg, with a trailer sway control feature now included.
Inside, you’ll find a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, along with a 7,0-inch configurable instrument cluster. Nissan says it has added insulation, improved the rear carpet structure and fitted new front-door acoustic laminated glass to reduce road noise.
Various Nismo accessories have already been approved for the new Frontier, including items such as a sports bar, off-road step rails (with removable steps), a Nismo suspension kit, off-road auxiliary lighting, ladder racks and tents.
