The Mitsubishi Triton has always been among the more stylish pick-ups around, combining a good-looking design with the rugged qualities that such vehicles must have. The current generation has been in the market since early 2019 and has built up its own following. Malaysian sales from April 2020- March 2021 totalled 7,598 units, a 32% increase in sales as compared to same period in the previous Financial Year of the company.
For 2021, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is introducing the new Triton Athlete which will be flagship model of the range, replacing the Triton Adventure X. The ‘Athlete’ name is not new, having been used in 2018 for the previous generation.
Black theme
For the 2021 version, it has a black theme with a choice of three body colours- Sun Flare Orange Pearl, White Diamond and Jet Black Mica. Besides a gloss black front under garnish and ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design incorporating a glossy black radiator grille, the black theme also encompasses the side mirrors, door handles, aero type window deflectors, 18-inch gloss black rims and side-steps.
The double cab is appointed appropriately as the flagship version and has orange-stitching for the leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and also comes with LED illuminated scuff plates on the door sills. Other useful features include an All-Round Monitor, Driving Video Recorder and 7-Inch Touchscreen Audio system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard. The upgrades are offered by MMM authorized dealers at all Mitsubishi Motors showroom nationwide. For rear occupant comfort, there is also a rear air circulator.
Proven drivetrain with MIVEC engine
The Triton Athlete continues with a proven 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine with variable valve timing which produces 181 ps/430 Nm. The Super Select 4WD II system, which can be used without having to stop the vehicle, has an off-road mode for optimum traction and handling characteristics in any terrain. There is also Hill Descent Control which helps the driver go down a slope safely, with the computer managing the speed and all the driver has to do is steer and look out for obstacles.
Pick-ups these days have similar safety systems as passenger cars and the Triton Athlete is a good example. It comes with standard Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System, Auto High Beam and 7 airbags.
5-year warranty
Priced from RM141,500 (without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia), the new Triton Athlete comes with a factory warranty of 5 years, or maximum of 200,000 kms after registration.
Besides the Triton Athlete, MMM also imports from Thailand five other variants which range in price from RM79,890 to RM121,000 (excluding insurance) with varying specifications to suit different requirements and budgets.
An all-new Isuzu D-MAX for 2021 is due to make its appearance later this month, which is surprise news as this third generation model – which had its global debut just 18 months ago in Thailand – was expected to arrive only next year.
Explaining the speedy introduction, the Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia’s Light Commercial Division, Masayuki Suzuki, said that the fast-tracked launch of the new D-Max was made possible through the support of Isuzu Motors Ltd. that views Malaysia as a strategic market. It is important enough that the company even invested it having its own assembly plant locally (in Pekan, Pahang).
“We are extremely thrilled that this impressive all-new Isuzu D-Max has been made available in Malaysia much earlier than expected. As the fifth country in the world to launch this model after its global introduction in Thailand, it stands as testament to the strong commitment from Isuzu Motors towards ensuring that the Malaysian market enjoys the latest selection of choice Isuzu vehicles,” he said.
Mr. Suzuki said the D-Max has an estimated price range between RM89,000 and RM145,000, depending on the variant and subject to government approvals. He said that those who wish to be the first owners can place their booking from today at all authorized Isuzu dealerships nationwide.
“The all-new Isuzu D-Max has made scores of new fans in the markets it has been introduced in and I believe that the same will happen here in Malaysia. This new model evokes a new level of interest in owning and driving a pick-up truck hence we have initiated this pre-launch booking programme to ensure those who have eagerly awaited the arrival of the new model will be among the very first to take delivery once it has been officially launched,” he said.
The award-winning RZ-4E 1.9-litre turbodiesel ‘Blue Power’ engine.
Bold and sporty with more space inside
The latest D-Max model has been extensively developed to exceed the normal perimeters of a pick-up truck while adding an emotive dimension to its highly dependable and impressively-capable character. Developed on a design theme of’ bold and sporty’, it presents a strong road presence from its masculine frontal design and purposeful outline that exudes a more athletic and dynamic stance.
With its larger overall dimensions and longer wheelbase that enable a more spacious cabin and larger load bed, owners will enjoy improvements in aspects such as comfort, space and versatility making this truck ideal for every purpose.
2 bodystyles, 2 engine choices
As before, there will be single and double cab bodystyles, and customers will have a choice of the award-winning RZ-4E 1.9-litre powerplant or a revised 4JJ-3TCX 3-litre engine. Both engines, which deliver strong output, have already been proven for their durability, reliability and fuel efficiency.
The new D-MAX has been tested by ASEAN NCAP and received the maximum rating of 5 stars.
5-star safety
ASEAN NCAP, the independent organization which evaluates vehicle safety, has already tested the new D-MAX and after analysing data from a crash test as well as other results, the maximum 5-star rating was awarded. Besides this assurance of a high level of protection for the occupants, there’s a host of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (available in selected variants) to help avoid accidents.
To learn more about the all-new Isuzu D-Max or to find a showroom to make a booking, visit the Isuzu D-Max Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ISUZU.DMax.Malaysia/.
Jeep has had a lot of different models since its first vehicle came out of the factory in 1945. During the early years, Jeeps were pretty much utilitarian vehicles, especially those which were used by the armed forces. Other companies like Ford and even Toyota began promoting 4×4 vehicles for recreational purposes and configured them for such use.
Jeep decided to also compete in the segment which would only take off in the 1990s. It came out with a model called the Jeepster Commando which catered to growing interest in leisure time use of 4×4 vehicles. It was the first compact 4×4 vehicle with an automatic transmission and, unlike the Jeep CJs of its day, it boasted modern amenities such as doors, roll-up side glass, a heater and roof, as standard equipment.
‘Resto-Mod’ project
The Jeepster made an impact in its early years but a change of engine caused a decline in the early 1970s. However, like many classics, it gained cult status years after it was discontinued. This year, the designers at Jeep picked the 1968 Jeepster for their ‘Resto-Mod’ project, seamlessly blending it with a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
The Jeepster Beach concept, like the original, is made for fun in the sun, and this ultimate beach-themed cruiser continues that tradition by embodying a spirited, carefree attitude. The body was modified and the exterior fuses original chrome trim with an updated, brightly coloured two-tone paint scheme of Hazy IPA and Zinc Oxide.
Vintage looks, modern mechanicals
While the Jeepster Beach concept maintains the outward appearance of a vintage Jeepster, it commands peak performance both on and off-road delivered by the modern-day Wrangler. Under the bonnet lives a high-tech 2-litre 4-cylinder engine pushing out 270 bhp/400 Nm. It has direct-injection and uses a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger mounted directly to the cylinder head, along with a dedicated cooling circuit for the turbocharger, intake air and throttle body for exceptional responsiveness, performance and fuel efficiency. An 8-speed automatic transmission mated to a 4:1 transfer case delivers power to all four 35-inch tyres.
The custom interior features low-back bucket seats trimmed in red leather. The rear seat was replaced with a chrome, 4-point safety cage and the carpets were removed to make cleaning out sand a breeze.
The original Jeepster Commando was produced by Kaiser Jeep in 1966. There were four bodystyles – roadster, wagon, pick-up truck and convertible. Even after American Motors acquired Jeep in 1970, the Jeepster remained in production. In 1972, it gained extra length in the wheelbase and was also re-engineered to use AMC engines. However, these engines were not suitably matched to the Jeepster and customer numbers began to fall, leading to the model being discontinued in 1973. By then, AMC had a new Cherokee to attract customers to showrooms.
Remember the ‘Mothertrucker” which arrived in the market 13 years ago? It had big numbers – in size and in engine output – which inspired Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) to give it that nickname. Since 2008, it has made its mark in many markets, including Malaysia where it was initially assembled locally but importation later switching to completely built-up (CBU) vehicles from the Nissan production hub for the model in Thailand.
It’s currently in the third generation which was launched here in 2015 and after 6 years, the truck has received updates to refresh its looks and also technology. It’s hard to say just how long Nissan plans the model cycle – typically around 10 years for light commercial vehicles, including pick-up trucks – as previous generations have had short and long product cycles. Usually, an update takes place about halfway through the product life so would this suggest that for this generation, it will be 12 years? The first generation was in production for 7 years while the second generation was 10 years.
Anyway, whatever the time-frame, the updated Navara is now on Malaysia soil and will be officially launched by ETCM on April 16. Unlike some other companies, ETCM has decided not to do any teaser campaign and is revealing the specs now, with only the prices being withheld till the launch date.
Dominant black theme
The new Navara is designated PRO-4X and has styling changes that clearly differentiate it from the 2020 model. The styling changes at the front and rear, in particular, have increased the overall dimensions slightly but the basic bodyshell is actually unchanged in size. Up front is a new ‘Interlock’ grille with a mesh design finished in flat black. The black colour is also used for the door handles, door mirrors, roof rails, alloy wheels and fender flares, giving a bold look to the already imposing body.
New 2021 Navara front end (above) has a very different look from the one on the 2020 model (below).
Look closely at the headlights and you’ll see four cubes inside. These make up the segment-first quad-LED Projector lighting system, complemented by C-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). LEDs are also used for the rear lights, with a C-shaped visual signature.
While the Nissan emblem is not the new one that was announced last year, it does get some special treatment on the Navara and looks more modern than before. And just so everyone knows which Nissan model this is, the name ‘NAVARA’ is stamped on the leading edge of the bonnet as well as on the rear panel in extra-large letters.
While there are four colour choices, ETCM has not said how many variants there will be although we would guess that there would probably be a similar number as before, including a single cab for customers who want a workhorse instead of a leisure machine. The vehicle in the pictures is likely to be the top variant as it has all the latest features and technologies.
Same 2.5-litre turbodiesel
As for the engine, we’ve also been told of only one powerplant which is the same one used before – the YD25 in-line 4-cylinder turbodiesel with intercooler. This engine can generate up to 190 ps/450 Nm which gets to the four wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. As with other traditional pick-up trucks, there’s a transfer case with High and Low ranges that can be selected by a switch.
For very difficult conditions of if the vehicle is trapped in sand of thick mud, the new Electronic Locking Rear Differential system will lock both rear wheels so they rotate at the same speed instead of power being diverted away from the spinning wheel. Thanks to modern technology, the driver does not need to get out in the mud as much as before.
Besides the strengthened rear axle, the rear multi-link suspension has been given dual-rate coil springs for better body control even when heavily loaded. Stability is also improved along with ride comfort and handling.
Cabin more for personal use
Like SUVs, pick-up truck usage has also gravitated towards personal daily use as an alternative to a passenger car. As such, interior designers have been making cabins more and more passenger car-like to the extent that if you were brought inside blindfolded and seated, you would not be able to tell that you are in a pick-up truck.
With the latest Navara, the Zero Gravity- Inspired (not zero gravity) front seats are standard, and the rear seats have been improved in cushioning and structure for better support and comfort. Rear passengers now get a new fold-down armrest in the middle with built-in cupholders. Under the rear seat, which can be folded up, is a small compartment for storing tools. In the version we were shown, the seats had leather upholstery although, going by past practice, other variants may have different materials.
To improve quietness, acoustic laminated glass is used for the windscreen as well as the side window glass on the front doors. Laminated glass, which does not shatter when hit by large stones, has a sandwich construction and in between the two layers is an acoustic layer which absorbs external noises.
More tech can be seen in the dashboard which has a full-colour 7-inch High Resolution Digital Display for the instrument panel and an 8-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display for infotainment. The system is Appel CarPlay & Android Auto Ready so apps from compatible smartphones can be easily transferred and accessed from the screen. Other equipment includes a new sporty 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, 4 USB ports (including one which is a Type C port).
On either side of the rear cargo bed (which is 1469 mm x 1560 mm) is a new Utili-Track Channel System (shown below) for securing goods. It is made up of 2 channels and 4 heavy-duty forged aluminum cleats that can be locked anywhere along the channel.
The payload is now rated at 1.1 tonnes and to make opening and closing the tailgate easier, there is a Tailgate Assist system which ‘lightens’ the weight. The bumper also has an integrated step, with an anti-slip pattern, for easy access to the cargo bed.
Generous dose of new technologies
As mentioned earlier, the new Navara has received a generous dose of new technologies, clustered under the umbrella of ‘Nissan Intelligent Mobility Technologies’. These provide a 360o ‘safety shield’ for the vehicle to protect the occupants from injuries.
New for the model is an Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Off-Road mode. Available when in 4×4 (Low) mode, the monitor helps the driver spot any obstacles around the vehicle. Being able to see what is on the ground around and ahead will give the driver more confidence when driving over rough, unknown terrain and also reduce hitting obstacles or dropping into big potholes.
As with many passenger car models today, there are pro-active safety systems that monitor, warn and even act to prevent an accident. For example, Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning will alert the driver if a collision is likely to occur with a vehicle ahead and if no action is taken, the brakes will come on automatically to prevent the collision.
Other active systems include Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Moving Object Detection and Intelligent Driver Alertness. These are all standard for the PRO-4X variant though they may not be available in other variants, which is usually the case.
Now we await the price announcement from ETCM but if you want to be personally informed, you can register your interest at any authorized Nissan showroom around the country. The locations can be found at www.nissan.com.my.
The iconic Defender may have been retired from the Land Rover line but it is not forgotten. Land Rover Classic is now building 25 Defenders for an exclusive competition later this year. The adventure-ready Defender Works V8 Trophy model to be built is a re-engineered vehicle with a 405 ps 5-litre petrol V8 engine and 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
There will also be a comprehensively uprated suspension, steering and braking packages. Additional all-terrain kit includes a front winch, multi-point expedition cage, roof rack, underbody protection, A-bar, raised air intake, LED spotlights and mud-terrain tyres.
Two body designs with personalisation
Prices start from £195,000 (about RM1.1 million) and there’s a choice of 90 and 110 Station Wagon body designs available, finished in unique Eastnor Yellow paintwork with Narvik Black details and body-colour heavy-duty steel wheels. The purpose-built vehicles also receive LED headlamps, a Heritage front grille, unique Land Rover Trophy badging and event participation graphics personalised to each customer, including their name and country flags.
Additional all-terrain equipment includes front winch, multi-point expedition cage, roof rack, underbody protection, A-bar, raised air intake, spotlights and mud-terrain tyres
The cabin has full black Windsor leather trim with Recaro sports seats featuring contrasting yellow stitch detailing, plus Land Rover Trophy clock face by Elliot Brown. Land Rover Classic’s own Classic Infotainment System with integrated navigation and mobile device connectivity is also fitted.
Competition at spiritual testing ground of Land Rover
All customers of the limited edition model will be invited to compete in an exclusive 3-day adventure at Eastnor Castle in England. This is the spiritual home of Land Rover testing and development where its vehicles have demonstrated their superior off-road capabilities for decades. It will be the first time the customers will get to drive their vehicles.
With this concept, customers can create their own stories, ‘battle scars’ and patina with their Works V8 Trophy vehicles from day one, fuelling campfire chats with like-minded enthusiasts. Expert one-to-one tuition will also be provided as part of the adventure, giving customers a unique opportunity to develop extreme driving techniques and skills in their own vehicle, before putting their training to the test. Everyone will compete for a range of prizes, including a Grand Prize for the overall winner (to be announced later in 2021).
The Chinese New Year festive season is coming up and if you want to celebrate it with a brand new vehicle, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has some deals for you which could save up to RM6,000. The savings are for the Ford Ranger Raptor and Ranger Wildtrak models (selected year) and while stocks are available.
The Ranger Raptor is still the only pick-up truck of its kind in Malaysia and even the region. Built with the expertise and assistance of Ford Performance, it sets a new benchmark as the first and only factory-built performance pick-up truck in the country.
While there are some models which have bodykits installed to give them a more macho look but the performance is not increased, the Ranger Raptor has enhanced performance to go with its much more aggressive appearance. In particular, the Fox Racing Shox that are installed as standard provide higher damping forces at full bounce and rebound to enable better off-road capabilities – and the ability to handle jumps.
The Ranger Raptor comes with a powerful 2-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine which produces 213 ps/500 Nm which goes to the rear or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. An intelligent Terrain Management System offers 6 modes, including a Baja Mode, which customise the engine and performance characteristics to the terrain for optimum grip and stability.
Not everyone may need the extreme capabilities of the Ranger Raptor but still want off-road capability without giving up on refinement. This is where the Ranger WildTrak will prove to be an ideal choice. Besides a generous list of standard equipment and features, it also has an array of smart safety technologies.
Some of the first-in-class features are Autonomous Emergency Braking with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning. There’s also Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking which will certainly be welcome by those who have been deterred by the vehicle’s size and length. At the touch of a button, the computer slots the Ranger Wildtrak in and all the driver has to do is manage the power.
Its 2-litre Bi-turbo diesel engine is also mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and provides drivers with 180 ps of power and 420 Nm of torque. This gives the WildTrak the ability to carry a maximum payload of 1000 kgs and a towing capacity of 3500 kgs.
To locate a Ford showroom in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my . In view of the current pandemic requiring observation of SOPs, customers are encouraged to make an appointment first. They can do so using WhatsApp to connect to the Ford Sales Line at +60 19-204 1200.
The next generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander is under final tuning and testing with its global debut to take place on February 17, 2021. Engineers at Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) are putting the SUV through its paces in severe weather and road conditions.
This will be the fourth generation of the Outlander, which MMC traces back to the Airtrek of 2001. While the Airtrek was sold in Malaysia earlier when USF was handling Mitsubishi SUVs, the Outlander was not and it was only with the third generation that the model was offered in the market by Mitsubishi Motors malaysia. Initially, it was imported in CBU (completely built-up) form and a year after launch, in 2017, local assembly began at the Tan Chong assembly plant in Kuala Lumpur.
Super-All Wheel Control system
With the fourth generation, MMC will introduce its latest Super-All Wheel Control system. The system advances the company’s pioneering all-wheel drive technology which has been developed with experience in years of competition in the tough Dakar rallies.
Preliminary information indicates that the new Outlander will be bigger and has been developed with the product concept of ‘I-Fu-Do-Do’, which means ‘authentic and majestic’.
The Outlander has been available with different powertrains, including a hybrid one which has been popular in Europe. With electrification being the trend in the industry, the new model should also continue with this powertrain in its line-up.
New Drive Mode
“We took everything we know about on and off-road driving from the rally experiences to apply the latest Super-All Wheel Control technology in our newly developed platform. We also specifically developed a new drive mode selector to provide confident driving at all times and in all weather conditions,” said Kentaro Honda, segment chief vehicle engineer (lead engineer) for the new SUV that will be a flagship model.
The current third generation has been assembled in Malaysia since 2017.
Jeep is a highly recognisable brand globally although it has not had much of a presence in Malaysia. Perhaps that’s partly because we were not associated with America much, being a British colony, and where 4×4 vehicles were concerned, it was the Land Rover that has had a long presence on our roads. Most Malaysians know Jeep for its original Wrangler that was based on the World War II vehicle although the range today is much wider.
The only time that Jeep had a lengthy period of sales in Malaysia was in the 1990s when an MBf automotive unit took on the franchise. It sold the Jeep Cherokee (which was also assembled locally in Johor) and then tried to sell the bigger Grand Cherokee. The Cherokee sold reasonably well but then came the financial crisis of the late 1990s and Jeep was one of the casualties. The moment the numbers dropped below 4 digits, the Americans who were here to support marketing packed up and went home, and Jeep didn’t bother to renew the contract. DRB-HICOM had a go some years back but with the way the models were priced, most people preferred the more established alternative SUVs in the market.
First time with 3 rows
So Malaysians don’t know much about Jeep and won’t know much about the range to know that the Grand Cherokee has 4 generations since 1993 and this week, the fifth generation has made its debut. Besides being a full model change – meaning a complete redesign – the new Grand Cherokee has a wider range with the addition of the Grand Cherokee L, a longer version which has 3 rows of seats, a first for the model.
The platform is a totally new one and has been specially developed for the new generation. Like the Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee has also had monocoque construction or what the Americans like to call unibody, which is just like a passenger car’s. Many of the full-sized (large to us) SUVs in America continue to have body-on-chassis construction which is similar to pick-up trucks.
Weight-saving has been a priority for the engineers and besides using high-strength steel for 60% of the structure, aluminium is also used in many areas. These include the bonnet, rear door and front subframe.
Passenger car-type bodyshell
The unibody construction allows the Grand Cherokee to have a more passenger car-like feel, and multi-link independent suspension is used all round. For those who want more comfort, air suspension is also available and allows variation of the ride height to tackle more difficult terrain.
Powertrains are typically large, with displacements of 3.6 litres and 5.7 litres, both with 8-speed automatic transmissions. Like Land Rover, Jeep also draws heavily on its 4×4 heritage and for the Grand Cherokee, there are three 4×4 systems available. To reduce fuel consumption, the systems are able to disconnect the front axle automatically when the situation permits.
New seating structure
As mentioned earlier, the Grand Cherokee can now have up to 3 rows of seats to accommodate up to 7 people. The additional row is being offered as customer feedback indicates demand for it. This required a new seating structure to be developed for the Grand Cherokee L, apart from the new platform.
Up front, the dashboard layout has been entirely changed, with a 10.3-inch frameless digital meter panel ahead of the driver, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen display panel in the middle for infotainment. There’s the option of a larger 10.1-inch screen for the top variant as well as a 950W/19-speaker audio system custom-tuned by McIntosh Laboratory. As with most new vehicles nowadays, there are multiple connectivity choices including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and UConnect 5.
New generation of interiors
“The objective for the interior design team was to create a unique statement for 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. We viewed the overall design process through a wide lens that allowed us to use a new generation of Jeep interiors,” said Chris Benjamin, Head of Jeep, Chrysler and Advanced Interior Design, FCA. “While the Jeep Grand Cherokee interior has been synonymous with sophistication, our approach to the three-row version was to showcase distinguished details, handcrafted materials and modern amenities that pair seamlessly with its tailored exterior.”
The new Grand Cherokee L will be the first into the showrooms during the second quarter of 2021, while the 2-row and 4xe hybrid versions will come later in the year. For the immediate future, the Grand Cherokee L will only be available in North America and will not be exported to Europe, Middle East and Africa until the end of this year.
The designs of motor vehicles are proprietary, and manufacturers typically protect them from being copied by other companies. Occasionally, there are court cases when a company introduces its model which looks rather similar and sometimes the original manufacturer wins, or might not. Of course, not all models are copied and it is those with an iconic design that some unethical companies may try to duplicate, believing that they could achieve similar success with their model.
The design of the original Land Rover Defender would be such an example and though Land Rover has come out with a totally new model, the classic shape of the original still appeals to some people. Bowler, a company in England, believes there is enough demand for it to produce vehicles using the classic Defender shape and has obtained permission from Land Rover to do so.
Project CSP 575
It is the next phase of development for Bowler, which makes all-terrain performance cars and rally raid vehicles. With the agreement, the company can develop a new family of high-performance models which will supplement the ongoing motorsport developments that are the foundation of Bowler’s past, present and future plans.
The project is codenamed ‘CSP 575’ and will see a new road-going vehicle with Bowler’s own rally-proven CSP high-strength steel chassis. Onto it will go Defender 110 Station Wagon body panels – made of aluminium alloy like the original – and Land Rover’s 575-ps supercharged V8 engine as well.
Competition-inspired
Initial renders of the planned 4×4 provide a glimpse of the rally-derived model, which will be the first new Bowler since 2016. Full details will be revealed early next year, but the competition-inspired off-roader promises to combine potent performance and motorsport-honed durability in a classic Defender 110 Station Wagon shape capable of accommodating four passengers.
Founded in 1985, Bowler pioneered the production of dedicated off-road competition cars in the UK. It became a subsidiary of Jaguar Land Rover at the end of 2019 and its expertise has been utilised in for a number of projects as part of Special Vehicle Operations.
Bowler customers are already benefitting from this relationship as Land Rover SV engineers are helping develop Bowler vehicles and using their engineering expertise to test Bowler products at Special Vehicle Operations’ world-class facilities.
The classic Defender (left) and the latest all-new model on the right.
Land Rover’s decision to issue Bowler with a licence agreement to build vehicles using the classic Defender shape is a natural progression of this relationship and the new stationwagon project represents a unique undertaking. It integrates the technology, components and engineering underpinning Land Rover’s Special Vehicle products with Bowler’s motorsports expertise and experience.
“We’re excited to announce the first major project since our acquisition of Bowler. The ‘CSP 575’ will combine Supercharged V8 performance and 4-seat practicality with Bowler’s rally raid-proven CSP platform, broadening the appeal of the brand. This high-performance road-going model will sit alongside Bowler’s evolving range of rally raid models, which continue to enjoy success in the world’s toughest motorsport events,” said Michael van der Sande, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations.
Bowler specialises in developing vehicles for off-road competition and also provides support services.
The new model will be manufactured in very small quantities at Bowler’s own facilities by the same engineers and technicians producing its competition 4x4s. Bowler will be marketing the model to customers in the UK, select European and overseas markets, with an indicative pricing to be around £200,000 (about RM1.086 million at current exchange rates).
Nissan today unveiled to the world its new Navara pick-up, updating the current one which was introduced in 2014. As with its other pick-up models, the Navara benefits from over 80 years of experience making such vehicles which have become popular in many regions of the planet.
Described as the most advanced Navara yet, the new Navara comes with many best-in-class technologies, including an array of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features and safety systems. “We packaged the new model with a full set of advanced technologies to ensure enhanced dynamic performance on and off-road, as well as safety and comfort ushering in a new age of toughness, tech, and peace of mind,” said Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer.
Current Navara
While the familiar tough looks of the Navara continue, it has also been given a bolder appearance. The front end adopts carries the new ‘interlock’ grille – a unique feature found exclusively on the Nissan pickup family and first introduced on the latest Nissan Titan – which gives the impression that it is coming out and ‘grabbing’ the engine.
Distinctive LED headlamps
Besides the model name embossed on top of the grille and across the full width of the rear door panel, the Navara also has a segment-first all-new, high-tech C-shaped quad LED projector headlamps. Each of the four distinctive projector units have their own intricate bezel shape, giving a visual signature to the vehicle
Apart from adding a level of sophistication to the rugged design, they also provide greater illumination, which would definitely be appreciated when driving off-road or in bad weather. At the back, the LED tail lamps with their greater brightness also help improve safety as the vehicle’s presence will be more visible.
Body-on-frame construction
The new Navara continues to use body-on-frame construction, with the cabin and cargo bed being separate units that are bolted onto a strong chassis frame. This has been the traditional construction for pick-up trucks and also SUVs, although the latter have moved towards monocoque construction (like passenger cars) in recent times.
Body-on-frame construction is still regarded as being more suited for the sort of usage that the Navara would typically have. It not only copes better with rough terrain but can also handle heavy loads. It has an increased payload capacity which Nissan says is the best in the 1-ton class.
There’s also a strengthened rear axle and additional truck bed volume (depending on region), as well as retuned suspension settings. An integrated step in the new rear bumper makes bed access easier and reduces fatigue caused by repeated loading and unloading. Additionally, the bed is equipped with a flap-type, tie-down hook to secure both large and small objects, making it easier for loading and unloading without interference.
New PRO-4X grade for the Navara comes with distinctive look with a black Nissan emblem, a black front bumper and black grille, door handles, roof racks and running boards accented by 17-inch black wheels and all-terrain tyres. It also has lively, orange-red accents, a tint inspired by the colour of magma, contrasted with the dark grille, wheels, and mirror caps.
Powertrains to be carried over
Nissan has not mentioned the powertrains that will be available but does say that there will be ‘carried-over powertrain options’. Thus it is likely that the YS engines will continue to be used, these being proven over a 10-year life. They are used by Alliance members in light commercial vehicles and for such vehicles, proven reliability is more important to customers than having new technologies.
The current engine line-up consists of a 2.5-litre petrol engine from the QR family and 2.3-litre turbodiesel engines, with 7-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions. This will probably be the same for the new Navara although one cannot discount the downsizing trend which may see a smaller displacement engine being available for some markets.
One of the Nissan turbodiesel engines in the current Navara.
Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies
As in other new Nissan models, Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) technologies are highlighted as the big thing in the new Navara. These are technologies which create a ‘360-degree safety shield’ for the vehicle, as well as helping the driver to avoid accidents.
NIM technologies include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning as well as Intelligent Driver Alertness, which prompts drivers to take breaks through visual and gives audible alerts when changes in driving style or steering behaviour are detected.
Many vehicles now come with a display that shows a simulated overhead view so the driver can see all around when manoeuvring. The new Navara also has this, which is called the Intelligent Around View Monitor. However, NIM technologies add something else that enhances safety – Moving Object Detection. This helps drivers notice people and other vehicles surrounding or approaching the vehicle.
The system also features an off-road monitor, enabling the driver to observe surrounding obstacles at low speeds when in 4×4. This gives the driver more confidence when travelling over rough terrain and can help avoid damage to the bodywork.
Besides the rearview camera, there is also Rear Cross Traffic Alert which uses sensors to detect vehicles coming from either side when reversing out of a parking bay. This will be an especially useful feature for pick-up drivers as the vehicle is long, and will reduce the stress (as well as accidents).
The pickup also comes with new automatic safety and convenience features such as a rain-sensing wiper and a speed-sensing door lock that activates when the vehicle speed exceeds 25 km/h.
While driving, there is an Active Brake Limited Slip Differential system to improve grip and stability. It does this by managing power delivery and wheel braking between the front and rear axles and between the left and right of the vehicle. There’s also a Vehicle Dynamic Control system to help in keeping the car under control on slippery corners, and ABS to prevent wheel lock-up.
Added convenience and comfort
Inside, the new Navara gains added convenience and new features that are driver-oriented to make driving more enjoyable and comfortable. The rear seats are more comfortable, with upgrades to the seat cushions and back shapes. Interior quietness is also claimed to be significantly improved with increased amounts of sound deadening insulation and a laminated windshield and front windows.
The new Nissan Connect infotainment system meets the needs of modern travellers, providing Bluetooth streaming audio, voice recognition, and navigation. Everything is shown on an 8-inch screen, with a 7-inch higher resolution TFT screen complementing it. Besides having multiple USB ports throughout the vehicle for charging devices, there is also a Type-C USB port in the console, allowing more modern devices to be recharged.
Made in Thailand, Mexico and South Africa
For the ASEAN and Australian markets, the new Navara will be produced at Nissan’s plant in Thailand, which is also its strategic manufacturing and R&D hub for ASEAN. The first market to receive the new model will, not surprisingly, be Thailand which is the second largest truck market in the world. Other production hubs for the model will be in Mexico and South Africa, starting later on.
As Edaran Tan Chong Motor stopped assembling the model locally with the current generation, the new one should be available in Malaysia more quickly, probably in the first half of 2021. With local assembly, there’s a delay as local parts suppliers start up and the plant has to be prepared for the new model, not to mention the fact that the CKD kits from the overseas factory may also be available only at a later time.
If you prefer the current Navara, Edaran Tan Chong Motor should still be selling it for some time more. Viewing and test-drives are available at authorised Nissan showrooms and their locations can be found at www.nissan.com.my.
