Australia’s new Nissan Navara swaps factory‑installed shock absorbers for a locally‑tuned suspension, boosting off‑road performance and sustainability. Learn more now.
The latest generation Nissan Navara has just rolled out in Australia, but there’s a twist most buyers won’t see until the truck reaches the dealership floor. Every vehicle leaves the factory fitted with a standard set of shock absorbers, yet Australian dealers immediately remove them and install a bespoke suspension system developed by local engineering firm Premcar.
Local Engineering Gives the Navara an Edge
Premcar, based in Melbourne, tailors the Navara’s suspension to tackle the country’s demanding road conditions. By swapping the factory‑installed shocks for a purpose‑built setup, Nissan aims to give the Navara a clear performance advantage over its main rival, the Mitsubishi Triton, which shares the same D27 platform.
What Happens to the Removed Shocks?
After removal, the stock shock absorbers go through a standard recycling process: the oil is drained just like engine oil, and the metal components are sent to recycling facilities. Nissan emphasizes that this approach aligns with its environmental and sustainability policies.
Cost, Waste, and a Possible Market Niche
The extra step of swapping suspensions adds both development and production costs, and it generates thousands of nearly‑new shock absorbers that never see a customer’s road. Some observers suggest these “unused” shocks could become an affordable aftermarket option for Triton owners, rather than being discarded.
Model‑Specific Suspension Set‑ups
Premcar designs distinct suspension packages for each Navara trim:
- SL and ST: Standard configuration for everyday driving.
- ST‑X: Tuned for smoother, highway‑type roads.
- Pro‑4X: Focused on off‑road capability.
- Pro‑4X Warrior (upcoming): An upgraded system aimed at the toughest terrains.
Production and Launch Delays
The D27 Navara is built alongside the Triton at Nissan’s Laem Chabang plant in Thailand. However, the Australian‑specific suspension is not installed there; the trucks arrive with the standard shocks and are retrofitted locally. This extra step delayed the Australian launch by a year, giving engineers time to perfect the custom setup.
Market Context: Competing with the Ford Ranger
Ford’s Ranger, developed entirely in‑house for the Australian market, continues to dominate the midsize pickup segment. Nissan’s strategy—deliberate engineering tweaks and a focus on off‑road performance—is intended to narrow that gap.
Balancing Performance, Cost, and Sustainability
For consumers, the upgraded suspension promises a noticeably improved driving feel and better handling on rough surfaces. Yet the practice of discarding almost‑new components raises questions about waste versus performance gains. The Navara’s story highlights the broader industry challenge of delivering localized excellence while staying mindful of environmental impact.
Whether the custom suspension will sway Australian buyers remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a new layer to the pickup‑truck showdown down under.