Nissan Navara ST-R 2004 Review

The diesel ST-R accounts for three quarters of Navara sales and ranks number three in the wider 4WD world behind the market leading Toyota Hilux and Holden's new Rodeo.

The five-seat dual cab utility comes with all the trimmings including alloys, fender flares, side steps and a chunky rollover bar.

It's priced from $43,490 – more than double the cost of the entry level model.

• The ST-R is a big sucker at just over five metres long, 1.8 metres wide and stands 1.7 metres tall, with a turning circle of 12 metres.
• Engine is a 3.0-litre turbo diesel that produces 110kW of power at 3400rpm and 314Nm of torque at 2000rpm. It's a less powerful version of the 3.0-litre diesel in the Patrol, minus the intercooler.
• Fuel tank capacity is 75 litres and while economy is generally good don't expect the fantastic range of the larger 4WD wagons with their huge fuel tanks.
• Transmission is five-speed manual only, with a low range set of gears and limited slip rear diff. Lack of an auto could be an issue – you only get an auto with the 2.4-litre petrol model.
• Brakes are a combination of front discs and rear drums, with no ABS option. They are adequate in a vehicle that is not generally driven quickly but certainly not as good as a full set of discs.
• Suspension is double wishbones up front and leaf spring down the back. The rear setup is good for load but not so good for handling.
• ST-R gets 16x7 inch alloys with big 265/70 series rubber.
• Navara is a traditional style 4WD with lots of jiggle and body roll from a suspension designed to cope with the rigours of off road driving. Try before you buy because the ride will not be to everyone's taste, especially if you are used to a car.
• The diesel engine is generally smooth and relatively quiet, providing plenty of low to mid range oomph, with easy gear changes – but it is no sports car.
• Ground clearance is 215mm, but in utilities it is the longer tail that becomes more of an issue. Because the distance between the rear wheels and end of the vehicle is rather long, it is not difficult to put the tail to ground in step down manoeuvres.
• Load space is an almost square 1395mm and the Navara can carry a full tonne, with a load capacity rated at 1025kg.
• Towing capacity is a maximum of three tonnes with trailer brakes fitted.
• The interior looks a little dated, especially the 70s style air conditioning controls – but they work well enough.
• In a top of the range vehicle such as this we would like to see keyless entry instead of the driver's door operated central locking.
• Black mark for the lack of a three-point seat belt for the centre rear passenger. A driver's airbag is standard but protecting your passenger will cost extra.
• Airconditioning is standard as is a CD player with two speakers.