The pick-up truck battle rages on with the introduction of the facelifted 2021 Nissan Navara in November 2020. The outgoing D23-generation Navara is almost sold out in Malaysia, and the new 2021 model is expected to be launched here soon.

Sources close to the matter at hand have informed WapCar.my that stocks of the current-gen Navara here are almost sold out, which is an indication that the refreshed version is coming.

The current-gen Navara is currently the oldest model in the segment, being launched in 2015. In contrast, its nearest rivals were all recently refreshed: the Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton were updated in 2019, while the Toyota Hilux got a new engine among other things last year.

Don't forget too that we're bound to see more competitors this year in the form of the Mazda BT-50 and the facelifted Ford Ranger.

When the new Navara will be introduced here however is a little tricky to estimate. With Covid-19 and the resultant movement control orders (MCO) wreaking havoc in Malaysia’s automotive industry, there is no definite launch timeline given yet - all we know is that it’s happening this year. 

2021 Nissan Navara facelift specs

The facelifted Navara sports a completely redesigned exterior, with higher-end variants getting LED headlights flanking the brand’s signature V-Motion front fascia.

Along the side are new wheels, and capping off the visual flair are LED tail lights (on selected variants only) that comes with new signature patterns.

Inside, the new Navara gets the Nissan family steering wheel as seen in the Nissan X-Trail facelift and the all-new Nissan Almera.

Creature comforts include Zero Gravity front seats (a feature we love in the Almera) and a 7-inch digital display sitting between the instrument gauges.

On the Thai-spec Navara, buyers will get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, blaring music through a 6-speaker setup.

Meanwhile, comfort should be improved a bit more as Nissan has fitted more sound deadening materials to complement the noise-reducing acoustic glass used for the windshield and front windows.

In Thailand, the facelifted Navara keeps the 2.3-litre twin-turbocharged engine (190 PS/450 Nm), paired to a 7-speed automatic transmission. However, it remains to be seen whether this engine will replace the 2.5-litre units (also 190 PS/450 Nm) currently employed in the Malaysian-spec car.

Safety wise, the Thai-spec Navara is equipped with a healthy suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), encompassing these features:

• Intelligent Around View Monitor (IAVM) with Off-Road Monitor (360-degree cam)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Intelligent Lane Intervention (ILI)
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)

Still - note that all specs here reflect those on the Thai-spec car, and specifications may differ when the Navara makes it to Malaysia. Watch this space!