Anyone had a bo-peep at the new Triton ute?

We are actually looking at changing over from our '04 GU 3litre for a dual cab and have over the past fortnight driven both the manual and auto turbo diesel Navaras and as well the 3.2TD Triton GLX-R.

I found the Navara to be quite soft in the suspension, which I actually like, but what did surprise me in the test drive was the way it went around corners like it was on rails. Very impressive indeed, as was the quality of the ride over a certain section that was heavily corrugated. I knew the corrugations were there because I could see them but I can honestly say for the first time ever I did not feel one of them. The 2.5 turbo diesel certainly felt very strong and willing to rev. 2000rpm at 100kmh. I initially drove the auto (wife loves them) but why would you after trying out the 6 speed manual. Absolutely fantastic, and with a silky smooth diesel that pulls cleanly from 1000rpm in any gear, it really was an impressive package.

Enter the Triton , 3.2 turbo diesel, 5 speed manual GLX-R $42,000 drive away if your an ABN holder as we are.
This makes the Triton about $5,000 cheaper than the Navara, and the triton also has the 5 year car, 10 year drivetrain warranty as well. Rear diff lock option = $500 yum.
The test drive ? Well it felt like a ute, not car like like the Navara. Certainly felt more bouncy and did not instill the same confidence when cornering as the Navara. The 3.2 is amazingly strong and in fact felt stronger even though on paper the Navara had it's measure. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to test the Triton on any corrugations.
Driver comfort ? I am a short arse 5'8" (wife is too) and we both found the Navara to be far more comfortable the moment you hopped in the car and during the test.
I found the Triton not uncomfortable, you could easily live with it, and indeed after about a half hour or so on the test we both thought that you could quickly get used to it. Our main concern with the front seats was we felt there lacked any support under your knees and that the squab dropped slightly away putting more than necessary pressure on your feet.
We do a fair bit of camping (both 55 years) and are looking to tow a 1 tonne van, working our way around Oz. The idea is we shall use our van as a base and go out camping from there.
The Navara certainly has the most tray room and the slip fold rear seat is a definite plus.
We have a dilema. At our age we want this purchase to be our last so the long warranty offerred with the Triton is very temping, along with the lower price and diff lock option.
Or do we choose the Navara with it's greater comfort, user friendly design, and car like handling, but still able to tow our van and get to all the right places.
At this stage, the gut feeling says NAVARA.
Cheers.

Hi GU...

I went through the test drive dilema when I bought my current Triton and it basically came down to which dual cab can I fit into comfortably, 6'3" and a bit... I found the Navara at the time to be way too cramped for me and the driving position was wierd, Hi Lux was just too expensive, Mazda/Ford didn't offer a V6 at the time and the Rodeo was the single most uncomfortable vehicle I'd ever driven... I test drove the new Navara a couple of weeks ago (bloke at work just picked one up). Didn't like it much but as you say, it definately drives nicer. When I sat in the new Triton, it just felt good. The problem with the lack of support under the knees is something I've lived with as long as I've been driving being tall...

Go with your gut, no point second guessing yourself after the purchase and regretting your decision.