FIRST DRIVE: Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior

FIRST DRIVE: Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior

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The South African landscape is praised around the world for its rugged yet spectacular landscape. It’s partly why we love our bakkies so much. But sometimes, the terrain gets tough, and that is generally when you need something a little more hardcore. It’s why we have the Ford Raptor, Toyota Hilux GR-S III, and the Isuzu AT35 - cars that are built with a little more seriousness. Now it’s Nissan's turn with their all-new Navara Warrior.

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Navara Warrior is a bespoke new product based on the Navara Pro-4X 4x4 model. Used as a base, the Warrior is then a beefed-up, more hardcore version. I must say, it looks the part with larger MAXXIS RAZR AT tyres, widened black fenders, and a subtle lift kit, with numerous red touches under the body and a rather mean-looking face. The interior further reflects its function-over-form direction with a rather noticeable use of scratchy plastics, which would normally be a cause for concern, but rather offers a more rugged characteristic, which encourages you to jump in without knocking the mud off your boots.

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Same old engine

Under the bonnet tells a familiar story, and the 2.5-litre DDTi engine takes centre stage. This is the same engine as the standard PRO-4X, and it retains the original power figures of 140kW and 450Nm with the same seven-speed automatic. I must say, I do get concerned when a brand adds bigger tyres and stronger mechanical gear to a car with the same power, but I'm pleased to report that the Warrior retains the fun, agile character that I first enjoyed in the PRO-4X without tarnishing the shunt under your right foot.

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The looks meet the ability

With bigger tyres, revised suspension, and what appears to be an improved approach angle, it comes as no surprise that the Warrior is a seriously capable machine. The wheel and tyre combination is one of the most effective additions and provides an impressive amount of grip in most scenarios. As it stands, the standard PRO-4X was already an impressively capable machine, but the Warrior lifts it into a world where rocks become less of a problem.

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As for its increased dimensions, 40mm of added ground clearance and a 30mm wider track keep the nasty undercarriage damage away and make you second-guess a challenge that you would normally assume is impossible. When you play with suspension, towing then becomes your biggest concern, but to ensure you can pull with confidence, the rear shocks are a touch on the stiff side.

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Of course, a massive element to consider when buying an off-road focused machine is the approach and departure angles, or in other words, the front and rear bumper clearance when facing an obstacle. The departure angle remains the same as the Pro-4X at 27 degrees, but the approach angle, thanks to the newly designed front bumper, has been increased by 4 degrees to 35 degrees. 

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Minimalistic interior without the style

Bakkie interiors are either a hit or a miss, and with the introduction of plush options like the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, the bar for a double cab's interior has been lifted in recent years. Unfortunately, the Warrior is a touch on the old side, making use of the same interior from the PRO-4X, which is an older product. What this brings to light is a more simplistic cabin environment. The infotainment system is responsive and offers your Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, but it is a touch on the vintage side. The seats are amazingly comfortable, and the overall cabin experience is traditional.

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It’s a simple space and one that makes you appreciate the outside views. There isn’t a lot of colour inside, and overall it is rather dark, but considering the purpose of such a car, it would be silly to fluff up the cabin if you are only going to get it scratched or muddy. On the other hand, it's comfortable and usable, and at the end of the day, that's precisely what you need.

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Nissan Navara Warrior vs Toyota Hilux GR-Sport

It’s an interesting place that the Warrior resides, one that places it up against the likes of Toyota's GR-Sport III. They both run with a very similar equation. Both have similar power to their standard configurations, and both have been beefed up in the styling, suspension, and tyre department. The similarities continue, as both retain dated interiors, both are incredibly capable, and both are under a bar. What I will say is I much prefer the ride quality in the Warrior, and the lack of an overwhelming number of badges is a nice touch.

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As for the price, it is a touch on the steep side at R924,000, but before you throw your coffee at your screen, I would argue that it's not a half-bad offer. You see, the standard PRO-4X in its most specified configuration will set you back R80k less than the Warrior, and the same can be said for the Hilux GR-Sport, only the GR-Sport comes in at R999,000. So effectively, you can get your hands on the muscle-conscious Warrior for the same price as a 48V Hilux Legend; in other words, there is a clear victor here, excluding brand loyalty.

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Final verdict

The Nissan Navara Warrior is a great improvement to the standard Navara, with enough rough bits to tackle the harder trails whilst removing any real sense of compromise. It's nippy, capable, and looks the part with all of its subtle undertones. For me, you can't get much better from a bakkie under R1 m, and it's a great alternative to the traditional South African go-to double cab.

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Nissan Navara Warrior pricing

Navara Warrior: R924,000

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