Nissan Navara range reinforced with two new models
The Nissan Navara, despite showing signs of ageing, remains a strong contender in the local bakkie fold, competing against well-established nameplates such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Isuzu D-Max. One of its standout attributes is its refined driving dynamics, courtesy of the coil spring setup instead of solely relying on a leaf suspension configuration as employed by its main rivals.
While the next generation Navara was expected to arrive in Mzansi this year, we will have to wait a little longer for the new model, which is set to arrive in 2025. That is, if all goes according to plan.
In the meantime, the Japanese marque has strategically expanded the local lineup with the introduction of two new double-cab models, the base XE and the mid-range LE, to ensure that the bakkie remains a competitive option in the market. These will slot into the existing range.
Speaking of the base XE, it will be available in 4x2 and 4x4 guises when it goes on sale in South Africa in January 2025. This variant foregoes the comfortable coil-spring rear suspension in favour of more durable rear leaf springs, as seen on many mainstream bakkies, simply because it is more likely to be used as a workhorse.
This will eventually give it a more rugged positioning in the commercial fold while boasting the same ground clearance and approach, departure, and break-over angles as its counterparts. What is impressive, however, is that the 4x2 model has a load capacity of 1,148kg, the highest in the double cab range, whereas the 4x4 boasts 1,067kg.
Power comes from the same 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 120kW and 403Nm, paired with a sole 6-speed manual transmission. The setup has proven to be capable, with strong pulling power across the rev range.
Despite being a base model, it still comes with standard equipment such as central locking, air conditioning, stability control, trailer sway control, dual airbags, electric windows and side mirrors, a radio with Bluetooth connectivity, and steering-mounted controls.
The mid-range LE and LE Plus use the same 2.5-litre engine tuned to deliver 140kW and 450Nm. The engine is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, again a setup that has consistently received positive feedback across other models in the range. The LE range will be introduced locally in October, with pricing details expected to be announced soon.
All new Navara models will feature a new modernised Nissan badge, similar to the one found on the Patrol and GT-R variants. The range-topping Pro-X variant will also benefit from the inclusion of a high-definition monitor that offers a bird’s-eye view, enhancing both off-road and parking conditions.
Produced at the Nissan plant in Rosslyn for local and export markets since 2021 following a R3 billion investment, the current generation of the Navara may be ageing but is still a cool bit of kit that deserves praise, and the new variants add more versatility to the mix.
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