Local is lekker
The Nissan Navara is now being built in South Africa – and it has had a number of upgrades, says
The 2021 model Nissan Navara’s technology, safety and performance have been upgraded and, according to Nissan South Africa, the result is greater driving pleasure, greater comfort and improved load capacity, making the Navara a leading bakkie in its category.
“Our continuous improvement process has seen us re-engineer the entire range of models to produce a Navara that’s perfectly suited to South African and ultimately African conditions,” says Stefan Haasbroek, head of marketing at Nissan South Africa.
What do we have here?
The latest Nissan Navara is powered by the well-known 2,5 ℓ turbodiesel engine that’s been in service for some time. The biggest advantage of continuing to keep employing the faithful old engine is that customers, especially businesses, can budget in advance for operating costs such as fuel consumption, maintenance and services.
The 2.5 diesel is now available in two power levels: a 140 kW model that delivers 450 Nm of torque, and a 120 kW model with 403 Nm of torque. Nissan also uses a 2.5 petrol engine that kicks out 118 kW of power and 233 Nm of torque, but this is only available in the XE entry-level single-cab model.
When it comes to gearing, you can choose between a seven-speed automatic and a six-speed manual transmission. However, the gearbox choices are limited to the doublecabin models, as all single-cabin Navaras only have manual boxes.
“We are excited and proud to be introducing the latest Nissan Navara which has been locally produced for the first time,” continues Stefan.
Inside and out
The new Navara boasts the NissanConnect infotainment system on an 8” touchscreen in the centre console. Apart from the new touchscreen, the steering wheel is new with extra buttons and there are a few small changes to the trim levels and materials used throught the cab.
Externally, it’s mainly the bumpers, especially front, and the headlights that have been revamped.
Speaking of bumpers: the new Navara is safer than ever thanks to sensors in the front bumper that monitor traffic. The computer alerts you when it detects sudden and unexpected movements. And if you don’t act fast enough, the computer will brake for you.
The artificial intelligence also warns you to pull over and take a breather if you’ve been driving for too long, especially if it decides your driving style has turned ‘sloppy’…
At night, the headlights automatically dim when a vehicle approaches from the front when you omit doing so. Sensors in the rear bumper warn you against pedestrians and traffic as you reverse. Jeepers, modern vehicles certainly look after their owners!
What about its competitors?
On paper, the Navara generates more power than Toyota’s 2.4 GD6 Hilux (110 kW) and Isuzu’s D-Max 300 (130 kW), but Ford’s 2.0 bi-turbo is bonkers at 157 kW. In terms of 4x4 capability, the Navara has the best approach and departure angles of all competitors – 32,6º and 26,5º compared to the runner-up, the D-Max’s 30º and 25,5º. The Ford Ranger’s ground clearance of 237 mm, however, is better than the Navara’s 221 mm.
If you’re worried about the Navara not fitting into your garage, we have good news. It’s the shortest among its competitors at 5,26 m – a whole 9,4 cm shorter than the large Ford Ranger.
The theoretical towing capacity of the Navara is 3,5 t, but legislation limits it to
2 110 kg, the Navara’s kerb weight. The runner-up is the Ford Ranger with 2 044 kg.
The biggest difference, however, lies in Navara’s factory warranty that is valid for six years – this compared to Isuzu’s five years, Ford’s four and Toyota’s three years.