Nissan South Africa recently introduced the facelifted Navara, which is produced at the Japanese brand’s upgraded assembly plant in Rosslyn. Herewith a summary of the myriad mechanical and technological improvements that have been incorporated into the bakkie…

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The updated Nissan Navara is built in Africa, by Africans, for Africa! Although the pre-facelifted version of the Navara had been imported, Nissan had always planned to be put the bakkie range into production right here in Mzansi. Now, thanks to a R3-billion investment in Nissan South Africa’s local assembly plant in 2019, that plan has come to fruition… The freshly-facelifted Navara is rolling out of the Rosslyn factory and is available countrywide.

Nissan has an enviable track record in the local bakkie market and the brand’s products –including NP300 Hardbody and the Navara – have earned a reputation for reliability and durability. This refreshed version of the Navara, with its significant technical and cosmetic upgrades, not to mention safety and performance enhancements, hopes to build on that.

First of all, the Navara’s tough and rugged looks have been reinforced with a more distinctive interpretation of the Japanese brand’s V-Motion design language (emphasised by an over-fender on PRO-4X grade), new LED headlamps and -foglamps, as well as redesigned wheels.

The height of the load bed has also been increased, which has boosted the Navara’s carrying capacity. The LE and PRO double-cab 4×4 auto derivatives can now hold an addional 100 kg (for a total of 1003 kg), while the 4×2 auto versions can haul 1086 kg. To optimise the load bay’s practicality, Nissan equips the Navara with Utili-track, the brand’s innovative 2-channel tie-down system comprised of 4 infinitely adjustable heavy-duty aluminium cleats.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility

Suffice to say this generation Navara is the most advanced Nissan bakkie to date in Mzansi – courtesy of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which includes safety systems such as Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, which monitors the movements of up to two vehicles ahead of the bakkie and alerts the driver to any potential collision risks. The Intelligent Emergency Braking feature will activate the brakes in case the driver doesn’t respond to the alert/s.

Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Departure Warning, meanwhile, will ensure that the Navara driver stays safely in their lane and will warn them if there is a vehicle in their blind spot.

The Intelligent Around View Monitor is also offered on the Navara for the first time. It comprises 4 cameras that help the driver spot obstacles that are in proximity to the vehicle when they are executing parking manoeuvres, plus it makes hitching a trailer much easier. And, just in case you didn’t notice an oncoming car while reversing out of a parking spot, the Navara’s Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system will warn you of a potential collision. The safety suite further includes additional side and curtain ‘bags, bringing the total to 7 airbags.

The cabin has been upgraded with acoustic glass and additional insulation, while a fifth cross member has been added to minimise lateral vibration, all of which has improved the overall NVH (noise vibration harshness) in the Navara’s cabin. The bakkie’s carpets, meanwhile, are locally-made, while rear passengers are afforded separate vents in the double-cab derivatives.

Improved refinement

Compared with the pre-facelift Navara, the newcomer features tweaked suspension tuning and a modified steering setup, both of which serve to endow Nissan’s new offering with a better balance between handling and comfort.The revised dual-rate 5-link coil-sprung rear suspension facilitates improved comfort and stability in both laden – and unladen – driving conditions. Structural changes have also been made to reduce the effects of pothole impacts.

The steering system, in turn, is now more direct (responsive to inputs); the ‘wheel requires less effort to turn from lock to lock. Lastly, retuned shock absorbers and new-spec (locally manufactured tyres) facilitate a smoother ride quality, better handling and occupant comfort.

Additional onboard tech

From an infotainment point of view, the updated Navara is much improved; its 8-inch touchscreen features voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity and built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which you can activate by connecting your ‘phone via a charging cable.

And, if you are on the hunt for the nearest off-road trail or the best spots in town, Nissan Intelligent Mobility will guide you. It now also offers even more connectivity options and works in conjunction with a 7-inch TFT driver info display in the instrument cluster – which Nissan claims is the biggest of its type in the bakkie market. Auto folding mirrors, as seen on the X-Trail, as well as a remote fuel-flap opening function (via the key fob) are also offered.

Diverse line-up of derivatives

Whether you are looking for a workhorse or a leisure double-cab bakkie, the Navara range offers a variety of derivatives (from single-cab 4×2s to double-cab 4×4s) to choose from. There is one engine available, in two states of tune: a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor that produces either 120 kW and 403 Nm or 140 kW and 450 Nm. You can choose between a manual and an automatic transmission. There is even an entry-level petrol engine on offer.

Pricing for the updated Navara range starts at R311 00 for the 2.5 XE entry-level single-cab derivative and goes up to R740000 for the top-spec 2.5DDTi double cab PRO-4X 4×4 (September 2021). Prices include a 6-year/150 000 km warranty and 6-year/90 00 km service plan as standard.

New Nissan Navara Specs & Prices in South Africa

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