Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warriorlooks likely to come to the local market.

In a globally challenging automotive market, you can’t go wrong with bakkies. Ask Ford. It’s where itmakes all itsmoney.

Although Mercedes-Benz made a mess of X-Class, legacy bakkie brands have not seen any tapering in demand. Especially for the most expensive double-cab bakkies. And specifically, those with additional exterior design features and enhanced off-road ability.

In South Africa, only three models have offered something in the theme of a hero double-cab bakkies: Ford’s Ranger Raptor, Toyota’s Hilux GR Sport and Isuzu’s rather rare, Isuzu D-Max AT35. But the demand is unquestionably there.

Nissan is now positioning to capitalise on South African bakkie buyers and their desire for OTT double-cabs. The latest Navara has a very convincing Pro-4X Warrior derivative, and Nissan South Africa has started negotiating with the probable aim of local distribution.

Speaking to GoAuto, Nissan Oceania managing director, Adam Paterson, has confirmed local interest. “Obviously, North America is not going to get it. The South African team has reached out as well.”

The Pro-4X Warrior is a Navara with attitude. Lots of attitude. It features a 40 mm higher ride height and lots more, with 260 mm of ground clearance. There’s a completely reshaped front bumper, too.

At the front there is a red bash plate with 3 mm of radiator and engine sump protection. The Pro-4X Warrior also has a 4-degree greater approach angle and runs upgraded dampers and springs, to reduce body roll without sacrificing wheel articulation.

Huge over-fenders and 275/70 R17 Cooper Discoverer AT3 tyres complete the look, while the cabin is left standard. There is no engine upgrade (Australia uses the twin-turbodiesel2.3), either, despite the Pro-4X Warrior being 100 kg heavier than a standard Navara 4×4 double-cab.

Melbourne’s Premcar developed the Pro-4X Warrior. There are very slight specification differences between the South African built Navaras and those used by Premcar, as a foundation for its Pro-4X, in Australian configuration. But any technical compliance issues will be simple to solve.

Australian demand for the Pro-4X has been tremendous, something that Nissan South Africa would be keen to replicate locally. With the GT-R legend fading, Navara Pro-4X Warrior would be the hero vehicle that Nissan South Africa desperately needs, going forward.

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