Nissan recently unveiled three Navara Stealth variants as part of a range expansion, bringing the total number of double cab offerings to ten within the Navara range. I recently had the range-topping 4×4 Stealth auto for a few days.
Stealth styling
Ironically, my Stealth press vehicle, if anything, looks less ‘stealthy’ than a regular Navara. The addition of silver paint finishes with black decals, black alloy wheels, chrome window surrounds, orange accents on the mirrors, side steps and front bumper, a black sports bar and Stealth detailing on the tailgate and rear fenders certainly make a visual statement.
I am a fan of the Navara’s styling and the additional aesthetic bits certainly provide an option for those who are contemplating the likes of the Toyota Hilux Legend 50 or Ford’s Ranger Wildtrak
Interior
The interior, like the exterior, emphasized orange, with the hue adorning the seat inserts and stitching while the side bolsters are now black leather. It’s a pleasant place to be, again highlighting how far bakkies have come, with an SUV-esque look and feel to both their spec sheets and interior appearance.
Driving Stealth
The Stealth model uses the flagship LE model as a base but continues with the same standard specification, making it a rather will specified vehicle, although its infotainment system now lags behind that found in the Volkswagen Amarok, Ford Ranger Wildtrak and even the updated system in the Toyota Hilux Legend 50.
The 2.3-litre twin-turbodiesel engine retains its 140 kW and 450 N.m output which in the case of the press unit, was paired with the seven-speed automatic gearbox and featured four-wheel drive. The drivetrain is impressive, with less lag than in many competitor products, while the gearbox is perhaps less hesitant than other torque converters with the recently updated Ford Ranger and its twin-turbo diesel and ten-seed auto now only besting the Nissan.
The most impressive aspect of the Navara for me though is its coil-sprung rear suspension, which is fantastic for a bakkie, and improves its ride quality and handling. This ride quality also doesn’t come at the expense of ability, with a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg and a payload of 961kg.
Verdict
The Stealth was a pleasant reminder of just how competitive the Navara is within the cutthroat double cab bakkie segment. While not out-performing key rivals in the areas that count, the Navara is a wonderful alternative to the ubiquitous Hilux, Ranger and D-Max models that populate our roads.
Service plan and warranty
The Stealth edition retains its standard six-year/150 000km warranty as well as a five -year/90 000km service plan.
Price
Nissan Navara 2.3D double cab 4×4 Stealth auto R 663 200
