All-new Navara set to stir SA bakkie market

South Africa is one of the biggest consumers in the world when it comes to bakkies, making it a very competitive market.

With a vast selection of established brands such as the Toyota Hilux, the Isuzu KB and of late the very popular Ford Ranger, Nissan will surely hope the new Navara will revitalise their challenge in this market.

Die-hard Nissan fans will once again be pleased to have a new contender after almost 11 years when the all-new Navara reaches South African shores.

Nissan hasn’t fiddled too much with the outer appearance of the new Navara. It does have a refreshing appearance though with a revised front grille, restyled bumper and bonnet.

Despite the sleeker appearance, it can still take on a one-tonne load and pull 3.5 tonnes on the rear hook. But not both at the same time. It is a bakkie after all and not a truck. To pull 3.5 tonnes you need to reduce the tray load by half a tonne.

The Navara is again offered in King Cab or Double Cab models and both offer rear seats. The Double Cab has a traditional bench in the back and four conventional doors, whilst the King Cab has two flip-down rear seats and small back doors hinged on the rearmost edges of the cab.

The interior represents one of the most significant improvements for the Navara. On the high-spec derivatives, there’s piano black trim, metal-effect accents, a touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and a surround view monitor, the latter of which is a very handy feature on a vehicle of such magnified dimensions.

The infotainment system is similar to its top of the range SUV and crossover siblings. The system is simple to use with user friendly menus and combined with Bluetooth coupling.

Nissan South Africa has not confirmed the engine and transmission line-up for the local-spec Navara, but expect it to be offered with the choice of two-or four-wheel drive and the option of a standard six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.

The South African range could receive the new 2.3-litre Renault-Nissan alliance turbodiesel motor, which is claimed to be up to 24% more efficient than the 2.5-litre unit it replaces.

Available with two power output options, 120kW and 409Nm and 140kW with 450Nm, the range-topping version introduces twin turbocharging technology which is a first for Nissan in this segment. The current three-litre V6 dCi, which produces 170kW and 550Nm of torque, is expected to remain.

In terms of suspension, Nissan is setting a precedent with the latest Navara. Nissan has ditched its leaf-sprung suspension on the Double Cab models which has been replaced by a new independent five-link coil system which provides a much more refined and well-behaved ride.

However, all King Cab models will retain the rear leaf spring arrangement. The decision to switch to a multi-link rear suspension results in better handling and ride abilities than the outgoing Navara it replaces.

The ride is undoubtedly smoother, and rear passengers will be made privy to this aspect the most.

What’s more, the rear-seat comfort has also been improved by increasing the angle of the seatback and the length of the cushion squab. While rear legroom is still not overly generous, it must be said, the changes have made the new Navara a much more practical vehicle for four occupants.

From the driver’s seat, the Navara now feels more composed both on-and off-road options. The improved ride quality and quicker steering rack make the driving experience more enjoyable and less of a challenge. Despite the improved on-road characteristics, the Navara is still more capable off-road.

Nissan’s proven electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system has three settings: 2H, 4H, 4L and a more lightweight construction helps the NP300 Navara feel more nimble and agile than its predecessor.

The NP300 Navara offers a comfortable ride. The previous-generation Navara tended to be bouncy and rather unsettled, but the new Navara Double Cab feels much more stable and displays considerably better road manners. The NP300 Navara will certainly re-establish Nissan’s competitiveness in the bakkie-segment when it reaches South African shores.

Here is a compilation of the current bakkies on offer in the very competitive South African pick-up market along with the new Nissan NP300 Navara heading this way: