Page 27 - Motoring Winter 2022

NISSAN TEST REVIEW

NISSAN NAVARA 2.5DDTi SE
NISSAN NA V ARA 2.5DDT i SE

4X4 SINGLE CAB
4X4 SINGLE CAB

I
often receive requests to test specific
model derivatives of certain vehicles. The
reality is that I can only test vehicles that
are available to me in the media fleets. A
case in point is the Nissan Navara. I tested
the top spec double cab but only in the 4x2
format, whereas I was keen to experience
the 4x4.
The subject of this test review is a
strange mixture of workhorse, 4x4 and
middle spec in terms of luxury/comfort. It
is also a 6-speed manual as opposed to the
7-speed automatic in the double cab that
I previously tested. However, the single
cab gave me the opportunity to test with a
considerable load on the back in its ‘bak’. The
difference is especially notable due to the
leaf spring rear suspension as opposed to coil
springs on the double cab.
There are 7 airbags on the single cab,
yet no touchscreen and, more importantly,
no reverse camera. This is why I say this is a
vehicle of contrasts, as it has extra spec in
some areas but it’s missing some specs that I
would consider basic in a modern vehicle. period was 8.5l/100km. Considering the mix of urban driving, the open road to the farm and then
Besides the load test for part of the test returning with the load, plus farm driving and dirt roads, I think this is very reasonable for the
routine, where a 400kg load on the back vehicle. Taking into account the sections in 4x4 low range as well, this is a good figure.
had no notable effect on performance or The current price as tested is R509 900, including a 3-year/90 000km service plan. n
fuel consumption, our trip to the farm also
included some rather perilous sections of Use this link to watch our video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnhI1d5lMgQ
dirt road. Traversing bridges that had actually
been partially washed away by recent rains
required low range, low speed and a bit of
courage. All of it was handled with ease and
in comfort, even if the driver raised a sweat
along the way.
The test vehicle was powered by the
lower output version of the updated 2.5l
turbodiesel motor providing 120kW and
403Nm to the rear or all 4 wheels, depending
on driver selection. I did note that overtaking
requires a bit of forward planning, although
the better-equipped LE model has the 140kW
motor available for an extra R39 000. I felt
that I would opt for the extra power if I was
the buyer.
Fuel consumption for the entire test

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