Page 20 - Dainfern Precinct Living 6 2021

LIFESTYLE
MOTORING

NISSAN NAVARA

SA LAUNCH

BY ALAN ROSENMEYER aunch events have changed One of the biggest changes on the
drastically because of the new model is to the rear suspension. A
COVID pandemic, so driving 5-link system provides superb comfort
Big, bold and Ltime is much shorter than we and control, yet also allows a load
used to experience. In spite of this, the
capacity in excess of 1 ton.
imposing, the Nissan team gave us the opportunity I can confirm that the vehicles are
to experience tar, dirt roads and some
new Nissan 4x4 driving up a (small) mountain in very stable on a dirt road and the low
the Hartebeespoort area.
range ability enabled us to go up and
down the mountain with consummate
Navara is now In the future, Nissan will be rolling out ease. Downhill descent control adds
to the ease of operation and wheel
a full range of both single and double
proudly built cab Navara variants. As the NP300 articulation over rocks is excellent.
is no longer being built, the Navara
range has to cover the full spectrum
The LE spec adds Nissan Intelligent
in SA from entry, through working bakkies Mobility (NIM) safety features, with
items like lane departure warning,
up to the full luxury, lifestyle bakkies
that SA buyers love. Only two engine active braking and many other safety
variants will be available - in the base aspects. Pro models will add rear cross
versions, a 2.5l petrol model, and an traffic warning as well.
updated version of the familiar 2.5
diesel in the rest of the range. Mid- Nissan has ensured that pricing will be
range vehicles will offer 120kW and competitive against all opposition at
403Nm with the top variants offering
all levels with the LE as driven priced
140kW and 430Nm. at approximately R650 000 in 7-speed
automatic form.
The vehicles available at the launch
were double cabs in LE spec with the Based on the launch experience, I think
140kW motor. Pro2 and Pro4 models that the new Navara can put Nissan
will be added as the top of the range, back into a much stronger position in the
but the test cars certainly were not bakkie market. The SA built vehicles will
lacking in specification. also be exported throughout Africa.

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