Page 37 - Silver Lakes July 2021

MOTORING

NISSAN NAVARRA SA LAUNCH

By Alan Rosenmeyer

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

Nissan has ensured that pricing will be
competitive against all opposition at
all levels with the LE as driven priced
at approximately R650 000 in 7-speed
automatic form.

Based on the launch experience, I think
that the new Navarra can put Nissan back
into a much stronger position in the bakkie
market. The SA built vehicles will also be
exported throughout Africa.

INTRA MUROS JULY 2021 35