NISSAN - A New Badge For A New Era
Nissan South Africa is widening the appeal of its Navara range with the launch of two new double-cab models.
The new Navara models will slot in below the existing range, offering exceptional value and all the performance, durability and driving comfort that the Navara is known for.
“When the South African-built current-generation Navara was launched in 2021, it was praised for its clever combination of the convenience and load-carrying capabilities of a traditional workhorse pick up, and the and ride-quality of a modern sports utility vehicle,” says Maciej Klenkiewicz, Country Director for Nissan South Africa and Independent Markets Africa (IMA).
“With the introduction of a new entry-level specification, we are making the Navara, with this combination of performance and driveability, available to more South Africans.”
The new model will carry the Navara XE badge, and it will be available with the same engine as its counterparts but tuned to its mid-level performance. It will also be available with the choice of rear-wheel 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains.
2.5 DDTi performance
Nissan has always been very generous with its engine power by equipping the entire Navara range with its durable and torque-rich 2.5 litre turbodiesel engine.
This engine is fitted with a common-rail direct injection system and an intelligently variable turbo charger that ensures that the lion’s share of the engine’s power is available throughout the useable engine range, while also offering great high-speed performance.
In the Navara XE models, this engine is offered in Nissan’s Mid Output specification, with power of 120 kW at 3 600 rpm and torque of 403 Nm at 2 000 rpm. For reference, the High Output version of the same engine, as can be found on automatic models in the range and on the LE, LE Plus and Pro models, offers 140 kW at 3 600 rpm and a healthy 450 Nm at 2 000 rpm.
The engine in the Navara XE is mated to the same six-speed manual transmission found on other Navara models, while buyers will have the choice between a 4x2 version and a 4x4 version. The latter offers the same electronic in-cabin switching between 4x2, 4x4 High (for gravel roads and slippery road conditions) and 4x4 Low (for challenging off road conditions).
Comfort and safety comes standard
Despite being the most accessible models in the Navara lineup, the XE double cab models are generously equipped with modern features. Central locking with speed-sensing auto-locking, air conditioning, and two airbags are standard. Additionally, all XE models feature ISOFIX child seat restraints in the rear, ensuring family-friendly safety.
The list of creature comforts further extends to electric windows and side mirrors, a sliding rear window for access to the load bin, and a radio with Bluetooth connectivity and steering-mounted controls.
Returning to the list of safety features, the advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is a standard feature across the range, coupled with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Trailer Sway Control (TSC), ensuring secure and stable towing in all driving conditions.
Leaf springs
One notable distinction in the XE models is the inclusion of leaf spring rear suspension, a departure from the coil spring set-up used in other Navara double cab models.
This allows the XE models to handle tough conditions and heavy loads with ease, offering a load capacity of 1 148 kg on the 4x2 model (the highest in the double cab range) and 1 067 kg on the 4x4 model.
Says Klenkiewicz: “While our Navara Double Cab range with coil springs are tested for the severe road conditions that are found in rural areas and in our neighbouring countries, we have identified a need for a version with leaf springs that can also do duty in certain commercial applications
“So, we decided to offer the XE models with a more traditional leaf spring setup and tune its road holding and comfort levels to closely mimic those of our Navara models with coil springs.
True to this statement, the Navara XE models offer the same ground clearance and approach, departure, and breakover angles as its siblings. In the 4x2 model this is 213 mm, 31.7 degrees, 28.4 degrees and 22.2 degrees respectively.
In the 4x4 model the ground clearance remains unchanged, but the approach angle is an impressive 32.5 degrees, the departure angle is 29.1 degrees, and the ramp break-over angle is an impressive 23.2 degrees.
Comprehensive double cab range
The addition of the XE models enhances what is already one of the most comprehensive pickup ranges on the market.
The Navara range now includes 14 derivatives, starting with the entry-level XE models, jumping to the LE models that now feature a standard set of roof rails, and then moving to premium options like the, which feature Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility suite. Only on LE Plus
The list of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features includes Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent Driver Alert.
For those seeking top-tier performance and design, the range-topping Pro-2X (4x2) and Pro-4X (4x4) models deliver the highest level of comfort and safety, and unique paint options and design features.
In the Pro-X range, Nissan has also added a high definition Around View Monitor, which allows for a bird’s eye view of the vehicle when parking and a comprehensive view of the terrain surrounding the Navara when driving off road.
All models, regardless of their specification level, are sold with a 6 year / 90 000 km service plan, and a warranty for the same time period and 150 000 km. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km or once a year.
A New Badge for a New Era
All new Navara models now feature the brand-new Nissan badge, a modern and dynamic take on the iconic emblem, which symbolises the company’s forward-thinking approach and enduring commitment to innovation.
Designed to offer a fresh look on the Nissan brand, the new badge mimics that found on models such as the new Nissan Patrol. It offers a more modern and slicker version of the well-known logo that features that Nissan brand in the heart of the Rising Sun of Japan.
Despite its new look, the Nissan logo has stayed true to a belief held by its founder Yoshisuke Aikawa, "Shisei tenjitsu o tsuranuku," which he interpreted to mean, "If you have a strong belief, it penetrates even the sun." It now looks to the future where Nissan continues to support businesses and families to live their best life possible.
Navara in Africa
Nissan will manufacture the new Navara range for over 45 markets in Africa, including left-hand drive markets, at its manufacturing facility in Rosslyn, Gauteng.
The Nissan Rosslyn facility is one of the most modern of its kind thanks to an investment of R3 billion at the start of Navara production. Nissan South Africa is the regional hub for Light Commercial Vehicles for Nissan.
Says Jordi Villa, President of Nissan Africa: “The introduction of the expanded Nissan Navara range in South Africa follows shortly after we celebrated the introduction of the South African-built Navara range in Egypt.
“By making the Navara available in left-hand drive markets in North Africa, we officially cover the continent from the southernmost tip in Africa to the north coast of Egypt and everything in between. It is a proud moment for Nissan and for our Rosslyn manufacturing plant.”
Supplied by: Nissan.
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