The new Nissan Navara will be manufactured at the Rosslyn plant in Pretoria. Image: NissanSA
Made in Africa: New Nissan Navara set to shake up bakkie market [watch]
The 2021 Navara boasts a bevy of features suited to the rugged demands placed on light commercial vehicles (LCVs) operating on – and off – the continent’s roads.
The new Nissan Navara will be manufactured at the Rosslyn plant in Pretoria. Image: NissanSA
The 2021 Navara pick-up has a comprehensive list of specifications and features that will be particularly attractive to African motorists who often contend with less than ideal conditions while pursuing their business or leisure activities, according to Nissan South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa country director Kabelo Rabotho.
The pick-up’s tough body-on-frame construction allows it to handle rugged terrain with aplomb. It now also comes with a more extroverted and athletic design, a quieter and more comfortable interior, as well as suspension tuning to enhance its on- and off-road dynamic driving performance.
‘Made in Africa for Africans’
“For the first time in history, the full model line-up of the next-generation Navara will be produced on home soil, made in Africa for Africans. I am immensely proud that we have overcome adversity and the effects of COVID-19 to reach this milestone and bring this amazing pick-up to Africa.”
Nissan Navara to be manufactured at Rosslyn plant
The new Navara will be manufactured at Nissan’s plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, and will also be assembled in Ghana in partnership with long-time Nissan distributor Japan Motors.
Nigeria will be a key market, thanks to its established automotive industry and strong appetite for Nissan vehicles.
“Africa is a critical region for Nissan. Africa is one of the fastest-growing territories for the company globally in terms of Total Industry Volume (TIV), therefore Nissan will continue to enhance its product offering through vehicles like the Navara as well as footprint throughout the region,” said Rabotho.
Features for Africa: Load capacity
Load capacity is a key consideration for pick-up buyers, and the Navara shines in this department, with the one-ton pickup now delivering top-class payload capacity.
Access to the load area is now easier, thanks to a step built into the new rear bumper. This helps reduce fatigue caused by repeated loading and unloading. Additionally, the bed is equipped with a flap-type, tie-down hook to secure both large and small objects, from dirt bikes and ATVs to generators and jackhammers.
When in four-wheel-drive mode, the Navara activates its Active Brake Limited Slip Differential system (ABLS), which manages power delivery and wheel braking between the front and rear axles and between the left and right of the vehicle, depending on traction and speed.
Working with the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC) and ABS brakes, this system enables drivers to be more confident and feel secure when towing large payloads and driving through muddy terrain with less acceleration and brake operation.
The Trailer Sway Control system helps the vehicle to maintain stability on the road when towing a load, whether this be an avid angler hauling a boat to a favourite fishing spot or a contractor delivering a consignment of rainwater tanks to a rural school.
Most advanced Navara: Best-in-class technology
The new model returns with best-in-class technology through Nissan Intelligent Mobility, making it the most advanced Navara ever.
These technologies create a 360-degree safety shield for the vehicle, helping protect the driver and passengers from potential risks and delivering peace of mind.
The integration of these technologies provides superior levels of comfort, safety, and convenience, enabling customers to feel confident in using their vehicle for both work and play.
This is further supported by Lane Departure Warning, which warns drivers if they begin to stray outside of their lane without signaling, while Intelligent Lane Intervention works to bring the vehicle back to the center of the lane if the movement continues.
For an added boost of confidence, drivers can count on Blind Spot Warning to help avoid running into other vehicles caught in their blind spot.
Adding to the pickup’s safety is the Intelligent Around View Monitor, which uses four mounted cameras to help drivers notice people and cars surrounding and approaching the vehicle.
Projector headlights ensures enhanced safety
The pickup features a segment-first all-new, high-tech C-shaped quad-LED projector headlamps, increasing brightness for enhanced safety in dusty or dark conditions, as well as adding a level of sophistication to the rugged design.
Seamless signature LED tail lamps with bright chrome detail in between bring the same twin benefits to the rear of the vehicle, making the new Navara the perfect companion for the farmer on a pre-dawn market run or family on a sunset game drive.
Nissan shows commitment to African market with new Navara
“The wealth of features perfectly suited to African conditions combined with Nissan’s considerable investment in manufacturing capacity demonstrates our commitment to the African market,” Rabotho added.
“The new Navara marks a significant milestone in our journey towards making safe, smart, stylish, and sustainable mobility available to more people in Africa.”
