We drive the Nissan Navara 2.3D SE 4X2
With a growing interest in bakkies among female customers, we love getting the chance to experience some of South Africa’s most popular vehicles in order to give our female readers the full scoop on the latest and greatest models.
The new Nissan Navara introduced itself to the South African market with the tagline “rugged and refined” along with appealing attributes from a low fuel economy, top-end features and excellent suspension advantages.
We’ve been driving the entry-level SE 4X2 model, which starts at R461 900 and is packed with standard spec. If you’re not a serious off roader, and you’re looking for a bakkie that is better suited to urban environments, then this is the one to go for. If you are looking to get off the beaten track more often, you can go up a level and opt for the SE 4X4 version (from R540 700).
The Navara 2.3D SE 4X2
Equipment on our test vehicle includes a reverse camera (which you really can’t do without when you’re driving a bakkie in urban environments), 3.5T Braked Towing Capacity, our favourite 5-link coil rear suspension, a 6-speed manual transmission and 16″ alloy wheels.
It’s got the look…
In terms of styling, the new Nissan Navara fairs well against its competitors as a striking, refined and ‘rugged’ bakkie. I would class it as one of the better-looking vehicles in its class, and love that it looks as good in the city as it does when heading out along some of our favourite scenic driving routes in the Cape. Larger doors as well as more head and legroom, rear air vents and an electrically operated rear window add to the new Navara’s level of comfort and practicality. It also comes with an impressive amount of standard specifications, such as automatic LED headlights, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control and added safety features includes an extra airbag to protect the driver’s knees.
And the drive…
Changes to the Navara’s rear spring set up is what makes this bakkie a truly comfortable ride. While we had only planned to drive up until a certain point during our road trip in the Cape, we actually decided to keep going – myself and my passengers were all that comfy and weren’t ready to move! Nissan made use of the coil rear suspension to ensures this, and what a good job they did!
If you’re in the market for a good-looking, comfortable and capable bakkie that blends in well in city environments, the new Navara is worth considering.
Pricing and range
The Navara 4×2 DC has class-leading load capacity of more than 1 ton and for ultimate peace of mind, Nissan Assured offers a class-leading warranty of 6-year/150,000km and a 3-year/90,000km service plan.
While the design is striking, it is undeniably masculine and confident, and there are also several Nissan Approved accessories to suit your lifestyle needs.
Geoffrey Chaucer famously said: “Time and tide wait for no man” and given that the Navara 4×2 is now on sale, you don’t have to wait to buy a robust, durable and stylish bakkie from a vehicle manufacturer that is considered legendary across Africa.
Nissan Navara 2.3 4×2 SE DC MT – R457,900 (incl. VAT)
Nissan Navara 2.3 4×2 SE DC –AT – R471,900 (incl. VAT)
Nissan Navara 2.3 4×2 LE DC –R519,900 (incl. VAT)
Nissan Navara 2.3 4×2 LE DC + Leather seats – R532,900 (incl. VAT)
Nissan Navara 2.3 4×2 LE DC AT – R538,900 (incl. VAT)
Nissan Navara 2.3 4×2 LE DC AT + Leather seats – R551,900 (incl. VAT)
Nissan Navara 2.3 4×4 SE DC MT – R523,900 (incl. VAT)
Nissan Navara 2.3 4×4 LE DC MT – R573,500 (incl. VAT)
Nissan Navara 2.3 4×4 LE DC MT + Leather seats – R586,500 (incl. VAT)
Nissan Navara 2.3 4×4 LE DC AT – R594,900 (incl. VAT)
Nissan Navara 2.3 4×4 LE DC AT + Leather seats – R605,900 (incl. VAT)