Getting comfortable with the new Nissan Navara
A reinforced ladder frame chassis, an entirely new suspension, 6 years/150 000 km warranties and a powerful twin-turbo engine. These are some of the things the new Nissan Navara offers its fans.
While you might not notice much change to the outside, apart from a slightly more aggressive stance, improvements to the new Nissan Navara can be found under the skin!
During its launch in March 2017, I spent most of my time with the manual version of the new Navara, and despite enjoying its new suspension, I wasn’t completely blown away. However last week the two-peddle version arrived at our office and after spending a week with it, I’m a lot more fond of this one than the manual. It’s a good thing, because there seems to be more interest for automatic gearboxes these days anyway, and the new Navara’s auto version may have a new fan!
What makes it stand out?
The new five-link coil suspension is what a lot of the talk was all about when it launched earlier this year. Its award-winning coil, five link rear suspension gives a much smoother ride and adds to a great combination of comfort and practicality.
Apart from its improved suspension, the new Navara’s seating is super comfy! I could quite happily have driven up the Garden Route and back as the Navara’s new Spinal Support front seats truly makes a huge difference to wanting to spend more time in it.
Leather seats with heating functions as well as electrical adjustments were available in this higher-grade model. It feels a lot like an SUV cabin that includes an integrated colour touchscreen that provides Satellite Navigation with 3D Mapping, a radio with up to 30 pre-set radio stations, USB connectivity and Bluetooth with audio streaming, which can all be operated from the steering wheel. Of course, with such a big vehicle, the rear camera comes in super handy for those awkward reverse maneuvers.
There’s something about the new Navara that gives you a sense of confidence when driving on the road. Acceleration and efficiency are noticeable when you’re out on the open road and its punch and power will surprise you considering its size.
In terms of different terrain, we drove the new Navara through gravel, tar and dunes at the launch without any hassle. Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Electronic Locking Rear Diff and its Shift-On-The-Fly technology all came in handy and made for a safer and more comfortable experience.
Of all its attributes, comfort is what the new Navara really has going for it!
PRICING
Nissan Navara 2.3 DDTT 4×4 SE Double Cab MT – R514 900 (incl. VAT)
Nissan Navara 2.3 DDTT 4×4 LE Double Cab –MT – R565 900 (incl. VAT)
Nissan Navara 2.3 DDT 4×4 LE Double Cab AT –R597 900 (incl. VAT)
Black leather seats with heater function optional on LE grade models for R13 000 (incl. VAT).
The 4×2 double cab range is destined for local shores towards the end of 2017 and prices most likely to range between R450 000 and R520 000.