Nissan has a long history of investing in the African continent and in 2019 the car manufacturer continued its commitment to the continent and South Africa, making a R3 billion investment announcement to facilitate the local production of the Nissan Navara pickup. This investment, saw the Navara rolling off the production line alongside the popular NP200 half-ton pickup, and NP300 one-ton Hardbody that were already produced at the South African plant. Now, in 2021, the new Navara continues Nissan’s 60-year legacy of investment in Africa.
Made in SA
According to Nissan, the Navara is one of the few mass-market vehicles to be built in Africa for African motorists. Boasting a bevy of features ideally suited to the rugged demands placed on light commercial vehicles (LCVs) operating on – and off – the continent’s roads, the new Navara is indeed gearing up to be a firm favourite this year.
“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,” says Kabelo Rabotho, Country Director, Nissan South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa. The new Navara will be manufactured at Nissan’s plant in Rosslyn, South Africa and also assembled in Ghana in partnership with long-time Nissan distributor Japan Motors.
Built for Africa
Among the comprehensive list of specifications and features the 2021 Navara model also offers several that will be particularly attractive to African consumers who often contend with less than ideal conditions – both off and on the road – while pursuing their business or leisure activities.
The pickup’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 giving drivers greater freedom to go anywhere with confidence, whether it’s negotiating a dirt track to a weekend hideaway or making a delivery to a remote worksite.
Load capacity is a key consideration for pickup purchasers around the world 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 also easier than ever, thanks to a step built into the new rear bumper which 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.
Further details on the launch of the new Nissan Navara in South Africa will be released in the coming weeks.
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