It is a massive coup for South Africa and the news is the new Nissan Navara will be locally manufactured across the full model range.

“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 to reach this milestone and bring this amazing pickup to our plant in Rosslyn.

“With this major R3-billion  investment, Nissan is continuing to actively pursue the Nissan NEXT transformation plan in Africa, and this vehicle embodies our passion for excellence and our commitment to bring the very best products to our customers.” says Shinkichi Izumi, Managing Director, Nissan South Africa and Sub Sahara Africa.

“We packaged the new model with a full set of advanced technologies to ensure enhanced dynamic performance on- and off-road, as well as safety and comfort ushering in a new age of toughness, tech, and peace of mind,” says Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s chief operating officer. “For our customers it means confidence, driving pleasure, practicality and pride of ownership.”

The Navara now becomes bolder and more exciting with a host of new upgrades to both design and technology.  

The pickup also features an increased payload capacity, with the Navara one-ton pickup now delivering payload capacity up to 1,2 tons.

Juxtaposing the pickup’s tough character is a significant upgrade in equipment supported by a suite of advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies. These upgrades prioritise convenience and safety, without compromising the vehicle’s driving performance, towing capability, durability and reliability.

Further elevating the pickup’s rugged character is the introduction of the PRO-4X grade – a first for the Navara nameplate. PRO-4X offers an even more impressive, eye-catching style to appeal to extreme adventure lovers who crave an escape from the daily routine. The new look of PRO-4X grade will be available across global Nissan pickup line-up.

The new vehicle utilises its frame-vehicles design language and introduces a new ruggedly bold, stylish exterior.

“While pickup customers want their new car to look fresh and impressive, they do not let us sacrifice functionality in the name of style,” explains Ken Lee, Senior Design Director for pickups and frame SUVs.

“Equipped with the latest advanced technologies the new model features a very recognisable, iconic look, but it is now more imposing in nature with its high command structure, new interlocking frame grille and new high-tech, squared C-shaped headlamps.”

The Navara’s front fascia has been renewed and carries the new ‘interlock’ grille – a feature found exclusively on the Nissan pickup family and first introduced on the latest Nissan Titan – creating a powerful front face for the vehicle.

The Navara features new, high-tech C-shaped quad LED projector headlamps, increasing brightness and adding a level of sophistication to the rugged design.

Inside, the new Navara features significantly improved quietness, thanks to the increased amounts of sound deadening insulation and laminated windshield and front windows, further reducing the stress for both driver and passenger.

Additionally, the pickup’s front is now more convenient and driver-oriented. This includes a new Nissan steering wheel and improved styling of the instrument panel highlighting the 8-inch navigation screen and a 7-inch higher resolution TFT screen.

The rear seats are now even more comfortable for passengers, with upgrades to the seat cushions and back shapes. For added convenience, passengers in the back can also now utilise the new rear armrest with built-in cup holders to store beverages or smartphones.

The newly introduced PRO-4X grade comes with its own distinctive, athletic look with a black Nissan emblem, a black front bumper and black grille, door handles, roof racks and running boards accented by 17-inch black wheels and all terrain tires. The PRO-4X takes the design up another notch with lively, orange-red accents, a tint inspired by the color of magma,  contrasted with the dark grill, wheels, and mirror caps.

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.

Among these systems is Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, which monitors two vehicles ahead as well as the vehicle directly in front to reduce the risk of multi-car accidents. Intelligent Emergency Braking, which is designed to brake to avoid collisions, reduces the stress of driving in traffic or on busy streets.

During long road trips or after a hard day on the job, driving safety and convenience become more important than ever and have been enhanced through a number of features in the pickup. These include Intelligent Driver Alertness, which prompts drivers to take breaks through visual and gives audible alerts when changes in driving style or steering behavior are detected.  

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 Intelligent Around View Monitor (Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection), which uses four mounted cameras to help drivers notice people and cars surrounding and approaching the vehicle. This enables easier maneuvering when performing tasks such as parallel parking and positioning of the vehicle during trailer hitching. For the first time the system also features an off-road monitor, made to confirm surrounding obstacles at low speeds when in four-wheel drive, empowering enthusiasts to take on the toughest terrains with confidence.

Finally, Rear Cross Traffic Alert reduces the stress that comes with limited visibility when backing out of a parking spot. The function monitors the rear of the vehicle and warning the driver if another vehicle or object is approaching from either side.

The DNA of the Nissan Navara remains with carried-over powertrain options coupled with specially tuned suspension and new pickup features that add usability and versatility.

A strengthened rear axle and additional truck bed volume (depending on region) make the vehicle the ultimate worksite partner, ready to take on more challenges while still offering optimal room and comfort. An integrated step in the new rear bumper makes bed access easier and reduces fatigue caused by repeated loading and unloading.

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 anti-lock 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 trailer.

Initial production of the new Nissan Navara will start in Thailand and Frontier in Mexico.

Production of the new Navara will later start in the Nissan plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, South Africa for launch in both South Africa and Sub Sahara Africa.