Nissan’s locally built Navara a vital lifeline for the iconic brand
2025-04-25
While Nissan may have slipped down the passenger car sales charts in recent years, the brand is a force to be reckoned with in the light commercial segment where the Navara is the fifth best-selling bakkie in South Africa.
While Nissan may have slipped down the passenger car sales charts in recent years, the brand is a force to be reckoned with in the light commercial segment where the Navara is the fifth best-selling bakkie in South Africa.
Nissan have a great reputation in South Africa built on the back of well-loved models such as the Maxima, Sentra, Primera and in more recent years, the Hardbody and Micra.
While Nissan may have slipped down the passenger car sales charts in recent years, the brand is a force to be reckoned with in the light commercial segment where the Navara is the fifth best-selling bakkie in South Africa.
The rationalised Nissan range does still include some passenger car models, including the Magnite and X-Trail.
Magnite prioritises style and value for money
Towards the end of last year, the all-new Magnite was launched locally. The Magnite is a striking compact SUV, with robust exterior styling, complemented by LED lights front and rear, alloy wheels and roof rails.
The interior is characterised by a configurable TFT driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The new Magnite is offered with either a 1.0-litre normally aspirated or a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine option, paired to either a manual, automated manual or continuously variable transmission.
The Magnite is available in Visia, Acenta or Acenta Plus specification grades with a starting price of R246 200.
The evergreen X-Trail
Nissan was one of the first brands to offer an SUV when they launched the X-Trail and this model still plays an integral role in their line-up today.
The latest iteration features a stylish design and strong front facia while incorporating sleek LED headlights, front and rear signature lamps and the unmistakable V-motion grille with familiar Nissan DNA.
The X-Trail is available in three derivatives including the Visia CVT, Acenta CVT and Acenta Plus CVT. All models are fitted with the same 2.5-litre, four-cylinder that boasts 135kW and 244Nm.
Paired with Nissans unique all-wheel drive technology, the X-Trail strikes the perfect balance between powerful and unprecedented control. The Nissan X-Trail continues to offer the 4x4 driving capabilities that the X-Trail is known for, and this has been bolstered by driver assistance features such as Intelligent Cruise Control, Predicative Front Collision Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Emergency Braking and ProPilot.
The X-Trail boasts a seven-seat configuration and a versatile luggage space that allows it to seamlessly cater for the practicalities of day-to-day life.
The new X-Trail features three displays, including a 12.3-inch intuitive touch screen, 10.8-inch head-up display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
A bakkie centric brand
While Nissan do still offer models like the Magnite and X-Trail they have evolved into a bakkie brand and the Navara is now truly their bread-and-butter nameplate.
The Nissan Navara is built at the brands Rosslyn production facility for sale in South Africa as well as for export to numerous African markets. This has many advantages including being a vehicle that is developed in Africa for Africa along with the ability to offer an extensive model range that includes a large variety of variations suited to specific use cases.
The Navara single cab range boasts a diesel engine that offers 120kW and 430Nm and is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 guise with the ability to carry a payload of up to 1132kg. The Navara range of workhorses are ready to take on any challenge and have the muscle to deliver.
The Navara double cab is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 derivatives. All models feature the same 2.5-litre engine offering 140kW and 450Nm. The Navara double cab range is priced from R493 600.
The Nissan Navara range was recently bolstered by the addition of a new flagship in the form of the Navara Warrior. This off-road focussed model features numerous enhancements including upgraded suspension which improves ride height along with recalibrated dampers, increased front and rear track width and the fitment of beefy Maxxis off-road tyres to black off-road rims.
The exterior is enhanced with styling upgrades that include a blacked-out front grille and door handles, numerous red accents and the fitment of a roof rack and side steps. The interior is enhanced by the fitment of black Warrior branded seats.
