Navara dull moment…

Combining the rugged capabilities of an SUV with the comfort and style of a passenger car, Nissan adds the Navara to its rapidly expanding line-up.Combining the rugged capabilities of an SUV with the comfort and style of a passenger car, Nissan adds the Navara to its rapidly expanding line-up.

Nissan SA has been the proverbial busy bee this year with the introductions of the Pathfinder, Murano, and now the Navara, in rapid succession. And while fans of the proven Hardbody range may start to panic, the Navara is aimed directly at the leisure market, so the Hardbody will remain a feature of Nissan’s local line-up.

This fully imported vehicle is now available in two-wheel drive configuration with a six-speed manual transmission. Four-wheel drive models and an automatic transmission will become available early in 2006.

Navara is powered by Nissan’s new 4,0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, used to great effect in the Pathfinder, and a two versions of the redeveloped 2,5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine.

The petrol V6 engine produces 198 kW of power and 385 N.m of torque and has advanced features like Electronic Throttle Control, Continuous Valve Timing Control and Nissan’s variable Induction Control Systems.

The diesel engine comes in two power versions – High for 4X4 versions and Mid for 4X2s. The turbodiesel uses second-generation common rail technology for lower emissions, a new balancer system and a variable nozzle turbocharger (for the high output engine). "High" delivers 128 kW of power and 403 N.m of torque, while "Mid" offers 106 kW and 356 N.m.

Combined with the high output engines and a low 0,41 Cd drag coefficient, the Navara is rather thrifty at the pumps. Fuel consumption for the diesel 4×2 model is a claimed 8,4 litres per 100 km, while the petrol 4×2 returns 12,7 litres in varied driving conditions.

A five-speed automatic transmission will be available in early 2006. It features an advanced torque converter design for improved fuel economy and an advanced power train management program for improved shift quality.

Its exterior styling is typically Nissan 4X4 with a beefy chromed radiator grille. Short front and rear overhangs and a high ground clearance of 235 mm contribute to its rugged and durable personality. Its roof rack can support goods up to 100 kg and has rails that can extend beyond the rear of the cab and a fully adjustable centre crossbar.

The innovative Utili-track cargo loading system uses five channels for arranging a variety of accessories, including racks, dividers and trays. Fixed hooks and sliding cleats allow for cargo to be tied down. Four-by-two models have a towing capacity of two tonnes.

Navara’s extended wheelbase translates into a bigger cabin section without intruding on its load area. Access into the cabin is aided by oval side steps and large interior grab handles. On the inside, the interior is decked out in a black, charcoal and grey combination with additional use of brushed aluminium and chrome embellishments.

Grey cloth front seats are adjustable for height and have lumbar support and the rear bench accommodates three adults. Headrests on all five seats are fully adjustable and removable, and the front passenger seat tumbles forward to provide a level work surface.

The door-mounted armrests have integrated controls for the power windows, and all models have Nissan’s six-speaker sound system with a six-CD front loader, air conditioning, two power outlets (one in the dash and one in the centre armrest), headlamp leveller control and interior lights at the front and rear.

Storage areas are littered across the cabin with a sunglass holder, cup and bottle holders, a dual compartment glove box and a centre console with a six-litre capacity for coins, cards and other oddments.

Cruise control (standard on all models) is mounted on the three-spoke, leather-covered steering wheel.

Navara has a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame with welded cross members and is made from high-tensile steel in load-bearing areas. This results in improved structural integrity as well as better ride quality and load-bearing capability. The cab is attached to the frame using rubber mounts, which are individually tuned so that they absorb a wide range of noise and vibration frequencies.

Driving technology includes variable-assist power rack and pinion steering and an independent double-wishbone front suspension with coil-over shock absorbers.

Regarding the Navara’s safety, all five occupants gets three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for the front seats, ABS, EBD and brake assist.

Prices for the 4X2 Navaras are R269 900 for the 2,5 dCi and R273 450 for the 4,0 V6.