Nissan begins local Navara production, announces pricing and model range

Petrol and diesel variants in the mix, automatic and manual, single and double-cab options, competitive pricing – game on for a bakkie battle royal.

Navara is out the local blocks at last, Nissan South Africa’s Marketing Director Stefan Haasbroek announcing the start of production at the Rosslyn plant, with first cars expected on showroom floors in early June.

Pricing is keen, aimed at taking the battle to Toyota’s popular Hilux and Ford’s hard-working Ranger. Starting at R311 000 for the base model 2.5 Petrol XE SC, prices rise to R740 000 for the flagship 2.5D PRO-4X 4X4 AT DC. A key touchpoint will be that flagship double-cab, which will go toe-to-toe with the 2.8-litre R780 000 Hilux Legend and Ford’s R752 000 Bi-Turbo Wildtrak.

Navara’s emphasis is wholly on diesel, with only one petrol option, the base model workhorse XE. The single Navara diesel unit featuring across the range is a known entity, the tried and tested 2.5 litre dual overhead camshaft, direct injection, turbocharged unit, producing 120kW and 403Nm of torque.

Leisure Wheels will be testing the range over the next few months, check back here for updates. More on new Navara, here.

The complete model range