Erfoud, Morocco – Manufacturers of double-cab bakkies really get caught between a rock and a hard place. These models are seldom, if ever, called into utilitarian duty in the same manner as their single-cab siblings.
But the underpinnings are shared, which generally means that the suspension set-ups are hardly ideal for the leisure activities that double-cabs tend to be used for most of the time.
Turning over a new leaf
Well, Nissan believes that is has come up with the perfect compromise in its new Navara. The much-anticipated model rides on a multi-link, coil-spring rear suspension arrangement, as opposed to more traditional leaf-springs. However, this isn’t totally unique to the segment as SsangYong’s Actyon also employs a similar system.
Nissan is the first of the mainstream players to adopt such a set-up and this is part of the reason I find myself in the Sahara desert on a Saturday afternoon, to test the latest all-new model in the lucrative double-cab market.
Improved ride quality
One of the aims of adopting such a set-up is obviously an improvement in ride quality. The byways around Erfoud aren’t in the best condition and as I haven’t driven any of the Navara’s main rivals on these roads it’s difficult to make a decent call regarding any comparison to the Volkswagen Amarok or Ford Ranger.
However, we did spend plenty of time off the sealed roads and it was in this arena that the coil set-up really seems to shine. Even at higher speeds on gravel sections there was good composure from the unladen rear end. With some mass aboard, or a few passengers, the ride quality will only improve.
Handy off-roader
To underline the hardiness of the new Navara, we were also given the opportunity to drive in the majestic dunes of the Merzouga area. In these harsh, sandy conditions, which once played host to the Dakar Rally, the Navara showed its mettle.
The long travel suspension, excellent approach and departure angles meant that not once were we taxed as we soaked in the breathtaking landscape.
Plenty of power
Central to the ease with which we traversed this area is the power delivery from the 2 298 cm3 bi-turbodiesel motor. The all-new powerplant produces 140 kW and 450 N.m of torque. The former is produced at 3 750 r/min and the latter in a plateau from 1 500 – 2 500 r/min.
Removing any guesswork, and allowing us to keep both hands on the wheel at all times, is a seven-speed automatic transmission that keeps the motor on the boil.
SA-specific
The new Navara was launched internationally about two years ago, so its arrival in South Africa (in the first quarter of 2017) will have taken some time. In that time, however, there have been some upgrades to make it more suitable for local conditions.
First up is a raised ride height; all SA-spec Navaras will ride slightly higher than their European counterparts. Secondly, a diff-lock will be standard fare in SA, as opposed to an option.
And according to Nissan’s head of LCVs, Xavier Gobille, local cars will be fitted with a host of mod-cons as standard, making it premium offering in the double-cab segment.
Tough battle
The current double-cab segment is chock-full of excellent products. The handsome new Navara seems to have what it takes to satiate the Nissan die-hards and take the fight to the Amarok, Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
Considering that Nissan already produces a few models at its plant in Rosslyn, outside Pretoria, I’ll bet that Navara production will soon be localised (even if the initial SA-spec models are imported from Thailand), which could mean that pricing will be competitive against its rivals, and in our price-sensitive market, that will play heavily into the hands of Nissan.
We look forward to evaluating them all at the same time on local soil in the not too distant future…
