Nissan South Africa has introduced a V6-powered 4×4 double cab model equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission in its Hardbody range.
Nissan South Africa has introduced a V6-powered 4×4 double cab model equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission in its Hardbody range.
With the launch of the 3,3-litre V6-engined Hardbody 3300i 4×4 fitted with an adaptive dual-mode automatic transmission, Nissan SA is catering for the growing SUV market, and also seeking to “appeal to those motorists who want the versatility of a double cab pick-up, without sacrificing the virtues of an executive sedan”.
"Our high-end models have become increasingly appealing. Our dealers and the public have inundated us with calls for a two-pedal version of the Hardbody, and further market research has clearly highlighted a small but significant demand for such a derivative," said Francois van Eeden, Nissan’s product manager for light commercial vehicles.
According to Nissan SA, its double cab variants dominated the four-door bakkie market and accounted for almost 30 per cent of sales from April to July this year. And Van Eeden expects the ideal buyers for the auto Hardbody to be “entrepreneurial, aged between mid-thirties and early-fifties, and fashion-conscious”.
Isuzu launched an automatic version of its 4×2 KB 300 TDI DC LX earlier this year, but according to Nissan SA spokesman Megan McDonald, “the new Hardbody model is the only double cab automatic with four-wheel drive available in South Africa”.
The new flagship has the same features as the five-speed manual version of the SEL-spec Hardbody double cab 4×4. Standard features include: seats trimmed in a mixture of leather and cloth, leather-trimmed steering wheel, air conditioning, central locking, tinted glass, electric windows, electric mirrors and a CD frontloader.
Some experts believe that, in certain situations, an automatic has benefits over a manual transmission off-road. With an auto box “the action of the torque converter ensures that the power reaches the road in a progressive manner”, Nissan SA claims. “This means less chance of wheelspin and lift-off snatch.”
"The VG33E powerplant is the latest version of our fuel-injected V6, delivering 125 kW power and 265 N.m torque," Van Eeden said. "Factor in the Hardbody’s long suspension travel, differential lock, ground clearance, and now a automatic transmission, and you have a vehicle that’ll climb over just about anything."
The REF401A transmission’s internal ratios, final drive and electronic control units for both major components have been adapted. By using either “Power” or “Auto” modes (selected via a dashboard switch), drivers can adapt the response characteristics and shift points, Nissan SA said.
The Hardbody double cab 4×4 automatic will become available at the end of October, and Nissan SA will announce the price on October 1.
