Nissan has confirmed the Navara Pro will be introduced to right-hand-drive markets in 2027. Could this PHEV double-cab bakkie make its way to South Africa?
Developed by Zhengzhou Nissan, a joint venture between Nissan and Chinese automaker Dongfeng, the Navara Pro PHEV has been confirmed for right-hand-drive markets, including Australia and New Zealand, in 2027. Employing a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, the Navara Pro PHEV, or Frontier Pro PHEV as it will be known in select left-hand-drive countries, competes against the likes of the BYD Shark 6 and South African-bound Chery Grootman — the latter of which has been confirmed for local production.
Down Under, the Navara Pro PHEV’s new-energy arrangement will comprise a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol internal combustion engine (ICE) — in lieu of the 1.5-litre ICE featured in the Chinese market model — and an electric motor. The preliminary (subject to homologation) combined power and torque outputs are 300 kW and 800 N.m. Power is delivered to the road via a mechanical four-wheel-drive system, replete with differential lock, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The PHEV setup will offer a quartet of drive modes, including Standard, Eco, Sport, and Slippery. A selection of seven terrain settings — Standard, Sand, Mud, Rock, Deep Snow, Wading, and Expert — will be available.
Nissan has assessed a variety of suspension configurations, including leaf-spring and multilink coil-spring rear setups. However, the final suspension arrangement will be confirmed closer to the start of sales in 2027. Subject to homologation, the firm says the Navara Pro PHEV will offer a payload capacity of “approximately” 1 000 kg. Similarly, the braked towing capacity will be around 3 500 kg.
The Japanese brand has, however, noted that ICE-only powertrains will also be available depending on market needs. The ICE options include both petrol and diesel.
The Navara Pro measures 5 520 mm in length and 1 960 mm in width, making it 63 mm longer yet 11 mm narrower than the Shark 6. The Navara Pro stands 1 950 mm tall, with a 3 300 mm wheelbase. The approach and departure angles are rated at 30 and 25 degrees, respectively.
Will the Nissan Navara Pro launch in South Africa?
While the updated (Thai-built) D23-generation Navara has been confirmed for our market (following cease of local production after Chery acquired the brand’s Rosslyn Plant, this model will now be imported), Nissan’s local arm has yet to confirm whether the Navara Pro will be introduced to South Africa.
