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Nissan's Navara 4x4 here (at last)

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Nissan's Navara 4x4 here at last!
Nissan's Navara 4x4 here at last!
The Navara arrived in South Africa in 4x2 guise only at the end of last year with the promise that the 4x4 derivatives would be available early in 2006. A fortunate few customers did take delivery of their Navara 4x4s at the beginning of the year but then due to production difficulties Nissan SA postponed the official introduction.

And then the waiting starting? Wheels24's inbox was flooded with e-mails about when the 4x4 versions will go on sale.

Well, the wait is over, and bakkie fans can now choose from three 4x4 versions.

The 4x4 is available in the same engines and transmissions as its 4x2 siblings. The spec levels, styling and safety features are similar too.

Potent power

According to Nissan the Navara outperforms all other pickups in its category with power, torque and towing capability.

The diesel model has a power output of 128 kW and 403 Nm of torque. It not only outperforms all of its rivals, but can also carry up to 843 kg while towing up to 3 000kg.

The 4-litre V6 petrol engine delivers a remarkable 198 kW of power at 5 600 r/min and 385 Nm of torque at 4 000 r/min.

The petrol model offers a choice of six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions while the diesel is available with a six-speed manual.

The range also features Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) for instant management of throttle input, with secondary mapping in 4WD Low; Continuous Valve Timing control (C-VTC) and the Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), which according to Nissan improves engine operating efficiency and driveability, particularly at low r/min, with optimum torque available throughout the rev range.

Capable

The Spanish-built Navara shares its hard-core underpinnings with the Pathfinder passenger SUV and Nissan's huge American Titan pick-up.

It also offers all the usual benefits of four-wheel drive and is fitted with a manually operated electric rear differential lock, ensuring an equal split of power to both rear wheels under demanding off- road conditions.

Despite its mammoth size the Navara is easy to drive and especially good off-road too. And this butch bakkie surprises one with a very tight turning circle as well.

It is destined to be a proper workhorse too as it has true heavy duty pick-up genes.

4x4 fanatics will have all they need to have go and have fun off-road, while a differential-lock will help to take care of tricky conditions.

To go off-road, four-wheel drive (high and low ratios) can be selected via a dial on the centre console.

Click here for more info on the Nissan Navara 4x2.

Prices

Petrol

  • 4.0 V6 4x2 manual R277 450
  • 4.0 V6 4x2 automatic R290 500
  • 4.0 V6 4x4 manual R318 700
  • 4.0 V6 4x4 automatic R329 300

    Diesel

  • 2,5 dCi 4x2 manual R273 400
  • 2.5 dCi 4x2 automatic R286 150
  • 2.5 dCi 4x4 manual R308 600
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