Nissan's new Ranger-fighter headed for SA

Cape Town - Nissan has unveiled its new NP300 Navara destined for South Africa.

The bakkie has a striking new exterior and interior borrowing styling from its crossover siblings - the Qashqai, X-Trail and Juke.

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Other niceties include, Nissan says, new-to-segment technologies and high-equipment levels including around view monitor, NissanConnect and LEDs.

Nissan South Africa says: "Yes, the product is indeed being rolled-out internationally and here in South Africa we have conducted various studies in terms of specification and model range planned for the South African and Sub Saharan Market. 

"We are in final discussions regarding timing for local introduction with our parent company, Nissan Motor Limited in Japan. These timelines and announcements regarding local production will be made in due course."

Image gallery: Nissan Navara NP300

The NP300 Navara’s is powered by a new 2.3 litre dCi engine, 24% more efficient than the unit it replaces and, claims Nissan, is the cleanest and most economical in its segment.

It's available in two power output, 118kW and 140kW, and the range-topping version introduces twin turbocharging technology, a first for Nissan. The 2.3 litre can be mated to a  standard six-speed manual or a seven-speed auto. A four-wheels drive variant is available.

Its payload ratings arein excess of one tonne across the range and it has a towing capacity of 3500kg.  The load bed is 67mm longer than the previous model, with a sector-best load bed length of 1.57m. The King Cab’s load bed measures 1.78m in length.

Nissan adds: “The load bed is home to further brand innovations in the form of the acclaimed C-channel load system. With heavy-duty channels on the rear cabin bulkhead and bed sides, owners have complete flexibility when it comes to securing vulnerable loads. Because the clamps slide along the C-shaped channel tracks, even the most unusually shaped load
can be secured with ease.”