MORE THAN 50,000 NEW NAVARA PICKUPS SOLD SINCE NOVEMBER 2015
In the two years since it won the International Pickup Award 2016, more than 50,000 of the all-new Navara have been sold. Over the same period the Navara's share of the highly competitive one-ton pickup segment has also increased significantly, rising from 11% in 2015 to 17% in 2017 YTD. That's despite several new high-profile competitors.
Success has come right across Western Europe. In 2017 YTD (up to and including September), the Navara is the best-selling Asian pickup in the three key markets of UK, Germany and Sweden. Furthermore, with demand in those countries focused primarily on performance and premium features, the Navara's popularity with business and leisure customers is the perfect illustration of its "tough and smart" position in the sector.
"We were so honoured to accept the International Pickup Award for 2016," said Christophe Longo, general manager, LCV Marketing & Product Planning, Nissan Europe. "Jurors clearly recognized the Navara's exceptional blend of tough performance and smart technology put it at the top of the class, and customers across Europe have agreed with them."
The Navara was introduced in South Africa in March 2017. Currently, Nissan South Africa has launched only the Double Cab 4WD premium derivatives. With a market share of 13% in this sub-segment, Nissan Navara is fourth in its competitive set. As Nissan builds out its Navara range including a Double Cab 2WD premium derivatives, Nissan anticipates it will capture additional market share as the popular bakkie becomes more accessible to a wider audience.
The Navara enjoys a very rich sales mix, with more than 80% of sales volume on the two highest grades – N-Connecta and Tekna. It's a figure higher than most of its segment rivals.
The Navara features high levels of refinement, style, comfort and quality. It was developed to extend these characteristics – so closely associated with Nissan's award-winning Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail crossovers – into the LCV segment for the first time. Pioneering technologies available on the Navara include Nissan's Intelligent Around View Monitor camera system and Intelligent Emergency Braking.
The Nissan Navara's tough and smart character is playing a part in determining which vehicle is the next holder of the International Pickup Award. Shortlisted models include the Alaskan – from Alliance partner Renault – and the Mercedes X-Class. This latter vehicle and the Navara are jointly developed by Mercedes and Nissan on a common chassis and powertrain architecture.
FAQ
Q: What does the Nissan Navara cost in South Africa?
The Nissan Navara Double Cab 4WD starts from around R650,000 for the N-Connecta grade, while the flagship Tekna variant sits closer to R750,000, making it one of the pricier options in the one-ton bakkie segment.
Q: Is the Nissan Navara worth buying over a Toyota Hilux?
The Navara offers more refinement and tech than the Hilux, with better ride quality and interior comfort, but Toyota's reputation for bulletproof reliability and wider service network still gives the Hilux an edge for pure workhorse duties.
Q: How reliable is the Nissan Navara in South Africa?
The current-generation Navara has shown decent reliability since its 2017 local launch, though it hasn't quite matched Toyota's legendary dependability, and some owners report minor electrical niggles with the advanced infotainment system.
Q: What engine options are available in the Nissan Navara?
South African Navara models come with a 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 140kW and 450Nm, paired exclusively with a seven-speed automatic gearbox and available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations.
Q: Does the Nissan Navara hold its value well?
The Navara's resale value is reasonable but trails behind segment leaders like the Hilux and Ranger, typically retaining around 55-60% of its original value after three years compared to the Hilux's 65-70%.
Should You Buy It?
The best premium one-ton bakkie under R800,000 in South Africa is the Nissan Navara Double Cab 4WD Tekna at R750,000. If you prioritise comfort, refinement and tech over pure ruggedness, the Navara is absolutely worth buying. It rides better than any Hilux, feels more car-like than a Ranger, and comes loaded with features that make long-distance driving a pleasure rather than a chore. Sure, you'll pay a premium over more basic bakkies, and Toyota's service network remains unmatched, but for business owners who spend serious time behind the wheel, the Navara's blend of tough capability and smart luxury hits the sweet spot perfectly.
