Latest news with #Navara
The Citizen
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Nissan Navara Stealth returns more aggressive than ever before
Still based on the double cab LE, the Stealth makeover has been executed with more polish than the original. The Nissan Navara, in its current internally named D23 guise, has been around for 11 years, which, apart from the Mahindra Pik Up, makes it the oldest bakkie currently on-sale in South Africa. Contrived future outlook A late arrival in 2017 followed by a facelift four years later, which saw it adopt its current look in addition to production moving from Thailand to the Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria aside, the Navara has been a consistent top five segment seller despite often struggling to breach 500 units ALSO READ: Nissan hits six with Stealth This, combined with the ongoing speculation of Nissan possibly vacating Rosslyn as part of its radical cost cutting measures announced earlier this year, has seemingly made little impact on Navara sales completely faltering to less than 100 units similar to its alliance sibling, the new Mitsubishi Triton. Known to be replaced later this year by a completely new generation based on the Triton, the future of the D23, in South Africa at least, appears unlikely to head the same route. Sports bar comes with an integrated Stealth badge. Image: Charl Bosch Seemingly set to follow the same approach as South America, where the Frontier name is used, the Navara will benefit from a second facelift and remain in production as part of an apparent dual-model roll-out similar to what was used with the NP300 Hardbody. A decision probably made as a means of keeping costs down while assuring the future of Rosslyn, the introduction of the Australian-developed Pro-4X Warrior earlier this year has seen a further bolstering of the range with the arrival of the revived special edition Stealth. No longer flying underneath the radar A nameplate first used on the NP200 a decade ago and then on the pre-facelift Navara in 2019, the Stealth's return sees it slot-in below the standard Pro-4X and above the derivative it is based on, the LE, with the sole option being either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. Stealth comes into its own off-road. Image: Nissan While similar to the previous Stealth by being an appearance package, the local launch last week was anything but ordinary as the majority of the selected route was off-road ranging from a conventional gravel road, to a proper rock-laden trek around the ADA Off-Road Training and Outdoor Centre on the outskirts of Hartebeestpoort. Stealth additions Externally, the Stealth's additions over the LE include a restyled black grille and bumper, the latter complete with an integrated nudge bar, standard side-steps, a Stealth-badged sports bar and 17-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop Grandtrek all-terrain tyres. Stealth can be had in three colours. All-terrain tyres are standard. Image: Charl Bosch Continuing the darkened theme as per the Stealth name are black mirror caps and roof rails, black door handles and black Stealth badges at the base of the front doors and on the tailgate. A choice of three colours round the exterior off; white, Infinite Black and the same Techno Grey as on the Pro-4X. Bar extended leather trim on the doors and armrests, the Stealth's interior has not changed from the LE – a departure from the original that received orange seats inserts as well as stitch work on the doors, steering wheel, gear lever and the seats themselves. Unlike the previous Stealth, no big changes have taken place inside. Image: Charl Bosch Similar in execution to Ford's first and second attempts with the previous generation Ranger FX4, the Stealth is more discreetly styled than before, and arguably, more rugged looking than its predecessor. Underneath Introduced as part of the facelift four years, the five-link coil rear suspension and dampers from the rest of the Navara range has been carried over unchanged. Devised specifically for South Africa's road conditions, and described as pothole-proof by company executives, the setup comprises a quicker rebound recovery without compromising on-road or off-road comfort. Launch route involved extensive off-road driving. Image: Nissan A design the Triton-based model won't employ, as it will revert to a traditional leaf-spring setup, the suspension and the lower-profile all-terrain tyres, made for a surprising combination, especially off-road. Composed and comfortable, the Stealth displayed none of the usual rear-end liveliness that comes with an empty loadbid. Moreover, the suspension didn't 'hit through' on the truly rocky sections of the route that involved a slow descent down a cliffside into the valley below. Still not ideal What's more, the Stealth still felt pliant on-road and again, comparable to the Ranger's ride of not being jarring or brittle with a sudden surface change. In fact, the main gripes are familiar ones involving the interior. The area the Navara's age is most prominent, the lack of height adjustment allowing the driver's seat to drop all the way down results in a too high driving position While the steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and reach, the way the seating position is setup still makes for a feel comparable to a forward control truck as one sits 'above' the wheel rather than behind it. Likely to be rectified with the incoming facelift, the dashboard looks dated and is riddled with a less-than-impressive and fussy eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display, as well as a fuzzy and low-quality reverse camera. Spec As for specifications, the Stealth remains unchanged from the LE as it comes standard with push-button start and keyless entry, folding electric mirrors, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a multi-function steering wheel and type-A USB ports. Leather seats have replaced the fabric ones that come standard on the LE. Image: Charl Bosch Safety and driver assistance features include cruise control, rear parking sensors, six airbags, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Hill Descent Control on the four-wheel-drive models. Tried-and-tested diesel Residing up front, the stalwart YD25DDTI 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine prevails as one of the biggest highlights. Brought in to replace the newer twin-turbo 2.3-litre YS23DDT when production started at Rosslyn, the unit develops an unchanged 140kW/450Nm delivered to the mentioned drive wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Stealth took the easy and difficult sections of the route in its stride without struggling. Image: Nissan As with the rest of the Navara range, the four-wheel-drive Stealth is equipped as standard with a locking rear differential and a low-range transfer case. Despite the 'box still being lethargic and prone to taking its time when shifting down, the engine has more than sufficient pull, and although not the most refined or quiet, gives off a satisfying wastegate chirp when lifting off of the accelerator. Livelier and more responsive than the admittedly hardcore off-road-focused Pro-4X Warrior, the Stealth also didn't feel as nervous on-road, again due to its not having the same lift-kit, in addition to being quieter around the firewall. Conclusion A sub-segment of the local bakkie market that has become hugely popular in recent years, the return of the Nissan Navara Stealth again shows the significance of buyers being prepared to fork out extra for being different and standing out, in spite of there being no power or torque gains. Stealth can be had either with two-wheel-drive or part-time four-wheel-drive. Image: Charl Bosch Priced at a premium of R35 000 over the LE, the Stealth represents relatively good value, especially as the two-wheel-drive comes in under R700 000 and the 4×4 well below R800 000. That being said, it is still the oldest legacy brand bakkie available today, and while sales are likely to be pushed up a bit, its displacing of the Mahindra Pik Up as the country's fourth best-seller, will still leave it as a left-field option Price As with the rest of the Navara range, the Stealth's price tag includes a six-year/150 000 km warranty and a six-year/90 000 km service plan. Navara Stealth 2.5 DDTI AT – R695 200 Navara Stealth 2.5 DDTI 4×4 AT – R779 200 NOW READ: Nissan Navara has lost ground on Ford Ranger, Amarok and Hilux
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Rosslyn plant safe for now as Nissan commits to Africa growth
Nissan South Africa has broken its silence on reports that its Rosslyn plant outside Pretoria could close as part of the Re:Nissan restructuring plan. Seven factories in line for closure The Citizen reports that in May, Reuters revealed at least seven of the brand's 17 global production sites face closure before the end of the decade. Those most likely are Oppama and Shonan in Japan, the Renault co-run Chennai and Santa Isabel plants in India and Argentina, and at least one of its three plants in Mexico. This follows the brand announcing a net loss of R82.2b earlier this year, coupled with a planned 15% cut in its global workforce from the original 9 000 announced last year, to at least 20 000 by 2027. The failed merger with Honda and the subsequent resignation of CEO Makoto Uchida have also been cited as reasons for the brand's worsening position. Rosslyn's dilemma One of the plants rumoured for closure, the 59-year-old Rosslyn facility – which currently only produces the Navara for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa – has been under scrutiny following the withdrawal of the NP200 in 2023. As a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Nissan cut its workforce by 400, despite its chairperson for the Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania regions, Guillaume Cartier, stating last year it is exploring production of a second model to fully utilise the plant's capacity. At the same time, Nissan's managing director for South Africa and independent African markets, Maciej Klenkiewicz, confirmed a study is under way into the feasibility of producing another model alongside the Navara. Sign of staying? Speaking at the launch of the Navara Stealth in Magaliesburg last week, Nissan president for Africa Jordi Vila suggested that, despite persistent rumours, the brand has no plans to exit South Africa or shut down Rosslyn. This comes after confirmation that the Oppama plant will cease operations by 2028, while the Chennai and Santa Isabel facilities may become fully owned by Renault, with current Nissan products continuing, albeit assembled by its alliance partner. 'We need to be proud of our heritage and where we come from. And when I look at Nissan's history in South Africa and the models, we should not lose that and [instead] build on it for the future. It is a market where we want to be from the past to the future,' Vila said. 'We are committed to growth in Africa and South Africa. Our plan is to grow – we grew with Navara and Magnite, and we want to grow the concept of built in Africa for Africa. 'We should be proud of producing this quality of vehicle (in Africa), and we don't want to give up on that,' Vila concluded.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Nissan hints future of Rosslyn is safe despite speculation
Troubled Japanese brand's President of Africa has provided the biggest indication that it won't leave South Africa anytime soon. Nissan South Africa has broken its silence on ongoing reports that its Rosslyn plant outside Pretoria is set to close as part of the Re:Nissan restructuring plan. Seven factories in-line for closure Back in May, Reuters reported that at least seven of the brand's 17 global production sites are facing closure before the end of the decade, with those most likely being Oppama and Shonan in Japan, the Renault co-run Chennai and Santa Isabel plants in India and Argentina, and at least one of its three plants in Mexico. ALSO READ: Reports claim Rosslyn to be one of Nissan's plants facing closure This after the brand, earlier this year, announced a net loss of R82.2-billion, with the added knock-off being a planned 15% cut in its global workforce from the original 9 000 announced last year, to at least 20 000 by 2027. At the same time, its failed merger with Honda, with the subsequent resignation of CEO Makoto Uchida, has been cited as a further reason for the brand's worsening position. Rosslyn's dilemma One of the plants rumoured for closure, the 59-year old Rosslyn facility, which currently only produces the Navara for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, has been a point of uncertainty following the withdrawal of the NP200 in 2023. The result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the move resulted in Nissan cutting its workforce by 400, despite its Chairperson for the Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania regions, Guillaume Cartier, maintaining as last year that it is looking into producing a second model to fully utilise the plant's capacity. At the same time, Nissan's Managing Director for South Africa and Independent African Markets, Maciej Klenkiewicz, said a study is underway in to the feasibility of producing another model alongside the Navara. Sign of staying? Addressing the media at the launch of the Navara Stealth in Magaliesburg last week, Nissan President for Africa, Jordi Vila, alluded to that, despite persisting rumours, the brand has no intentions of exiting South Africa or shutting down Rosslyn. This, after it was confirmed this week that the Oppama plant will indeed cease operations by 2028, while the Chennai and Santa Isabel facilities could become fully owned by Renault and result in current Nissan products continuing, though fully assembled by its alliance partner. 'We need to be proud of our heritage and where we come from. And when I look at Nissan's history in South Africa and the models, we should not lose that and [instead] build on it for the future. It is a market where we want to be from the past to the future,' Vila said. 'We are committed to growth in Africa and South Africa. Our plan is to grow – we grew with Navara and Magnite, and we want to grow the concept of built in Africa for Africa. 'We should be proud of producing this quality of vehicle (in Africa), and we don't want to give up on that,' Vila concluded. ALSO READ: Nissan's bleak outlook: revenue down, looming 20 000 job cuts
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Nissan Navara Stealth returns as more than another ‘sticker' bakkie
Positioning below the Pro-4X Warrior and Pro-4X Warrior, the Stealth becomes the 'entry-level' off-road focused Navara model in complete contrast to the previous iteration. The Nissan Navara, in its current internally named D23 guise, has been around for 11 years which, apart from the Mahindra Pik Up, makes it the oldest bakkie currently on-sale in South Africa. A late arrival in 2017 followed by a facelift four years later, which saw it adopt its current look in addition to production moving from Thailand to the Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria aside, the Navara has been a consistent top five segment seller despite often struggling to breach 500 units. This, combined with the ongoing speculation of Nissan possibly vacating Rosslyn as part of its radical cost cutting measures announced earlier this year, has seemingly made little impact on Navara sales completely faltering to less than 100 units similar to its alliance sibling, the new Mitsubishi Triton. Known to be replaced later this year by a completely new generation based on the Triton, the future of the D23, in South Africa at least, appears unlikely to head the same route. Seemingly set to follow the same approach as South America where the Frontier name is used, the Navara will benefit from a second facelift and remain in production as part of an apparent dual-model roll-out similar to what had been used with the NP300 Hardbody. A decision probably made as a means of keeping costs down while assuring the future of Rosslyn, the introduction of the Australian-developed Pro-4X Warrior earlier this year has seen a further bolstering of the range of the arrival of the revived special edition Stealth. A nameplate first used on the NP200 a decade ago and then on the pre-facelift Navara in 2019, the Stealth's return sees it slot-in below the standard Pro-4X and above the derivative it is based on, the LE, with the sole option being rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. Unlike its predecessor though, the Stealth doesn't merely represent an appearance or sticker package as actual revisions having taken place underneath its new attire. The launch in Magaliesburg last week also didn't conform to normality as the majority of route was off-road ranging from a conventional gravel road, to a propre rock-laden off-road trek around the ADA Off-Road Training and Outdoor Centre on the outskirts of Hartebeestpoort. Externally, the Stealth's additions over the LE includes a restyled black grille and bumper, the latter complete with an integrated nudge bar, standard side-steps, a Stealth-badged sports bar, and 17-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop Grandtrek all-terrain tyres. Continuing the darkened theme as per the Stealth name are black mirror caps and roof rails, black door handles and black Stealth badges at the base of the front doors and on the tailgate. A choice of three colours round the exterior off; white, Infinite Black and the same Techno Grey as on the the Pro-4X. Bar extended leather trim on the doors and armrests, the Stealth's interior has not changed from the LE – a departure from the original that receive orange seats inserts as well as stitch work on the doors, steering wheel, gear lever and the seats themselves. Similar in execution to Ford's first and second attempts with the previous generation Ranger FX4, the Stealth is more discreetly styled than before, and arguably, more rugged looking than its predecessor. The biggest indicator of the Stealth no longer being all about looks, as mentioned, resides underneath where Nissan has retuned the five-link coil rear suspension with uprated dampers. Made specifically for South Africa's poor road conditions, and described as pothole-proof by company executives, the redesign involves a quicker rebound recovery without negating on-road or off-road comfort. A design the Triton-based model won't employ as it will revert to a traditional leaf-spring setup, the revisions to the suspension, and indeed the lower-profile all-terrain tyres, made for a surprising combination, especially off-road. Composed and comfortable, the Stealth displayed none of the usual rear-end liveliness that comes with an empty loadbed. Moreover, the suspension didn't 'hit through' on the truly rocky sections of the route that involved a slow decent down a cliff side into the valley below. What's mor, the Stealth still felt pliant on-road and again, comparable to the Ranger's ride of not being jarring or brittle with a sudden surface change. In fact, the main gripes are familiar ones involving the interior. The area the Navara's age is most prominent, the lack of height adjustment allowing the driver's seat to drop all the way down results in a too high driving position. While the steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and reach, the way the seating position is setup still makes for a feel comparable to a forward control truck as one sits 'above' the wheel rather than behind it. Likely to be rectified with the incoming facelift, the dashboard looks dated and is riddled with a less-than impressive and fussy eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display, as well as a fuzzy and low-quality reverse camera. As for specification, the Stealth is unchanged from the LE as it comes standard with push-button start and keyless entry, folding electric mirrors, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a multi-function steering wheel and type-A USB ports. Safety and driver assistance comes in the form of cruise control, rear parking sensors, six airbags, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Hill Descent Control on the four-wheel-drive. Residing up front, the stalwart YD25DDTI 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine prevails as one of the biggest highlights. Brought in to replace the newer twin-turbo 2.3-litre YS23DDT when production started at Rosslyn, the unit develops an unchanged 140kW/450Nm delivered to the mentioned drive wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. As with the rest of the Navara range, the four-wheel-drive Stealth is equipped as standard with a locking rear differential, as well as a low range transfer case. Despite the 'box still being lethargic and prone to taking its time when shifting down, the engine has more than sufficient pull, and although not the most refined or quiet, gives off a satisfying wastegate chirp when lifting off of the accelerator. Livelier and more response than the admittedly hardcore off-road-focused Pro-4X Warrior, the Stealth also didn't feel as nervous on-road – again due to its not having the same lift-kit – in addition to being subtly quieter around the firewall. Conclusion A sub-segment of the local bakkie market that has become hugely popular in recent years, the return of the Nissan Navara Stealth again shows the significance of buyers being prepared to fork out extra for being different and standing out in spite of there being no power or torque gains. Priced at a premium of R35 000 over the LE, the Stealth represents relatively good value, especially as the two-wheel-drive comes in under R700 000 and the 4×4 well below R800 000. That being said, it is still the oldest legacy brand bakkie available today, and while sales are likely to be pushed up a bit, its displacing of the Mahindra Pik Up as the country's fourth best-seller, will still leave it as a left-field option. Price As with the rest of the Navara range, the Stealth's price tag includes a six-year/150 000 km warranty and a six-year/90 000 km service plan.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Nissan Navara Stealth's bold return to South Africa: a new contender against Toyota, Ford and Isuzu
Built at their Nissan plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, the Stealth uses the LE grade Navara as the foundation and fits in below the premium Warrior and Pro range. Image: Supplied After a nearly six-year hiatus, Nissan has reintroduced the Navara Stealth double cab bakkie to the South African market. Built at their Nissan plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, the Stealth uses the LE grade Navara as the foundation and fits in below the premium Warrior and Pro range. And what's not to like when manufacturers add a couple of nice-to-haves to make it stand out from the rest? Black is back Black is, of course, the favourite colour to replace the silver and chrome bits, so the roof rails, grille, mirror caps, door handles, and side steps get the deep black finish treatment in addition to the Stealth signature on the doors and tailgate. It also receives a black nudge bar, sports bar and 17-inch alloys. The interior is refreshed and features black leather-trimmed seats, door panels and armrests, adding an extra bit of swagger. I have yet to see a 'special edition' that doesn't make an impression, and the Navara Stealth is no different. The configurable eight-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with six speakers, remains, as do front and rear USB-C ports to keep devices charged. The roof rails, grille, mirror caps, door handles, and side steps get a deep black finish treatment in addition to the Stealth signature on the doors and tailgate. Image: Supplied Power The Navara Stealth is powered by their 2.5-litre DDTi four-cylinder diesel engine providing 140kW and 450Nm coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels and all four in the 4x4 version when using 4H or 4L via the transfer case. Handling The Navara double cab has always been known as one of the best-handling and most comfortable bakkies on the market, thanks to its five-link rear suspension system with coil springs instead of traditional leaf springs. They have recalibrated dampers with faster rebound recovery that allows the rear suspension to return to its normal position quicker after compression. The video link clearly shows the difference between the two suspension set-ups, and the difference is remarkable. Driving Our launch route around the Magaliesberg was designed to test and prove the suspension with tar, rutted gravel roads and some 4x4 driving. The driving position is comfortable, as are the seats, which augur well for long trips. The diesel mill is responsive enough with little turbo lag, and it will hustle along well over the national speed limit when needed. With a lot of attention having been placed on noise, vibration and harshness levels when the new Navara was introduced in 2021, the interior reflected that even over some harsh gravel corrugations. It made short work of the 4x4 track with some slippery grass climbs and drove effortlessly over a rocky and rutted track through a muddy incline, all without having to switch to 4L. Safety Safety is taken care of by ABS, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). It's also fitted with Intelligent Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Intelligent Trailer Sway Control (TSC). The Nissan Stealth made short work of the 4x4 course. Image: Supplied Navara conundrum On our way back to the overnight location my driving partner and I speculated on the conundrum that Nissan faces with the Navara. Everyone in the motoring space agrees that it is a fantastic double cab with everything going for it and yet they struggle to break into the top three sales bracket. I mean, they literally drove from Pretoria to Cairo in the Daring Africa Expedition without so much as a puncture along the way. There's no obvious reason with some claiming the interior features are long in the tooth but some of their opposition are in the same boat, so I don't buy that. I also don't think that the global strain the company is facing or the cloud hanging over the Rosslyn factory plays a part. It's a well-priced, good looking bakkie and does everything you would expect whether overlanding or driving the school run. Nissan knows they should be selling more but also can't exactly point out why so here's hoping that the Stealth and by implication the fully built in South Africa Navara range bucks that trend. The Navara Stealth is powered by their 2.5-litre DDTi four cylinder diesel engine providing 140kW and 450Nm coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Image: Supplied It comes with a six-year/ 150 000km warranty and a six-year/ 90 000km service plan. Pricing July 2025 Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab SE Plus 4x4: R678 000. Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab LE 4x4: R744 200. Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab Stealth: R695 200. Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab Stealth 4x4: R779 200. Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab Pro-4X 4x4: R844 000. Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab Pro-4X 4x4 Warrior: R924 000.
