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Can the new Nissan Navara Warrior tackle the Spirit of Africa?

Nissan recently launched the Pro-4X Warrior as the new flagship model of its locally built Navara double cab range, boasting upgrades that enhance its off-roading ability. It is the vehicle used in this year's Spirit of Africa, an annual off-road challenge run by legendary racer Sarel van der Merwe and this year taking place at Sandwani Game Lodge near Cullinan. It's the 21st anniversary of the event and the third edition under the Nissan banner. In addition to three-day events open to the public from April to June, there was a one-day media challenge earlier this week in which I took part. Paired up with Wheels24 motoring journalist Reuben van Niekerk, we competed against 14 other two-people crews driving through a series of slow technical obstacles and high-speed sections — sometimes in reverse. In the slow stuff you have to guide the large Nissan bakkie through an undulating off-road course against the clock, guiding it between poles that earn you penalty points if touched. The poles are narrowly spaced and more suited to Suzuki Jimnys than wide Nissan Navaras. It leaves millimetres of clearance at the Navara's side mirrors, all while driving on uneven surfaces of gravel, mud and soft sand. Making it extra challenging is you tackle each section without having seen it in advance, so you have to be smart about deciding which driving mode to use. For example, selecting two-wheel drive gives the vehicle a smaller turning circle, which provides an advantage in tight corners — you lose points for reversing, so the idea is to get through the turn the first time. Two-wheel drive provides less traction, however, and you may encounter a steep and slippery climb that requires engaging four-wheel drive and the rear diff lock. The Navara has the advantage that it can be switched between two- and four-wheel drive at the twist of a dial while driving, but doing it while navigating dongas through Jimny-sized gaps, with the stopwatch ticking, keeps you on your toes.