Wheels24 was invited with a select few motoring media to spend a few days with the new Nissan Navara, so let's just get into it immediately.
Yes, the bakkie has just been revealed in other markets, and yes, underneath the mild camo, our test mule is pretty much identical to those. But the one I'm driving is built-in Rosslyn, Pretoria, and has been designed with our land's unique set of surfaces firmly in mind.
There are three main differences here, besides the tougher aesthetic that pumps up the overall presence of the car. I'm referring to the ride and handling, which have been notably improved. It's more comfortable on the highway, where its upgraded NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) dampening further enhances the overall refinement of the Navara.
Nissan South Africa has provided a double-cab bakkie that can compete. It's done so by ticking all the customer requirements and bringing it in line with stalwarts like the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger while leaving the ten-year-old VW Amarok in the dust. The fact that it manages to do so for less money than the Navara it replaces is nothing less than spectacular.
