Nissan Navara single cab: a capable, well-priced workhorse

Nissan has introduced a new range of South African-built Navara single cabs that are sure to prove popular. These robust bakkies are a fine match of functionality, handling and comfort. Pieter Dempsey reports.

-  Pieter Dempsey

The new Nissan Navara single cab bakkie is a welcome addition to the Navara range of double cabs launched earlier this year. Apart from being a rugged, practical asset on any farm, it boasts a wide range of comfort features not usually associated with vehicles in this segment.

The vehicle is assembled at Nissan’s Rosslyn plant in Gauteng.

GENERAL IMPRESSION

The exterior of the Nissan Navara is based on the new Navara styling, although you have to make do without colour-coded bumpers and side mirrors, which are standard for most workhorse vehicles.

The model tested by Farmer’s Weekly was the Navara 2.5 DDTi SE 4x2, which is powered by a 2,5- litre four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 120kW of power and 403Nm of torque. The top- of-the-range single-cab model, the LE, boasts a higher output of 140kW and 450Nm, as well as additional features. The XE base model is fitted with a naturally aspirated 2,5-litre petrol engine, and delivers 118kW and 233Nm.

All models are paired with a six- speed manual transmission.

The claimed payload for the Farmer’s Weekly test model is an impressive 1 132kg for the two-wheel drive version, and 1 119kg for the 4WD. The XE and LE model payloads range from 1 065kg to 1 144kg. The design of the load bay makes it easy to take advantage of the generous payload: load-bay height has been increased by 36mm in the front, and 64mm in the rear. There are also side steps for comfortable loading and unloading and an added rear step to the rear bumper in the SE and LE models.