Nissan's Beefed-Up Bakkie

- Glenda Williams

Double-cabs used to be rare beasts, compared with the single-cab variety. But whether single-cab or double-cab, bakkies were no-frills, no-fuss workhorses and their owners were predominantly farmers and small businesses.

There are a lot more frills nowadays. And an increasing number of doublecab owners are sporting suits and ties rather than vellies. The double-cab bakkie has evolved as a premium family car and leisure vehicle. Its continuing popularity is assuring it a place among the country’s top-selling vehicles.

So, when Nissan launched its Navara Stealth, I was eager to get behind the wheel. The double-cab leisure bakkie – currently imported into the country – will start coming off the local production line in late 2020 together with the rest of the Navara model line-up (see sidebar).

This premium double-cab is available in 4x2 and 4x4 configuration with either manual or automatic transmission. All models come with a robust 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine.

finweek found much to like in the Navara Stealth two-wheel drive, 7-speed automatic.

Outer view

Modelled on the Nissan Navara luxury edition, the new Nissan Navara Stealth has been the recipient of design updates – albeit cosmetic – that make this premium double-cab even more rugged and distinctive-looking.