WeeklySA_AdminLOCALLY-BUILT: Nissan Navara’s special edition combines rugged performance with everyday comfort, whether on rough terrain or cruising in the city
By Ali Mphaki
In a country where bakkies rule the roost, the likes of Toyota, Isuzu, Ford etc. Nissan has crafted a solid response by bringing back the Stealth name as a special edition variant of the popular Navara range.
In case you missed the turn, the Stealth badge was used in the pre-facelifted Navara in 2019 as well as in the NP200, and now makes a comeback with a pair of double-cab derivatives recently launched – a 4×2 version and a 4×4 variant.
In terms of hierarchy, the Navara Stealth slots between the lower-spec LE range and the range-topping Navara ProX4 derivative.
The addition of the two new Stealh offerings increases the number of the local Navara range to 20 derivatives, enough to make one feel like a mosquito in a nudist camp.
Before we get carried away, it’s perhaps prudent to first start with what distinguishes the Steath offering from its siblings. Coming at 1 5260 mm in length, 1 875 mm in width and 1 855mm in height, it is simply unavoidable.
As if to emphasize it’s name, the Stealth comes minus the traditional chrome accents, these having been replaced by black trims. The red Nissan badge on the grille makes way for a matte silver version.
Black roof rails and a.black Stealth branded roll bar, while side mirrors cups, exterior door handles, and side steps also gain a dark finish.
Inside via keyless entry, welcoming you on board are black leather pews with stitching and goodies such as an 8- inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB – A ports.
Though interior enhancements are subtle, the branded carpet set, electrically adjusted driver’s seat, push button start, electric folding mirrors does nothing to diminish its premium feel.
There are six airbags in all, and unlike some of its rivals:, boast a rear sliding window for extra ventilation.
There is no bakhuluma ngawe phambili in case you have passengers seated at the payload. The large windows give an airy feel to the cabin, with visibility good all round for a sure-footed driving experience.
For our music and listening pleasure, we were serenade by a six-speaker stereo, enough to drown the agricultural sound of the car, and loud enough to cause some noise pollution in the neighborhood. Bring the engine to life, and the Navara Stealth does not whisper, it roars.
The 2.5 four-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated with a 7- speed transmission goes about its work effortlessly, churning out 140KW and 450Nm.
For irs size and weight, the Navara Stealth is no slouch either, able to reach top speed within a minimum of delay.
Ride comfort is further enhanced by its first in the segment five link rear suspension, which also come in handy when vehicle is loaded.
Nissan says the suspension soaks up bumps and potholes, which also helps in rough terrain.
The engine motto of our test unit took time to warm up in cold mornings, but once fully aroused even the engine noise dies down and only wind noise from the huge tyres and big ear side mirrors can be heard as we crisscrossed the freeways.
Impressive was its fuel consumption, a tad less than 10-litres per 100km, which gives you more kilometers without having to be an oil sheik.
It so happened that we had to move house the other day: and the 1005kg payload of the Stealth 4×4 stepped up to the plate, once more proving Navara’s credentials as a perfect workhorse too. Not much to fret about the Navara Stealth as a daily companion, even though the ageing interior would do with some revamp.
This is one versatile vehicle that is loved by farmers, small business owners, and those individuals who want to stand out from the crowd in a capable and go anywhere vehicle.
It brings a new attitude to the bakkie scene, whilst also boldly announcing the return of the legendary Stealth name into the highly competitive and cut-throat mid-price segment where demand is strongest.
In reincarnation of a legend, the Stealth continues to combine rugged performance with everyday comfort to suit your lifestyle and functional needs.
With extra gimmicks like rear parking sensors, automatic LED headlamps, camera sensing wipers, it is comforting that the Navara Stealth will set you back at less than R1 million, with the 4×2 variant priced from R695 200, and the 4×4 at R779 500.
Likely to win it more friends is that it is locally built and it’s sporty design seem to have hit the right spot with the ever discerning bakkie loving public.
Rivals include Ford Ranger XLT I, Hilux Raider, Peugeot Landtrek etc.
It is offered with a six year/ 90 000 km service plan and warranty.
