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Nissan Navara a real tigress in pick-up jungle
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Nissan Navara is leading the pickup league with a reputation for class that draws executives to it, and impressive off-road performance that proves it tough after all.
I had no idea there were so many great pick-up brands in this market. That is a sign of confidence in the Kenyan economy that now comes with black gold.
Even products from China like Cherry and Foton are making inroads into this lucrative market. I shall soon extend my review to these brands.
If you liked the Nissan Hardbody (ATOTI) you will surely love the Nissan Navara. As far as pick-ups go it is at the summit and has been the top dog for years.
It brings flair and elegance to a market known for utilitarian trucks that do very little to entertain the driver and occupants.
While most pick-ups reviewed earlier are workhorses, the Nissan Navara can take a man in a suit to a meeting.
I had the chance to drive it for hundreds of kilometres during DT Dobie’s Nissan Challenge and found out first hand, why it has such an allure.
If you were blind-folded and put behind the wheel you would think you are in a luxurious Sports Utility Vehicle. And driving the Navara is a sporting experience.
What is the difference between the Navara and the Nissan Hardbody you ask?
While they share the same name in some markets these vehicles have never been so different.
One is a no-nonsense and willing labourer while the other is the recently promoted technical manager with years of experience and no need to prove his acumen with the spanner.
For that reason I assumed that it was a softie but was quickly proved wrong in more ways than one.
During the five-day challenge we drove the Navara from Mombasa to Lodwar in Northern Kenya in company of the Nissan Patrol and ‘Atoti’. It kept up the pace without panting or needing a break.
Never at any point did it seem intimidated except on the very rough sections through Turkana where the Patrol ruled.
While the Navara was not designed to be bashed around, it does not shy away from odd chores off-road.
While it does not wear a ‘hard as nails, go anywhere’ armoured suit, like its other sibling, it compensates with comforts no other pick-up can deliver, yet.
It also comes with a huge dose of business attitude, making it an ideal vehicle for the head of engineering, the CTO, COO and even the CEO.
It is available in three models and retails for between Sh4.3 million for the Standard and Sh4.98 million if you are looking for all the bells and whistles and some bling bling.
In top spec you get automatic transmission, but I must say, if you intend to go off-road, settle for the 6-speed manual transmission. For the sleek city dweller, the 5-speed automatic transmission will do just fine.
Send the Navara into a corner quickly and you will smile widely on the way out as its suspension and wide 255 inch tyres are designed to give you an entertaining and fun drive.
First introduced in 2005, its handling impressed most thanks to its fully boxed ladder frame.
The wheelbase is 125.9 in (3.20 m) with a 205.5 in (5.22 m) overall length and towing capacity is 2,950 kg, making it a favourite for those looking to pull what will not fit into the load bay.
Drum rolls please
The engines are powerful and you can choose between the 2,488cc diesel, with 142 hp (106 kW) that comes in the 2WD version or the quicker and up-rated 172 hp (128 kW) that has 403 Nm (297 lb·ft) of torque at 2000rpm that is fitted in the 4x4.
Both engines come with a standard 5-speed Automatic or a 6-speed manual.
Be careful if you decide to import this car from Europe or Japan as you might have trouble with the cooling system.
You are better of buying a local version as it is designed to handle our harsh conditions.
Why would you consider buying the Navara over some of the competition?
If you go for the LE spec, and you should, you will enjoy a list of standard features without having to pay too much for the pleasure.
These include; leather power steering wheel with tilt function, keyless entry and power door locks.
Electronic brake distribution and ABS will keep you planted on the road as you attempt to reach its top speed of 170kph.
I do not recommend this at all despite the twin air bags upfront.
You get air conditioning, leathers seats and a 6-CD changer player with MP3 and 6 speakers.
More importantly, you get better leg room (612mm) at the back.
Do I hear drum rolls? If you are not already impressed then perhaps you are tough to please and should wait to see what the new 2012 Ford Ranger has in store next week.
