Nissan Navara scoops Bakkie of the Year title

The popularity of bakkies in South Africa is unrivalled and a trend that is well documented by South Africa’s monthly vehicle sales figures, with three out of the top five selling vehicles in South Africa being ladder frame based one-ton bakkies.

Given the popularity of these vehicles, a dedicated South African Bakkie of the Year competition was established with the purpose of evaluating and appraising the specific requirements and performance measurements such as off-road, advanced 4x4 as well as on and off-road towing capabilities, expected from these vehicles. These exact requirements were addressed and evaluated in a measurable, repeatable and verifiable manner.

The Nissan Navara walked away with victory in the 121 – 150kW category of the inaugural Bakkie of the Year contest. This accolade follows a vigorous judging process conducted by the experienced Bakkie of the Year jury, which included legendary South African rally icon, Sarel van der Merwe and off-road and towing expert Gerhard Groenewald from the Klipbokkop off-road academy.

The extensive evaluation process was divided into three distinct disciplines including 4x4 driving and capability tests, off-road performance tests and towing performance on and off-road.

The 4x4 tests were carried out across a variety of terrain including sand, rock and shale as well as the testing of wheel articulation and traction. Cost of ownership was also included as a criterium, with data provided by Lightstone. Four specific but very relevant criteria measured over four-years/80 000km were addressed, namely maintenance, insurance, fuel consumption and trade-in values.

Following the rigorous evaluation process across the different disciplines all the points were tallied and audited including cost of ownership as supplied by Lightstone and value for money in terms of retail price, warranties and service plans.

The Navara is known for its rugged redefined looks, robust capabilities, reliability and versatility. The Navara features a V-motion identity, an over-fender for PRO-4X grades, redesigned wheels, increased bed height and new LED headlamps and foglamps. Inside the steering wheel has been restyled and the seats have been redesigned for improved comfort.

The Navara continues to excel in the 4x4 double cab segment thanks to its load carrying capacity and powertrain which have been engineered to perform across rugged South African terrain.

The Nissan Navara is powered by a tried and tested 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which allows it to meet customers’ requirements for low running costs, reliability and performance. The engine is available in two output levels, the unit on higher powered models delivers 140kW and 450Nm while the mid-output engine delivers 120kW and 403Nm.

In 4x4 models these engines are paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive with a differential lock. In manual transmission models, a new low gear ratio improves acceleration response, ease of driving and ease of starting uphill. The six-gear manual transmission offers ergonomic shift operation. 

The Navara comes to market with a new steering system, new tyres, improved suspension, reduced body vibration and motion, resulting in better handling, improved steering response and controllability.

The inclusion of Nissan Intelligent Mobility comes with a variety of technology and safety features. Intelligent driving tools are paired with additional driver assistance features that help drivers see more, sense more and take swifter action. Technology on offer includes Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Driver Alertness and Intelligent High Beam Assist. The chassis and powertrain have been adapted for better towing performance, with trailer sway control added as a standard feature. 

This award is testament to the quality of local production stemming from the Rosslyn plant in Pretoria and the commitment of employees who are involved in the various stages of bringing the rugged yet refined Navara to the market.