The Nissan Navara has dominated the South African motorsport scene for close to a decade, it is proving a popular choice among Dakar privateers and offers the perfect combination of Off Road ability and performance no matter what the situation.
Nissan has always enjoyed a strong motorsport presence in South Africa. The brand has won eight consecutive National Off Road Championships and has taken victory at 50 of the last 63 races. The success story began in 2001 with the Nissan Hardbody, legendary status was reached when the team switched to the Navara in 2006 and continued to dominate the field with no sign of stopping.
The Navara has proved to be a formidable force not only locally but internationally too. The daunting terrain of the 2009 Dakar rally proved no match for the rugged Double Cab Navara.
Two privately-entered Nissan Navaras, built by Nissan Motorsport in South Africa, were the top privateer finishers in this year’s Dakar, and were the first double cabs to cross the line. The fourth place finish of Ivar Erik Tollesfsen and Quin Evans is regarded as the highest result any genuine privateer entrant has achieved in the Dakar in the modern era.
The Navaras success on the Dakar has created a high demand for the vehicles in foreign markets, with already 21 South African built Navaras competing overseas and further contributing to the silverware in the Nissan trophy cabinet.
While the Navara is a formidable opponent on the motorsport scene, its hardworking and multi functional qualities make it the perfect double cab no matter what your requirements. Don’t be fooled by its sedan-like luxury and sporty ride. The Nissan Navara is a serious off-roader.
The Navara is available in both 4x4 and 4x2 configurations and comes with a choice of a versatile 2.5dCi diesel motor and a powerful 4.0 V6 petrol engine giving the Navara class leading power, torque and towing ability.
Ensuring its prowess off the beaten track the 4x4 Navara boasts a dashboard rotary switch that provides easy access to three driving modes; 2WD for normal driving conditions sends power to the rear wheels only, while engaging 4WD locks the transmission; 4WD high gives the ratio required for faster, lighter off road conditions, while 4WD low selects a low ratio for maximum traction in serious off road conditions, deep mud or during climbing, with maximum engine braking while descending.
In addition, it offers all the benefits of four-wheel drive and is fitted with a manually operated electric rear differential lock, ensuring an equal split of power to both rear wheels under demanding off-road conditions.
Perhaps the most innovative feature of the Nissan Navara is the utili-track load system and reinforced cargo bed construction. The biggest and widest in class cargo area has a large quick-release handle on the tailgate and features five channels that will accept a variety of accessories, including racks, dividers and trays that enable any shape or size of load to be transported securely. Fixed hooks and sliding cleats allow cargo to be tied down with ropes or canvas adjustable straps.
“Our motorsport achievements bare testament to the performance, strength and durability of the Navara,” says Nigel Kapswarah, Product Manager of Nissan South Africa. “During these events vehicles endure extremely tough and challenging conditions and any vehicle that can achieve such success under such difficult circumstances is sure to be able to tackle anything you can throw at it.”
This season the Navara will once again compete in the South African National Off Road Championship. The series is made up of eight events which take place in seven different provinces with the additional round taking place in the harsh terrain of the Botswana dessert.
Visit www.nissan.co.za for more information.
NISSAN NAVARA FAST FACTS
- Class-leading power and torque
- Best in class towing capability
- Nissan National Off Road Champion 2001 – 2008
- Nissan has won 50 of the last 63 races in the South African Off Road Championship
- 21 South African built Navaras competing overseas
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