- The 2016 International Pick-Up of the Year is the perfect partner for farmers
- Nissan Navara has the intelligent tech and rugged attributes to get any job done on the farm
ROSSLYN, South Africa – Are you a farmer looking for a vehicle that can easily go anywhere on the farm; that's got the agility to effortlessly haul your boat to the dam; and will look the part, with its physical presence and aesthetic appeal, at posh events?
Then look no further than the Nissan Navara which redefined the lifestyle-bakkie segment, and is the perfect 4x4 vehicle for all hard-working farmers. As the 2016 International Pick-Up of the Year, the Navara has the intelligent technology to get down and dirty to get the job done, and it also has a host of luxurious creature comforts, ensuring that you feel at home in its commodious interior accommodation.
As if the Navara isn't enticing enough on its own, Nissan dealers will donate R1,500 to the Agri Securitas Trust Fund whenever someone involved in agriculture purchases a new Nissan vehicle. Nissan South Africa is also offering deal assistance of up to R70,000 on a new Navara.
Walking the talk
Farm bakkies are expected to tackle the most challenging tasks at all times, from carrying heavy loads to towing vehicles and driving on tricky terrain.
Few vehicle owners expect as much of their 4x4s as farmers, who often work 24/7 and therefore need to be ever-ready to find quick solutions to unpredictable problems. South African farmers' ingenuity and ability to come up with creative solutions is the inspiration for the popular local saying "'n boer maak 'n plan" (a farmer will make a plan).
Given the unforeseeable nature of the agricultural sector, farmers require bakkies that can easily adapt to a range of tasks. Not only must these vehicles be exceedingly capable workhorses, but they must also be reliable and tough.
Almost every functional aspect of the Navara has been improved in the all-new model. The load bay on double cab versions has been stretched by 67mm to 1 503mm and been made deeper (474mm from 456mm), resulting in a capacity of 1 061 litres.
Load carrying capacity has also been upgraded significantly. The new Navara can carry up to 1 002kg, depending on specification level, and thanks to its powerful new engine, it can tow a braked trailer of up to 3 500kg.
The Navara has a 229mm ground clearance and the fully-boxed ladder-frame chassis has been reinforced with high-strength steel. The use of new types of steel and improvements in design and manufacturing have resulted in a 176kg weight reduction over the previous generation Navara.
A real powerhouse
Powering the Navara is a brand new, twin-turbo diesel 2,3-litre engine, which delivers 140kW and 450Nm. Fuel consumption in a combined cycle is 6.5 litres per 100km, allowing for a range of over 1 000km on a full 80 litre fuel tank.
When your business occasionally involves putting out actual fires, or starting them up in the case of fire-breaks, you want the assurance of a bakkie with the range and power to get you through difficult days.
While a few "passenger-vehicle-turned-pick-up" models or SUV conversions have in the past boasted a semi-independent rear suspension, the Navara pioneers a built-for-purpose coil spring five-link rear suspension fitted to its solid ladder-frame chassis.
This set-up has been praised across the world, especially for the intelligent way in which engineers have enabled the fitment of either a standard leaf-spring set-up for workhorse Navara models or the SUV-style coil spring five-link rear suspension on the double cab models.
Conquer any terrain
Embedded in the suspension system is Nissan's proprietary four-wheel-drive system. It combines a host of electronic aids, which offer exceptional off-road capabilities. The mechanical transfer case, which selects four-wheel drive and low-range, is operated by a turn-knob inside the cabin and can be switched between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive (High) at up to 100km/h.
In four-wheel drive mode, either High or Low, the new Navara will engage its new Active Brake Limited Slip Differential system (ABLS). This electronic system manages power delivery and wheel braking between the front and rear axles and between the left and right of the vehicle, depending on traction and speed.
The ABLS system works in conjunction with the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC) and ABS brakes to ensure sure-footedness both on and off the road. The High-spec models also add Hill-start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) as standard features, and they, too, are connected to the ABLS system when present.
The perfect partner
Whether you're starting out as a farmer, or you're the type of established expert who can tell the time from looking at the sun, you will need a bakkie that you can rely on, a 4x4 that does what you need it to and is as versatile as you are. The Navara's intelligent features set it apart from the crowd and is the perfect partner for all your farming adventures.
The Navara, which is priced from R518,900 to R587,900, is currently available in three double cab models, offering a choice of Mid- or High-specification and a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox. Peace of mind is provided with a class-leading warranty of 6 years/150,000km and a comprehensive 3-year/90,000km service plan.
The model range will expand early next year with additional derivatives to suit a variety of price points.
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