NAIROBI, Kenya – Nissan Kenya has bolstered its already impressive range of heavy-duty pick-ups with the introduction of the all-new Nissan Navara in Kenya.

The new Navara joins the pick-up range that already consists of the NP300 Hardbody in single and double cab, the Patrol Pick-up and the highly popular Nissan NP200. It is available as a four-wheel drive variant with the choice of manual or automatic transmission.

"The introduction of the Nissan Navara double-cab is a significant step in our strategy for Kenya and East Africa," says Jim Dando, Director for Sales and Operations for Nissan Group of Africa. "Not only is the Navara one of the most advanced pick-ups in its class, but it has been tested and approved for Africa by Africans, at our state-of-the-art vehicle testing facility in Rosslyn, South Africa."

According to Dando the Navara underwent thousands of kilometres of durability tests under heavy loads to ensure that it met the needs of African buyers.

The all-new Navara was voted World Pick-up of the Year when it was first introduced on the global stage. Judges for this award praised the Navara's innovative design, which includes fully independent rear suspension for improved road holding and comfort.

Innovative suspension

Taking centre stage in this unique new double cab pick-up is Nissan's fully independent rear suspension, that is designed to offer some of the best road holding in the segment.

The new five-link coil spring independent rear suspension combines traditional pick-up load carrying capabilities with the benefits normally associated with an SUV with a similar suspension set-up, which include better road holding, car-like ride comfort even over rutted gravel roads and better tracking through high-speed corners.

"We have driven many thousands of testing kilometres locally to ensure that the suspension lives up to its on-paper promises. In the end, we are confident that the new set-up delivers not only a more comfortable and sure-footed ride than previously available in the double cab market, but it also comfortably carries a tonne in the loading bay," says Dando.

LE and SE specification level available

Three models of the new double cab Navara are available immediately, all fitted with Nissan's latest generation four-wheel drive system and independent rear suspension and Nissan's new-generation twin-turbo 2.3 litre diesel engine.

The 2.3D SE model is aimed at cost-conscious users but is by no means a stripped-down pick-up. SE models are fitted with power steering, a high-quality audio system with 5" colour touch display and Bluetooth connectivity, 16" alloy wheels and cruise control.

The Nissan Navara 2.3D SE is also equipped with Nissan's new seven-speed automatic transmission that not only adapts its shifting pattern to suit driver inputs and road conditions, but also allows full manual shifting when required, as in challenging off-road conditions.

Nissan has also introduced two high-specification models, namely the 2.3 LE 4WD with the option of manual and automatic transmission.

Building on the high specification level of the SE model, the Navara LE adds steering-wheel controls, leather upholstery, LED projector lights in the halogen headlight clusters and stylish 18" alloy wheels.

Vehicle safety is well taken care off by a driver and passenger airbag, ABS brakes and electronic brake force distribution with emergency brake assistance.

New generation engine

The Navara lands in Kenya with Nissan's most modern new 2.3D twin turbo diesel engine.

The new 2.3D engine offers class-leading power of 140 kW and 450 Nm, with the torque peaking at a very low 1500 rpm, and it remains flat through the torque curve to 2500 rpm. This new engine combines a small and a large turbocharger, managed electronically with the help of an impeller valve to boost engine power at low speeds, while also offering exceptional high-speed overtaking ability.

All models are equipped with Nissan's next-generation four-wheel-drive systems. The system offers a mechanical transfer case, which selects four-wheel drive and low range and is operated by a turn-knob inside the cabin that can be switched between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive (High) at up to 100km/h.

"The new Nissan Navara adds to our extensive range of passenger and crossover vehicles, pick-ups and our people carriers. We believe it is one of the strongest signals yet of our intentions to grow our market share in Kenya and to firmly entrench Nissan as a major role-player in the East African market," says Dando.

All Nissan Navara models are sold with a 3 year / 100 000 km mechanical warranty and a service plan for the same duration.

The full range of Nissan vehicles and more detail on the Nissan Navara are available on www.nissankenya.com.

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About Nissan Motor Co
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 244,500 employees globally, Nissan sold almost 5.2 million vehicles and generated revenue of 10.5 trillion yen (USD 105 billion) in fiscal 2013. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment. For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/

About Nissan in Africa
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. supplies innovative and exciting cars across the hatchback, SUV, sedan and pickup segments in Africa.  Nissan has three operational hubs on the continent: Egypt and South Africa - both of which have long established factories –and Nigeria. The Nigeria plant is the result of a partnership between Nissan and local Stallion Group, formed after the government introduced new policies to stimulate the local industry. Production of the first Nissan vehicles started in April 2014. In doing so Nissan became the first OEM automaker to build cars in Nigeria. Nissan is revitalising its sales network and expanding its product range in many countries with launches of new vehicles like the award-winning Qashqai and X-Trail. The Nissan LEAF is Africa's first electric vehicle, bringing zero emissions motoring to the continent. In 2014 the Datsun brand returned to Africa with the launch of the Datsun GO in South Africa. Nissan is targeting significant growth on the continent. In fiscal year 2013 the company sold nearly 110,000 units in Africa. Under its Africa Growth strategy, Nissan is targeting a 10% market share in Africa by 2017 with sales of 200,000 units.