Summarize

Nissan Navara 4x2

4x2 Navara brings many advantages

Already impressive enough in 4x4 incarnation, Nissan appears to have kept the best for last in its Navara range – this sweeter, quicker and more frugal rear-wheel drive 2.3D Double Cab LE automatic is cheaper too. Let’s face it – how often – if ever will you go far enough off road to actually warrant selecting four-wheel drive – never mind low range?

If you never do either, there really is no point in bothering about four wheel drive – not only does it add weight and drag to steal performance, fuel consumption and feel, but it brings about a sixty grand premium too. Never mind have you ever arrived somewhere in a bakkie to be asked where you went to low range only to admit, ‘no, it’s just a 4x2’? That look on their face is priceless!

Anyway, whatever Mercedes has done to its version, the Navara is still smart inside – it’s well specced and comfortable although it lacks a little driving position adjustability versus some rivals, it certainly lacks for little and there are even some trick bits – like that video rear mirror for reversing.

Packing the same downsized 140kW 450NM 2.3-litre turbodiesel as that Merc, the 4x2 Nissan is quite a bit lighter, which not only showed up in our quicker and quite impressive 10.2 second 0-100km/h dash, but right across the board in performance terms; it’s lighter on fuel, carries a 25kg heavier load and still pulls a 3.5-ton braked trailer. 

You can also feel this 4x2 version’s nimbler demeanour immediately – enhanced perhaps by its coil sprung live axle rear end – it’s now even more supple and communicative and I found its 7-speed automatic box a pleasure. We have always preferred rear-driven bakkies and Navara once again proves why unless you want to make like Jan van Riebeeck or Kingsley Holgate, why bother with the extra driven axle? In every other situation the 4x2 Navara is the win-win choice. 

QUICK TEST: Nissan Navara 2.3d DC LE 4x2 Automatic         
Engine: 140kW 450Nm 2298cc I4 turbo diesel 
Drive: 7-speed auto 4x2
Payload: 1035kg
Max Towing Capacity: 3500kg 
TESTED:
0-100km/h: 10.28 sec 
0-400m: 16.9 sec @ 131km/h
80-120km/h: 7.66 sec
CLAIMED
Fuel: 6.8l/100km 
CO2: 179 g/km  
PRICE: R556 900
RATED: 85%