By Sala Masindane

In a bakkie-crazy country, brands are always trying to claim a lion’s share of the segment, as competition is fierce. It takes something special to stand out, and being locally manufactured is not always enough to translate into strong sales. The Hilux, Ranger and D-Max have long battled for market share, while the Nissan Navara has seen a decline in recent years. This could be due to several factors, including pricing, a lack of updates, or simply intense competition. We spent some time with the locally built Nissan Navara Stealth to see where it stands.

What’s new?

The Rosslyn-built bakkie stands out with its bold blacked-out theme, extending from the grille and door handles to the wheels, side steps and sports bar. The darker aesthetic adds a tougher edge to the already familiar Navara shape and brings a fresh look to the range.

Interior

Step inside and you will find a cabin that is both functional and familiar. The Navara Stealth features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via the central touchscreen, along with subtle custom touches such as “Stealth” embroidery on the carpets. While it does not reflect the latest interior tech trends and is starting to show its age, the infotainment system works well. The plastic materials used throughout the cabin also feel durable and built to last.

Performance and drive

Powering the Navara Stealth is a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine producing 140 kW and 450 Nm, paired with a 7-speed automatic gearbox.

The engine remains punchy enough for both city driving and long-distance hauling. Ride quality continues to be a strong point, thanks to the Navara’s five-link coil rear suspension, which still delivers one of the most comfortable rides in the segment.

Overall

It remains to be seen whether the latest iteration of the Navara Stealth can claw back ground in a highly competitive market. It is comfortable and offers excellent ride quality, but the interior is clearly showing its age and would benefit from a refresh. Still, with a starting price of R695,200, it remains competitively positioned for what it offers.