on air now
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Jeff Moloi
In perfect weather conditions in Cullinan, just outside of Gauteng, the 2025 edition of the Spirit of Africa got under way with the media invited to put the newly launched (March 2025) Warrior through it’s stringent test in all sorts of terrain and then some. The various challenges included a flat out “Need for Speed” race, going up steep ascents, coming down very steep descents and something new for this year included testing our reversing skills through a figure eight course. I was all OK driving through tight flag-poles with severe left and right twists but nothing prepared me for the reversing challenge that seemed to take forever, especially when you have to reverse with all windows rolled up and the ticking clock against you. I will say that the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior is engineered to dominate South Africa’s most unforgiving terrains. It passed all tests and challenges at the Spirit of Africa Challenge with flying colours. This has to be the toughest Navara yet with a muscular 2.5-litre DDTi diesel engine delivering 140kW and 450Nm of torque for enhanced towing and off-road capability. Pure engineering mastery, especially with the chassis and suspension re-built to suit SA road conditions. Sweat and gears (and some tears) at it’s very best!
Pic: Naresh Maharaj
Uncompromised off-road performance
At the Warrior’s heart sits a powerful 2.5-litre DDTi high-output diesel engine, capable of delivering 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. Its high torque output at low RPM ensures strong pulling power in demanding conditions, making it particularly effective for towing and off-road driving.
Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, the powertrain is engineered for towing heavy loads and tackling steep inclines. Its diesel efficiency, combined with an 80-litre fuel tank, offers an extended range for long-distance expeditions where refuelling options are limited.
Increased front and rear track widths enhance stability on rough terrains, making the Warrior equally capable on rocky trails and sandy stretches. Equipped with LT 275/65/R17 MAXXIS RAZR all-terrain tyres, the Warrior delivers superior traction and durability for serious off-road enthusiasts while maintaining exceptional comfort for normal road conditions. A revised rear suspension setup further enhances load stability, ensuring that cargo remains secure even on uneven surfaces.
Aggressive Styling
The Warrior sets itself apart with attractively aggressive styling cues, including a blacked-out front grille, door handles, roof rack, side steps, and wheels, red accents, and the iconic black and red Nissan badge.
Pic: Naresh Maharaj
The cabin balances rugged durability with premium comfort. Warrior-branded black seats with red contrast stitching, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a configurable 7-inch driver assist display, and dual-zone climate control combine to imbue the Warrior with a sense of premium modernity and appealing comfort.
Uncompromised Safety
For drivers’ peace of mind, the Warrior comes loaded with an array of advanced safety features. Chief among these is Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility suite, which includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and an intelligent around-view monitor with an off-road mode that delivers a complete bird’s-eye perspective of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Occupant safety is further bolstered by a fortified chassis and comprehensive airbag system, with side-impact and curtain airbags offering added protection in the event of a collision. On steep slopes, hill descent control and hill start assist help to maintain sure-footed handling, ensuring that obstacles never compromise overall safety.
Pic: Naresh Maharaj
Looking ahead
Nissan sees a strong future for our company in Africa, and the Navara represents a core model in our plans to capture opportunities and expand our footprint. In February, we introduced the New Navara in Egypt with great fanfare as a vehicle specifically made by Africans for Africa, marking another milestone in its continental expansion plans.
Final Words
“South Africa’s love for bakkies is well known because they’re the perfect companions for everything from off-road adventures or taking a drive along the coast to cruising city highways or navigating potholes,” says Maciej Klenkiewicz, Managing Director for Nissan South Africa and Independent Markets Africa (IMA).
“The Navara has always been a standout contender in this category, but Premcar (an Australian company that designs and builds new vehicles with access to the best car-making knowledge) has taken it a step further by engineering perhaps the toughest and most durable Navara yet, setting a new standard for off-road capabilities and performance. The Warrior pushes the boundaries of what’s possible within the premium pickup segment, meeting Africa’s demand for vehicles capable of handling the roughest roads while remaining refined and comfortable enough to drive every day.”
Price
Navara PRO-4X Warrior R924 000
Finally, reflecting the brand’s dedication to quality and customer confidence, Premcar has matched Nissan’s 6-years/150 000 kilometre warranty on the base vehicle on all Warrior-enhanced components and modifications.
