Share

Navara launched in SA, Amarok, X-Class and more on the way

accreditation

Cape Town - Nissan launched its much-anticipated Navara in South Africa earlier in March and the automaker is very proud of what they've come up with.

The Navara is the third bakkie to have been launched in 2017, following the new Mitsubishi Triton and facelifted Mazda BT-50 in January and February, respectively.

Navara with lekker suspension

The 2017 Navara's biggest selling-point is undoubtedly its five-link coil suspension at the rear. By ditching the conventional leaf spring suspension for this new setup, the bakkie has a much smoother ride quality over different surfaces.

It is also a lot less jumpy than other bakkies on sale today.

DRIVEN: New Nissan Navara ready to fist-fight Ranger, Hilux

The Navara has been launched with a 2.3-litre diesel engine (140kW/450Nm) that can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic unit. Only a 4x4 version is available.

4x2 derivatives will join the range towards the end of 2017 or early 2018, but more news on single and king cab models will be made available in due course.

There are currently no indications that Nissan be bringing the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine to SA.

New bakkies headed for SA

Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen South Africa says its facelifted bakkie powered by a 2.0-litre TDI and BiTDI engines will arrive during the second half of 2017.

The new bakkie receives minor cosmetic enhancements but the big news, of course, is the addition of a new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel model.

Follow Wheels24 on Instagram

Estimated pricing for the Extreme model should, says VW, be a less than "R800 000", while the Highline model should retail for "little more than R700 000". Full pricing and specifications have yet to be confirmed. 

The new V6 produces 165kW from 4000-5000rpm with peak torque at 550Nm from 1500rpm. It delivers 130Nm more than the current Ultimate version and is mated to an eight-speed auto box. VW's claimed fuel consumption figure is 7.6litres/100km with CO2 emissions quoted at 199g/km.

Mercedes-Benz new X-Class

According to Mercedes-Benz, the X-Class is the world’s "first premium bakkie" and will combine the best of two worlds, as demonstrated by two design variants of the concept model; The Stylish Explorer and Powerful Adventurer.

The concept X-Class “powerful adventurer” illustrates that the future X-Class will possess all the strengths of a traditional bakkie - “tough, functional, strong, and with off-road capability”.

Follow Wheels24 on Instagram

The top-of-the-range model will be powered by a V6 diesel in combination with 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system will combine an electronic traction system, a transfer case with reduction gear, and two differential-locks. The traction system and the electrically operated differential- locks channel the power to where traction is best. 

Production for the European, Australian and South African markets will start at the Nissan factory in Barcelona, Spain, in 2017.

Renault's Hilux-fighter: New Alaskan bakkie

Renault’s new bakkie, the Alaskan, has been revealed and will be the automaker’s attempt at taking on light commercial vehicle (LCV) stalwarts such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

Renault South Africa says "nothing has been confirmed as to whether the bakkie will be available locally"  though the automaker adds that its Alaskan will be up for discussion as to whether it will suit the local market.

Follow Wheels24 on Instagram

The Alaskan will be available with both petrol and diesel options. The 2.5-litre petrol engine is set to deliver 120kW and the 2.5-litre diesel engine 140kW. Both engine types will be make use of turbo technology and will be mated with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed auto.

Launched in 2017

Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi's fifth-generation Triton bakkie arrived in South Africa earlier in 2017.

The new Triton, says Mitsubishi, is the automaker's most advanced bakkie yet. The Triton uses a new-generation 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine which produces 133kW/430Nm and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. 

Follow Wheels24 on Instagram

Inside, it's roomier and quieter than its predecessor with higher quality interior finishes and a new full colour display.

The 4x4 doublecab variants use the Super Select II all-wheel-drive system borrowed from the Pajero and Pajero Sport.


Refreshed Mazda BT-50

The BT-50 received a much-needed facelift in February 2017. Though changes are mostly cosmetically and ergonomically, the bakkie still uses the very same engines. It is powered by a 2.2-litre and a 3.2-litre diesel engine.

Power is channeled to the road via six-speed manual and automatic transmissions and the bakkie is available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive options.

READ: Mazda's refreshed BT-50 - A 'premium alternative' bakkie


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE