Produced at Rosslyn as part of its first mid-life facelift in 2021, the Navara has been the solitary product made since the demise of the NP200 two years ago.
Nissan’s departure will see the Japanese carmaker become an importer, with at least two confirmed new products set to debut later this year.
The Navara won’t disappear completely. Instead, the incoming facelifted D23 will again be imported from Thailand, and will debut after first going on sale as the Nissan Frontier in South America.
Based on LE grade
Introduced last year, the Stealth model derivative is based on the normal double cab-only LE grade, with a choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Reviving the moniker last used on the pre-facelift Navara in 2019, the Stealth provided us with a perfect last hurrah for Nissan’s local production.
Effectively Nissan’s less off road-focused version of the Australian-developed Pro-4X Warrior, the Stealth trades the uprated bundu-bashing capabilities for being more lifestyle-aimed.
As such, the add-ons to the LE include an integrated nudge bar, black grille and bumper, side-steps, Stealth badges on the doors and tailgate, and a Stealth-badged sports bar. Its darkened or Stealth touches are rounded off by black mirror caps and roof rails, black door handles and finally, black 17” alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop Grandtrek all-terrain tyres.
Showing its age
Inside, Nissan has only expanded the use of leather from the seats to the doors and armrests. Arguably still one of the best-looking bakkies today, the Navara’s 12 years are felt inside. Nissan has, however, indicated that major changes will be applied on the connectivity front once the facelifted variant arrives.
Key to the Navara’s appeal has always been its ride. Using a five-link coil rear suspension setup, it is comfy, solid, and free from ‘hitting through’ on less-than-ideal surfaces.
As part of the move from Thailand to South Africa in 2021, the twin-turbo 2,3ℓ diesel engine made way for the older single-turbo 2,5ℓ used in the previous Navara. No change in outputs featured, though, as the unit still makes 140kW/450Nm.
Dependable diesel
Not the most refined, the engine, once out of the initial turbo-lag zone, responds with a linear rather than explosive delivery. Despite the cheeky turbo wastegate flutter, liveliness could have been improved had it not been for the seven-speed automatic gearbox.
The only option for the Stealth, the gearbox’s tall ratios mean it takes time to shift up, yet becomes flustered when shifting down. Our test unit, the 4×4, comes with the standard low-range transfer case, plus a locking rear differential and Hill Descent Control.
What’s the verdict?
Priced at R779 200, a R35 000 premium over the LE, the Stealth remains a good looker and a solid choice considering how much more is generally required to match its rivals.
But all those rivals are of a newer design, better equipped and in some instances, more powerful.
Its reputation for reliability is an attribute that cannot be ignored and, considering buyers’ willingness to pay more for aesthetics, the Stealth is still a worthy offering.
Vehicle specifications
Engine: 2.5ℓ turbodiesel
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 140kW
Torque: 450Nm
Fuel consumption (tested): 10.2ℓ/100km
Licensing mass: 2 032kg
Payload: 1 003kg
Towing capacity: 3 500kg
Price: R779 200
