The Nissan Navara in its current guise has been around for 11 years, making it one of the oldest bakkies currently available in South Africa. But while it might be old, it is far from cold.
Photo: Supplied
Following the introduction of the Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior earlier this year is the revived special edition Stealth. A nameplate first used on the NP200 a decade ago and then on the pre-facelift Navara in 2019, the Stealth’s return sees it slot in below the standard Pro-4X and above the derivative it’s based on, the LE, with the sole option being either rear-wheel-drive or 4WD.
Like the previous Stealth, it’s an appearance package, but the local launch was far from ordinary. Most of the selected route was off-road, ranging from a conventional gravel road to a proper rocky trek around the ADA Off-Road Training and Outdoor Centre on the outskirts of Hartbeespoort in North West.
External garnish
Externally, the Stealth’s additions over the LE include a restyled black grille and bumper, the latter complete with an integrated nudge bar, standard side-steps, a Stealth-badged sports bar, and 17” black alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop Grandtrek all-terrain tyres.
Continuing the darkened theme in line with its name are black mirror caps and roof rails, black door handles, and black Stealth badges at the base of the front doors and on the tailgate.
Apart from the extended leather trim on the doors and armrests, the Stealth’s interior is unchanged from the LE – a departure from the original, which received orange seat inserts and stitching on the doors, steering wheel, gear lever, and seats.
Comfortable ride
Introduced as part of the facelift four years ago, the five-link coil rear suspension and dampers from the rest of the Navara range have been carried over unchanged.
Devised specifically for South Africa’s road conditions and described as pothole-proof by company executives, the setup comprises a quicker rebound recovery without compromising on- or off-road comfort.
A design the Triton-based model won’t employ, as it will revert to a traditional leaf-spring setup, the suspension and lower-profile all-terrain tyres made for a surprising combination, especially off-road.
What’s more, the Stealth still felt pliant on-road, comparable to the Ranger’s ride in that it wasn’t jarring or brittle with a sudden surface change.
Dated interior
The main gripes are familiar ones involving the interior. The dashboard looks dated, featuring a fussy, less-than-impressive 8” touchscreen infotainment display and a fuzzy, low-quality reverse camera.
As for specifications, the Stealth remains unchanged from the LE, as it comes standard with keyless entry and push-button start, folding electric mirrors, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a multifunction steering wheel, and type-A USB ports.
Safety and driver assistance features include cruise control, rear parking sensors, six airbags, hill start assist, trailer sway control, automatic emergency braking, and hill descent control on the 4WD models.
Under the bonnet
The stalwart 2,5ℓ turbo-diesel engine prevails as one of the main highlights. Brought in to replace the newer twin-turbo 2,3ℓ when production started at Rosslyn in Pretoria, the unit develops an unchanged 140kW/450Nm delivered through a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
As with the rest of the Navara range, the 4WD Stealth comes standard with a locking rear differential and a low-range transfer case.
Despite the box still being lethargic and prone to taking its time when shifting down, the engine has more than enough pull, and although not the most refined or quiet, it gives off a satisfying wastegate chirp when lifting off the accelerator.
What’s the verdict?
Priced at a premium of R35 000 over the LE, the Stealth represents relatively good value for money, especially as the 2WD comes in under R700 000 and the 4WD well below R800 000.
While sales are likely to rise somewhat, its overtaking of the Mahindra Pik Up as the country’s fourth-best seller will still make it something of a left-field choice.
Vehicle pricing
Navara Stealth 2.5 DDTI AT – R695 200
Navara Stealth 2.5 DDTI 4×4 AT – R779 200
Six-year/150 000km warranty and six-year/90 000km service plan included.
