Nissan Navara Stealth makes a comeback - can it steal the thunder from Isuzu's X-Rider?

The Nissan Navara Stealth is making a comeback after six years. Previously a special edition of the pre-facelifted imported Navara range, the new Stealth will now be a permanent fixture in the locally-built line-up.

But where does it fit in? Priced at R695,200 in 4x2 form and R779,200 in 4x4 guise, it slots between the mid-spec Navara LE and the range-topping Pro2X and Pro4X models. Packed with sporty trimmings, it commands a premium of R35,000 over the LE, but in 4x2 guise it costs a cool R88,000 less than the Pro2X.

It costs just R22,000 more than Isuzu’s 1.9-litre (110kW) D-Max X-Rider models, and on the surface appears to offer a similar formula. However, the Nissan offers more power, with the 140kW and 450Nm 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine being standard in the Stealth, paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

But enough nuts and bolts, let’s take a look at what sets the new Navara Stealth apart. Essentially it swaps the LE model’s chrome trim for matte and gloss black accents.

The grille, mirror caps, side steps, door handles and roof rails feature a deep black finish. Furthermore, its nudge bar, sports bar and 17-inch alloy wheels are also finished in black.

The cabin of the Navara Stealth features leather seat trim, whose colour scheme you don’t need to guess. Also fitted is a configurable touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, and USB-C ports are fitted in the front and rear.

Like its Navara double cab counterparts, with the exception of the XE, the Stealth is fitted with a multi-link coil-sprung rear suspension, rather than the leaf springs commonly fitted to body-on-frame bakkies. This is tailored towards a more comfortable ride quality.

“The Navara Stealth again demonstrates Nissan’s long-term dedication to the African market," said Jordi Vila, President of Nissan Africa.

“Joining the Warrior and PRO-4X, the Stealth's launch represents another milestone in the roll-out of a strong pipeline of products tailored for African customers.

“As Nissan expands into new markets globally and refines our current offerings, the Stealth represents our commitment to meeting customers' requirements at every turn.”

However there are doubts as to how long the Navara will remain a locally produced product.

In May an unnamed source from Nissan in Japan told Reuters that the carmaker was considering closing its South African plant in Rosslyn. This would form part of a wider company restructure that would see it closing seven of its 17 production facilities globally, as the company is reeling from poor financial results, with the company having recorded an annual net loss of 671 billion yen (R82 billion) for the last financial year.

IOL Motoring