Heels & Horsepower Magazine

The new Nissan Navara is coming

The soon to be launched Nissan Navara stays true to its DNA, offering customers not just a bakkie which gets you from A to B, but one that gives you convenience and ease with every memorable journey.

The soon to be launched Nissan Navara stays true to its DNA, offering customers not just a bakkie which gets you from A to B, but one that gives you convenience and ease with every memorable journey. The bakkie’s comfort features make it the ultimate travel and worksite partner, well-equipped to effortlessly take on new challenges at every turn.

As a result of the increased amounts of sound softening insulation, laminated windshield and front windows, the new Navara offers exceptional ride comfort and features improved quietness, further reducing the stress for both driver and passenger.

For the convenience of the driver, Nissan includes a new steering wheel with improved styling of the instrument panel highlighting the 8-inch navigation screen and a 7-inch higher resolution TFT screen making it easier for the driver to park with the auto folding door mirror and change lanes with confidence.  

To further prioritise both passengers and driver, the Navara contains spinal support in the driver seat which promotes ‘neutral’ posture to reduce pressure on the spine, and the rear seats are now even more comfortable, with upgrades to the seat cushions and back shapes. For added convenience, the rear seats are designed with rear armrest cup holders, rear air vents and USB port.

The Navara ushers in a new age of toughness and introduces a new ruggedly bold exterior made for extreme elements; however, one thing that we do not compromise on is the safety and interior comfort of our customers.

– Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director.

“The Navara ushers in a new age of toughness and introduces a new ruggedly bold exterior made for extreme elements; however, one thing that we do not compromise on is the safety and interior comfort of our customers. This bakkie is designed to give you exceptional comfort as your adventure travel and worksite partner, well-equipped to take on new challenges while still offering optimal room and quiet comfort that supports you on any road,” said Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director.

The ride comfort on rough roads at any loading condition is further improved thanks to the rain sensing wipers and suspension stroke control by the new dual rate spring. Adding to the vehicle’s stability and handling, Navara Double Cab has a heavy duty 5-link coil rear suspension (like an SUV) versus the usual pick-up leaf rear suspension.

The low friction coil offers noticeably superior ride comfort along with the first-class cabin feeling, inspired by the engine push start button, intelligent key and dual air-conditioning ensuring everyone inside feels the comfort of the Navara. To further ensure that no one feels left out, Navara includes multiple USB points, giving the driver and passengers a chance to take charge and select the music of their choice.

The all-new Nissan Navara will be available for sale in the second half of 2021.

Western Province wing joins Volkswagen as a brand ambassador for Amarok

Western Province rugby player, Seabelo Senatla has joined Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as the newest brand ambassador. 

Free State-born Senatla, who plays for the Stormers in PRO14 and Western Province in the Currie Cup, joins current brand ambassadors, rally legend Sarel van der Merwe and 4×4 specialist and television presenter Andre de Villiers. 

Senatla who is also a philanthropist, an entrepreneur and a winemaker, is best known for his talents on the rugby field. He was awarded the World Sevens Player of the Year and South African Sevens Player of the Year in 2016. He also currently holds the record for the most tries for the South African Sevens team (224). 

“Seabelo Senatla fits perfectly with the Amarok’s brand motto of ‘Know your power’. He embodies the Amarok’s traits which are speed, strength, intelligence, character and power and we are proud to welcome him to the Volkswagen family,” said Mark Handley, Head of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Brand.

“Key to this partnership is sharing Senatla’s inspiring personal stories of his confident power to succeed in many roles. The partnership with Volkswagen, will also see Seabelo driving our top-of-the-range Amarok 190kW 3.0 V6 TDI,” concluded Handley. 

Senatla has signed a three-year partnership with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. 

The Amarok model range, which has been in the local market for over a decade, now consists of the following engines; the 2.0 BiTDI 132kW and the 3.0 V6 TDI 190kW.

New on the Tarmac: The Land Cruiser 78 is back!

The Land Cruiser 70-series needs no introduction, having etched an enviable reputation amongst off-roading enthusiasts, game rangers, farmers and other utility-minded users. The rugged construction and infallible Toyota engines have earned it the reputation of “it just keeps going”. 

The 70-series is offered in three main guises; bakkie (79), station wagon (76) and wagon (78). Due to reduced demand, the decision to drop the ‘78’ from the line-up was made in August 2015, with the ‘76’ and ‘79’ continuing sales. Following some specific market requests for this type of vehicle, Toyota South Africa is pleased to announce the re-introduction of the Land Cruiser Wagon 78.

The specifications mirror that of the previously-offered model, with the exception of a switch to drum brakes in the rear (which provide improved durability in high-dirt operating conditions). 

The LC 78 is powered by the tried-and-true 1HZ 4.2-litre inline-6 diesel engine, producing 96kW at 3800rpm and 285Nm at a low 2200rpm. This is paired to a heavy-duty 5-speed manual transmission and low-range-equipped transfer case. 

The LC 78 rides on heavy-duty steel wheels shod with 7.50R16C tyres and is available in two exterior colours only – Ivory White and Sand Beige.

A 3 year/100 000 km Warranty forms part of the purchase, with service intervals being every 5000km. Customers can purchase tailored service plans and/or warranty extensions from their Toyota dealer. 

Model Line-up & Pricing:

LC 78 4.2 DIESEL WAGON – R 716,000*

*This model will be sold on a customer order only basis.