Nissan has pulled back the covers on its fourth-generation Navara pickup, a robust evolution co-engineered with Mitsubishi that promises enhanced capability and refinement, yet it delivers disappointing tidings for South African enthusiasts. The D27 model, slated for a first-quarter 2026 debut in Australia and New Zealand, leverages the same ladder-frame architecture as the recently refreshed Triton, but local production at Nissan’s Rosslyn facility near Pretoria will stick with an updated version of the ageing D23 third-generation variant.
The Navara ranks consistently among South Africa’s top-selling bakkies, claiming fifth place in monthly sales tallies and edging out stalwarts like the Volkswagen Amarok and Toyota Land Cruiser 79, with 4,155 units registered year-to-date through October 2025. According to Cars.co.za, the Rosslyn plant – Nissan’s sole African assembly hub since the NP200’s discontinuation in March 2024 – churned out around 1,200 units monthly in early 2025, primarily single- and double-cab Navaras for domestic and limited continental exports. However, whispers of factory closure, fuelled by Nissan’s global “Re: Nissan” turnaround unveiled in May 2025, cast a shadow; the strategy targets seven plant shutdowns or rescalings by fiscal 2027 amid a ¥671 billion (R82 billion) net loss, with Rosslyn reportedly under review alongside sites in Japan, Mexico, Argentina, and India.
This omission of the new Navara from South African plans aligns with Nissan’s cost-cutting ethos, as the company grapples with sagging global volumes – down 12 per cent in the fiscal year to March 2025 – and prioritises high-margin markets. As reported by IOL Motoring, Nissan South Africa has remained tight-lipped, conducting an internal assessment without confirming or refuting the rumours, though it reaffirmed commitments to Navara production and exports, including a burgeoning deal with Egypt’s Ministry of Defence. The local third-gen update, details of which remain forthcoming, is expected to bridge the gap through 2026, potentially incorporating cosmetic tweaks and tech enhancements to sustain competitiveness in a segment where double-cab sales topped 150,000 units last year.
Visually, the D27 Navara mirrors the Triton closely, retaining a utilitarian silhouette with a prominent V-shaped grille and distinctive LED headlights for brand differentiation. The Pro 4X flagship variant, showcased in press materials, sports Lava Red accents on seats, trim, and controls, evoking a sporty vibe. Its 2.4-litre single-turbo diesel engine, shared with the alliance sibling, dishes out 150kW and 470Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission in rear- or all-wheel-drive guises. The SuperSelect 4WD system, complete with an electronic rear locker and selectable modes for gravel, snow, mud, sand, and rock, underpins off-road prowess, backed by a 3,500kg braked towing limit and 1,000kg payload.
Cabin appointments prioritise durability and driver focus, featuring a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen atop the dash flanked by physical knobs, a 7-inch digital cluster amid analogue gauges, and switchgear for climate and heated seats. Standard fare includes keyless entry, leather-trimmed upholstery, six-speaker audio, and a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems suite: adaptive cruise, lane departure alerts, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic warnings, attention monitoring, speed limiting, and a 360-degree camera. Priced competitively in Australasia from around AUD 50,000 (R600,000), it undercuts premium rivals while offering hybrid potential down the line via alliance tech.
For South Africans sidelined from this upgrade, the Mitsubishi Triton Double Cab emerges as a compelling proxy, starting at R639,900 for the base 4×4 Xtreme – a figure that, per CARmag, reflects its shared DNA and positions it as a value-laden alternative in a market where fuel efficiency (around 8.9 l/100km) and 135kW/430Nm output appeal to fleet buyers and adventurers alike. As Nissan’s African footprint hangs in the balance – with potential job losses rippling through a supply chain supporting 20,000 roles – the local Navara’s facelift becomes a stopgap in a narrative of uncertainty, reminding enthusiasts that bakkie loyalty may soon demand diversification.
