Nissan Expands Navara Warrior Program to South Africa with Pro-4X Variant
Nissan expands its Navara Warrior program from Australia to South Africa with the launch of the Pro-4X Warrior, modified at the local assembly plant. This version incorporates changes for South African driving conditions while retaining certain performance features. Despite some enhancements being omitted, the model aims to deliver comfort and capability. Premcar’s collaboration with Nissan highlights the continuous commitment to expanding the Warrior brand.
Nissan’s Navara Warrior program is expanding from Australia to South Africa, where a new version of the Navara Pro-4X Warrior will be launched in late April 2025. Designed by Premcar, the Victorian-based company, the South African variant will differ from its Australian counterpart, featuring modifications made at the local assembly plant in Rosslyn instead of in Melbourne.
The South African Pro-4X Warrior shares some design elements with the Australian version, such as 17-inch wheel designs and wheel arch flares. Its track width increase mirrors that of the Australian model, while its ground clearance measures 232mm, 40mm higher than the standard Navara but lower than the Australian version’s 260mm.
Despite sharing similarities in gross vehicle mass (GVM) increases, the South African model’s GVM is 3135kg, lower than the Australian variant at 3250kg, yet it maintains the same 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity. Notably, several enhancements found in the Australian model, like a winch-compatible bullbar and specific all-terrain tyres, are absent in the South African version.
Additionally, the South African Pro-4X features newly-engineered suspension and unique front bumper designs tailored for local driving conditions. This version is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, unlike the newer twin-turbo engine offered in Australia, and both engines will be paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The introduction of the Warrior branding into South Africa marks the first such expansion outside Australia in nearly five years. Bernie Quinn, CEO of Premcar, emphasized that although differences exist, the end result aims to suit South African conditions without compromising comfort.
Nissan’s managing director for the region, Andrew Humberstone, affirmed ongoing plans to continue expanding the Warrior lineup for future models of Navara and Patrol. Since the inception of the Warrior program in 2019, over 10,000 units of various Warrior models have been produced, and while other trademarks have been filed for potential future vehicles, the current focus remains on Navara and Patrol products.
The expansion of Nissan’s Navara Warrior program into South Africa showcases Premcar’s role in modifying vehicles for different markets. While the South African version of the Pro-4X Warrior will differ from the Australian model, it maintains key performance metrics and aims to suit local driving conditions. The commitment to continue the Warrior brand signals a growing interest in tailored automotive solutions, emphasizing the distinctive adaptations necessary for diverse regional needs.
Original Source: www.drive.com.au
