The Nissan Navara Single Cab vs Nissan NP200: Is It Time To Switch Up?
For years, the Nissan NP200 has been one of South Africa’s best-selling vehicles, especially popular with South African bakkie enthusiasts, particularly in the half-ton segment. Its ruggedness, reliability, and affordability have made it a staple on our roads. However, with the NP200’s recent discontinuation, a gap has been left in the market.
Enter the Nissan Navara Single Cab, a compelling solution that promises to fill the void left by the NP200’s departure. This robust and capable bakkie not only upholds Nissan’s reputation for durability but also offers a range of strengths that make it an attractive option for former NP200 owners. We look at the Nissan Navara as a worthy alternative to the Nissan NP200.
Why Choose The Nissan Navara Single Cab?
Built for Toughness
While the Navara Single Cab XE comes at a higher price point than the NP200, it offers a significant upgrade in terms of power, performance, and capability. The Nissan Navara range has a heavy-duty independent double-wishbone with stabiliser front suspension and a 5-link coil spring rear suspension which offers superior off and on-road performance. With its robust ladder frame construction and sturdy chassis, the Navara Single Cab is built to tackle even the most demanding conditions. In addition to this, it has a generous ground clearance of 208 to 209mm and a 6.4m turning circle.
Better Performance
Upgrading from the NP200’s modest 1.6-litre engine, the Nissan Navara Single Cab boasts a potent 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. With 118kW of power and an impressive 233Nm of torque, the Navara delivers a substantial performance boost, making it an ideal choice for those with demanding commercial applications or a desire for more hauling and towing capability.
Greater Payload Capacity
While the NP200 was renowned for its generous 800kg payload capacity, the Nissan Navara Single Cab continues this tradition with its load-carrying capacity ranging between 980kg to 1086kg. Whether you’re transporting tools, equipment, or materials, the Navara’s robust design and impressive payload capacity ensure you can get the job done efficiently.
More Comfortable Interior
Stepping into the Navara Single Cab, former NP200 owners will be greeted by a more modern and comfortable interior. From ergonomic seating to intuitive infotainment systems, the Navara offers a level of convenience and technology that elevates the driving experience. Additionally, advanced safety features like ABS, EBD, and airbags are available, providing peace of mind on the road.
Versatility
While the Navara Single Cab excels as a hardworking workhorse, it’s also a versatile vehicle with off-road capabilities, ample space, and impressive towing capacity. Former NP200 owners will appreciate the Navara’s unyielding toughness, ensuring it can tackle any task with ease.
The Nissan Navara: A Compelling Upgrade?
As mentioned before the Nissan Navara does come in at a higher price than the Nissan NP200 but considering that it is a substantial upgrade in performance and style, this is a given. In addition, the Navara has considerable long-term value thanks to its robust construction and excellent resale value, with lower maintenance costs due to its durability.
The Navara is larger than the NP200, which could be a concern for tight urban spaces. However, the Nissan Navara is equipped with the latest technology and safety features like cameras that give you a 360-degree overhead view and an Around View Monitor, which creates a ‘bird’s-eye view’ of the vehicle’s surroundings, displayed on the infotainment screen. The Nissan Navara’s intelligent cameras are also able to detect moving objects around the vehicle, making it easier and safer to park with confidence.
Here is a comparison of the specifications of the two vehicles:
| Nissan NP200 | Nissan Navara 2.5 single cab XE Fast Facts |
|---|---|
| Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine | Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine |
| Transmission: 5-speed manual | Transmission: 6-speed manual |
| Power: 64kW | Power: 118kW |
| Torque: 128Nm | Torque: 233Nm |
| Fuel Consumption: 8.1 L/100km | Fuel Consumption: 7.2 L/100km |
| Dimensions: Overall Length: 4,499mm Overall Width: 1,735mm Overall Height: 1,554mm Wheelbase: 2,905mm Ground Clearance: 177mm |
Dimensions: (Could differ based on model) Overall height: 1,780mm Overall length: 5,210mm Overall width: 1,850mm Wheelbase: 3,150mm Ground Clearance: 209mm |
| Payload Capacity: 800kgs | Payload Capacity: 980kg to 1086kg |
| Towing Capacity: 650kgs | Towing Capacity: 3500kgs |
Making The Transition
For loyal NP200 owners who have come to rely on the dependable performance and capabilities of their trusty bakkie, the prospect of transitioning to a new vehicle can be daunting.
To make the transition as smooth as possible, Group1 Nissan offers a range of financing options and potential trade-in deals that can help ease the process. By working with Group1 Nissan’s financial experts, you can explore competitive rates and flexible payment plans that suit your budget and requirements.
You can also customise your Nissan Navara Single Cab to your needs by adding on accessories. Whether you’re looking to enhance your bakkie’s cargo-carrying capabilities with a sturdy canopy or toolbox, or you have a thirst for adventure and seek off-road upgrades, Nissan’s extensive lineup of accessories ensures that your Navara can be tailored to your specific needs.
Time To Make a Change?
The discontinuation of the beloved Nissan NP200 has left a void in the market, but the Navara Single Cab stands ready to fill that gap as a worthy and capable successor. With its robust construction, impressive power and performance, substantial payload capacity, and modern amenities, the Navara Single Cab promises to not only meet but exceed the expectations of former NP200 owners.
To truly appreciate the capabilities of the Nissan Navara Single Cab, we encourage you to visit your nearest Group1 Nissan dealership and experience it firsthand by booking a test drive.
For those who have relied on the NP200 for years, the Navara Single Cab represents a new chapter – one filled with enhanced performance, capability, and peace of mind.
