In the fiercely competitive South African bakkie market, where the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux reign supreme, every manufacturer must choose its battles carefully. Nissan South Africa has made a notable, if perplexing, decision: to continue producing and selling the current D23-series Navara, which dates back to 2014, instead of importing the all-new, Mitsubishi Triton-based D27 generation.
For many local bakkie enthusiasts, this move might seem backward, especially as the current D23 version is now over a decade old. However, this strategy is not about ignoring progress; it’s a pragmatic business choice that leverages local production benefits and a unique technical advantage that resonates with a segment of the South African buyer base.
The Local Production Imperative and Pricing Power
The primary driver behind Nissan SA’s decision is deeply rooted in economics and local manufacturing incentives.
The Cost of Imports vs. Local Assembly:
The new D27 Navara would need to be imported, subjecting it to duties and taxes that would inevitably push its retail price higher. In a market where price sensitivity is key, an imported Navara would struggle to compete with the locally built giants like the Ranger and Hilux, as well as the strong contender, the Isuzu D-Max.
- Local Advantage: Continuing with the D23 Navara, built at the Rosslyn plant, allows Nissan to benefit from government incentives that support South African manufacturers. This translates directly to a more competitive showroom price point for the consumer.
- Market Position: By keeping prices sharp, the D23 Navara, which has seen climbing sales despite its age, secures a crucial spot in the market, even if it sits behind the traditional ‘Big Three’ (Hilux, Ranger, D-Max). It ranked 6th among the top-selling bakkies in October 2025, showing it still holds significant appeal.
This strategy echoes a conservative approach that has worked for other market leaders. Just like Toyota has successfully leveraged older, proven architecture in its Hilux lineup, Nissan is banking on its established platform and local heritage.
Read more here about how other manufacturers are balancing new technology with price demands in the local industry.
The Technical Edge: Coil-Spring Comfort on SA Roads
While the new D27 Navara (based on the excellent Mitsubishi Triton) brings sophisticated features like a powerful $2.4 \text{ L}$ bi-turbodiesel engine and a “Super 4WD” system that allows high-speed all-wheel-drive on tar, the current D23 holds a trump card that many South African drivers appreciate: coil-sprung rear suspension on its double cab models.
Why Coil Springs Matter on a Bakkie:
- Ride Quality: Unlike the heavy-duty, leaf-sprung solid axles used by most competitors (including the new D27), the D23’s multi-link coil-sprung rear axle offers a significantly smoother and more composed unladen ride. This is a major plus for double cab owners who use their vehicles primarily as family transport rather than heavy-duty workhorses.
- Stability on Corrugations: On the infamous corrugated dirt roads found across South Africa, the coil-spring setup is far superior at mitigating vibrations and axle hop. This translates to better high-speed stability and less driver fatigue.
- Towing Control: A well-tuned coil-sprung rear can offer better lateral stability than a leaf-sprung equivalent, improving towing confidence.
For buyers prioritising day-to-day comfort and excellent handling on rough national and farm roads over maximum payload capacity, the current D23 Navara’s suspension setup is arguably its greatest technical selling point.
Practical Bakkie Care Tip: Rear Suspension Check
If you own a coil-sprung D23 Navara (or any bakkie), remember these maintenance tips:
- Shock Absorber Health: The coil spring relies heavily on the shock absorber for damping. On South Africa’s rough roads, shocks wear out faster. Have your shocks tested annually, especially if you notice excessive bouncing after hitting a bump, or reduced stability when cornering.
- Wheel Alignment: Coil-sprung independent rear suspensions can fall out of alignment. Ensure you have all four wheels checked for alignment after heavy off-roading or if you feel the vehicle pulling, as this impacts tyre life and handling.
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Finding Value in the Market
Nissan’s strategy allows them to continue offering a tough, locally-assembled option that sells well and meets a distinct need for ride comfort. This also has a positive ripple effect on the pre-owned market.
The presence of a strong local model like the D23 Navara means a healthy supply of quality second-hand vehicles. To find great deals on used double cabs—from the ever-popular Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger to the value-driven Nissan Navara and GWM P-Series—check out the extensive listings on auto24.co.za.
While the D27 Navara may boast the latest infotainment and driver assistance systems, its exclusion from the local market in favour of the D23 is a logical move dictated by South Africa’s unique economic and driving conditions. Nissan is prioritising price, local jobs, and a proven, comfort-focused platform—a sensible strategy in a highly competitive bakkie segment.
