Navara Warrior unleashed
For more than two decades, the Spirit of Africa has been a proving ground for those who dare to test their mettle – and their machines – against the toughest off-road terrain this continent can throw at them. In 2025, the bar has been raised yet again, as Nissan’s formidable Navara PRO-4X Warrior officially takes the reins as the event’s competition vehicle.
We were fortunate to once again be invited to the exclusive Media Participation Day, held on 27 May at Sandwani Game Lodge, just outside Cullinan, Gauteng – the very grounds where the elimination rounds for this year’s competition are currently underway.
Africa’s toughest just got tougher
Now in its 21st year, and third under the Nissan banner, the Spirit of Africa continues to cement its reputation as the continent’s most gruelling 4×4 driving challenge. Founded by South African rally legend Sarel van der Merwe, the event pits amateur off-roaders against a technical course designed to test every facet of their driving skills. With 400 two-person teams battling for a spot in the finals, only the Top 20 will advance after the elimination rounds conclude in June.
This year, however, comes with an exciting twist. The vehicle of choice for the 2025 competition is none other than the newly launched Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar – a beast born of South African assembly and Australian engineering, specifically tuned for conditions just like these.
We got the chance to put the Warrior through its paces across 12 of the 16 competitive stages – a split of four technical and eight high-octane speed tests. And make no mistake: this event is no Sunday cruise.
A Warrior in the wild
Our day started early, with bleary eyes and frosty breath in the crisp 3°C dawn air. By 07:00, teams were lined up at Sandwani, clutching coffees and sizing up their rivals. After a short but thorough briefing, we hit the trails – flagged gates, tight corners, dusty straights, and all.
The format? Brutally simple. Hit a red-flagged pole, lose 30 points. Knock over a white one, that’s 10. Reverse? That’ll cost you 20 points. Over 12 rounds, every decision counts – and every slip-up adds up fast.
I was teamed up once again with Willem van de Putte (IOL), and while we didn’t get off to a flying start (those first few obstacles were rough – we clipped multiple flags and even had to reverse), we eventually found our rhythm. It helps having a seasoned racer in the passenger seat. Willem, currently competing in the GR Cup behind the wheel of a Yaris, came into his own during the speed sections. There’s something about the countdown – “Car 3, are you ready? In 3, 2, 1…” – that brings out a touch of the red mist. All banter vanishes, and the desire to win takes over.
Brotherhood in the bush
Of course, it wouldn’t be Spirit of Africa without a bit of friendly rivalry. As motoring journalists from various publications, we know each other well – and we’re not above throwing a little shade between rounds. But it’s all in good fun. The camaraderie and shared passion for off-roading keep the spirit of the event alive.
That said, there’s always something to prove – and as we tackled high-speed sprints, technical challenges, and even a sadistically difficult reverse S-course (yes, I obliterated two flags – completely splintered them), the pressure mounted.
One drag race could have been our redemption, but we forgot to switch off the traction control. As we hit a dip, the Warrior hesitated just long enough for Lawrence Smith and Alan Rosemeyer to edge past us. Thankfully, a subsequent speed run gave us the comeback we needed. We switched lanes, put the hammer down, and overtook them with a healthy car-length to spare.
A final reckoning
As the dust settled and the final scores were tallied, 14 teams stood in anticipation. We listened as the placements were called out – 14th, 13th, 12th… we were still in the running. When we cracked the top five, our ears perked up. Could we podium?
Turns out, yes.
We clinched third place overall – trailing behind Denis Droppa and Reuben van Niekerk in second, and this year’s winning duo, Oliver Keohane (Leisure Wheels) and Brendon Staniforth (Maroela Media). A hard-fought, well-deserved podium for a day that delivered on thrills, challenges, and serious fun.
Machine made for mayhem
If there’s one takeaway from this year’s event, it’s that the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior is no marketing gimmick. It’s the real deal.
Packing a 2.5-litre DDTi turbo-diesel engine with 140kW and 450Nm of torque, the Warrior is built to do more than look good. Thanks to Premcar’s upgrades – including revised suspension, increased ride height, a wider track, all-terrain tyres, and reinforced underbody protection – the Warrior makes light work of rough terrain. Its proper 4WD system (complete with low-range, rear diff lock, and intelligent traction control) gave us the confidence to tackle whatever the course threw our way.
What we love most? The Warrior is refreshingly functional. It’s not cluttered with oversized screens or needless tech. Everything you need is right where you expect it – from solid 4×4 controls to practical camera systems and an interior that’s all function, minimal fluff.
Is it flashy? No. Is it capable? Absolutely. If we weren’t already Toyota loyalists, the Warrior would be high on our shopping list. Given the price difference between the top-tier Navara and its Hilux rival, the Warrior is making a seriously compelling case.
Looking ahead
As the Spirit of Africa 2025 elimination rounds continue through June, 400 teams will do battle to earn one of just 20 finalist spots. The Warrior, tested by both pros and passionate amateurs alike, will carry each team forward into the finals later this year – a showdown set to crown the continent’s ultimate off-road champions.
As for us? If the invite comes again, you can bet we’ll be there – maybe this time with a bit more strategy and a little less flag carnage. After all, with a Warrior in your corner, anything feels possible.
